The Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Textile Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Each Braided Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design that’s ultracomfortable and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Made from 100 percent recycled materials, the 16,000 polyester yarn filaments in each band are interwoven with thin silicone threads using advanced braiding machinery then laser cut to an exact length. The 300D construction offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat-resistant and water-resistant.”
The color of this band is Pink Punch, a shade of bright pink. It was available in 40mm and 44mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch bands to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12.
According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.
The Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Silicone Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Made from liquid silicone rubber, the Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design with no clasps, buckles, or overlapping parts that’s ultracomfortable to wear and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Each band is specially treated with UV to give the band a silky, smooth finish. It’s also swim proof and sweat proof so it can go just about anywhere you want to wear it.”
The color of this band is Deep Navy, a very dark blue. It was available in 40mm and 44mm widths and was among the first Apple Watch bands to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 44mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12.
According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.
This snug-fitting design allowed Apple Watch sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.
The Apple Watch Hermès features a “classic Hermès design.” According to Apple’s website, the band is “Handmade by artisans in France from supple Swift leather. The stainless steel buckle recalls those on the straps of a saddle, a nod to the equestrian heritage of Hermès.”
Apple’s Hermès Leather collection included both “single tour” and “double tour” styles. The double tour offered the unique style of wrapping twice around the wrist, while the single tour was the traditional single wrap. Depending on the style, Apple Watch Hermès bands were offered at premium prices between $319–$849 in nylon and leather.
The Apple Watch Hermès designs were a part of what Apple described as an “iconic collaboration” and said, “Apple Watch Hermès brings innovation and style to the forefront of your wrist.” Like other Apple Watch bands, the colors and patterns change seasonally and offer “a sophisticated palette of energetic brights and subtle seasonal tones on leather and woven nylon bands. Available in a wide range of styles and colorways in Double Tour or Single Tour.”
Interestingly, the Hermès website offered details about this band not provided on Apple’s website. Namely, Hermès describes Swift leather:
“This extremely supple, sophisticated leather is named after Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, to highlight its resemblance to Gulliver calfskin, which is no longer featured in today’s collections. First appeared in the collections: 2004 Appearance: Almost smooth with a delicate shine; lightly marked grain that is sometimes hardly noticeable Feel: Soft and tender Hand: Supple and generous Change over time: Becomes even more supple”
Editorial comment: It’s like butter.
Further, Hermès provided a description that is arguably clearer than Apple’s:
“You can match this band with any stainless steel Apple Watch case (Series 7 or previous versions). The 41 mm band works with the 38 mm, 40 mm and 41 mm cases; the 45 mm band works with the 42 mm, 44 mm and 45 mm cases.”
Technically, this band fits any Apple Watch, but stainless steel on aluminum is apparently considered très gauche. Although seemingly non-standard, I have titled this post using the product name provided by Hermès.
Finally, I don’t get the opportunity to use my four years of high school French often, but I have noticed that Americans frequently mispronounce the brand name Hermès. This video provides a great example of a native French speaker pronouncing the name. [Roughly, it’s pronounced air-MEHZ, but it’s best to hear it.]
Apple’s Reusable Face Mask (product MHJW3G/A) was created in-house by Apple’s product design teams. Business Insider reported that the mask “has three layers for filtering particles and can be washed and reused up to five times.” The mask “includes two flaps that extend the mask’s reach over the nose and chin” and “comes with an extra piece that allows you to connect the two ear straps around the back of your head for a more secure fit.”
The box comes with five sealed masks. The outer box packaging is white with light gray text. When the outer box flap is opened, the box interior reveals the two plastic clips that can be used to secure the elastic cords behind the wearer’s head.
Each individual mask is sealed in a paper package and includes five detailed icons to illustrate how to wear the mask and its features. The back of the envelope is printed with “Designed by Apple in California” and “Assembled in China.”
A detailed video is provided at Unbox Therapy where Lewis Hilsenteger discusses the Reusable Face Mask and explains its features.
This Nike Sport Loop Apple Watch band was released in Spring 2020. The packaging described this product as “Hook and Loop Closure Reflective Thread Detail.”
The Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band has been available in several color combinations that matched one or more Nike shoe or clothing products upon release. This example is called “Hyper Crimson/Neptune Green” and appears mostly dark green with crimson-colored thread woven into the pattern. Most Nike styles use an “interpretive” word in addition to a color. This example uses two descriptions, “Hyper” and “Neptune.”
Apple described the Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band:
“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Nike Sport Loop is designed for fitness, with select colors matched to the new line of Nike running shoes. It features a nylon weave with reflective thread designed to shimmer when light strikes it. A hook-and-loop fastener makes for quick and easy adjustment, and dense loops on the skin side provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”
The Apple Watch Sport Band is made from a flexible rubber material called fluoroelastomer with a metal pin closure. When purchasing an Apple Watch Sport Band, the S/M and M/L sizes are included in the box, allowing the band to fit wrists 140–210 mm.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport band:
“Made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.”
The Nike Sport Band differs from the Apple Sport Band in that the Nike version uses a perforated design to make it slightly lighter and more ventilated. This Pride Edition design is primarily white, and each perforation uses colors from the LGBTQ flag. The Pride version package states that “Apple and Nike are proud to financially support LGBTQ advocacy organizations working to bring about positive change.”
The Apple Watch Sport band has been available in the most colors so far. As of December 2021, 110 Apple Sport Band colors were available with an additional 36 Nike Sport Band colors (according to the Bandbreite app).
This example comes with S/M and M/L sizes for the 44 mm Apple Watch that is also compatible with 42 mm and 45 mm sizes.
The Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Silicone Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Made from liquid silicone rubber, the Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design with no clasps, buckles, or overlapping parts that’s ultracomfortable to wear and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Each band is specially treated with UV to give the band a silky, smooth finish. It’s also swim proof and sweat proof so it can go just about anywhere you want to wear it.”
This band is Cyprus Green, a shade of dark green. It was available in 40 mm and 44 mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch bands to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12.
According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.
This snug-fitting design allowed Apple Watch sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.
Apple’s MagSafe Duo Charger is a compact, square-shaped charger for the iPhone (or other Qi-certified devices) and the Apple Watch. According to Apple: “The MagSafe Duo Charger conveniently charges your compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, Wireless Charging Case for AirPods, and other Qi-certified devices. Just place your devices on the charger and a steady, efficient charge begins on contact. The charger folds together neatly so you can easily take it with you wherever you go.”
The charger ships with the MagSafe Duo Charger and a 1 m USB-C to Lightning Cable, but no charging brick. Therefore, the MagSafe Duo Charger does not charge out of the box without pairing it with an existing plug.
An Apple Support article specifies that “Your MagSafe Duo Charger is designed to work with all iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models, all Apple Watch models, Apple MagSafe accessories, and Qi-certified devices and accessories.” The article goes on to state that you should “Use the included USB-C to Lightning cable to plug in your MagSafe Duo Charger to a recommended 20 watt (W) or greater Apple USB-C power adapter,” but the “Apple 29W USB-C Power Adapter isn’t compatible with the MagSafe Duo Charger.”
The Apple Watch charging side “…can charge your Apple Watch in a flat position with its band open, or on its side, by lifting the inductive charging connector. When docked on its side, your Apple Watch automatically goes into nightstand mode, so you can also use it as your alarm clock.”
The Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Silicone Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Made from liquid silicone rubber, the Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design with no clasps, buckles, or overlapping parts that’s ultracomfortable to wear and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Each band is specially treated with UV to give the band a silky, smooth finish. It’s also swim proof and sweat proof so it can go just about anywhere you want to wear it.”
This band is red and part of Apple’s (PRODUCT)RED line of products that funds “programs to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” It was available in 40 mm and 44 mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch bands to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12.
This red Solo Loop is paired with an Apple Watch Series 6 in red aluminum.
According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.
This snug-fitting design allowed Apple Watch sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.
The Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Silicone Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Made from liquid silicone rubber, the Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design with no clasps, buckles, or overlapping parts that’s ultracomfortable to wear and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Each band is specially treated with UV to give the band a silky, smooth finish. It’s also swim proof and sweat proof so it can go just about anywhere you want to wear it.”
This band’s color is Plum, a shade of dark purple. It was available in 40 mm and 44 mm widths, and was among the first Apple Watch bands to be sold in specific wrist sizes. The 40 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9 and the 44 mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 4–12. In this example, the Plum Solo Loop is paired with an Apple Watch Series 7 in silver stainless steel.
According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.
This snug-fitting design allowed Apple Watch sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.
