Tag: 2021

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MagSafe Battery Pack (2021)

The MagSafe Battery Pack was introduced in July 2021. The battery pack can be attached to the back of any iPhone with MagSafe charging, including all iPhone 12 and 13 models. The product is designed “to quickly and safely wirelessly charge iPhone models with MagSafe, giving you more time to use your device.”

Apple describes the product:

“Attaching the MagSafe Battery Pack is a snap. Its compact, intuitive design makes on-the-go charging easy. The perfectly aligned magnets keep it attached to your iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro — providing safe and reliable wireless charging. And it automatically charges, so there’s no need to turn it on or off. There’s no interference with your credit cards or key fobs either.”

Like other Apple charging products of the time, they do not function out of the box and require a charging brick that is sold separately. Since so many charging bricks are available, the topic of charging the charger can be confusing and requires a full tech support document that states, “your MagSafe Battery Pack can charge your iPhone with up to 5W of power. If connected to a 20W or higher power source, it can charge with up to 15W of power.”

The MagSafe Battery Pack provides additional charge capacity to an iPhone based on the model and many other factors, including settings, usage, and environmental conditions. Apple specifies that the battery pack provides:

  • Up to 70% additional charge with iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini and MagSafe Battery Pack
  • Up to 60% additional charge with iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 and MagSafe Battery Pack
  • Up to 60% additional charge with iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro and MagSafe Battery Pack
  • Up to 40% additional charge with iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 13 Pro Max and MagSafe Battery Pack

The MagSafe Battery Pack is the exact width of the iPhone 12/13 mini (with matching curved corners) so it fits all models of the iPhone 12/ 13, iPhone Pro 12/13 and iPhone Pro Max 12/13.

Although the product is referred to on the Apple website and on the bottom of the package as the “MagSafe Battery Pack,” the front of the package identifies it as an “iPhone Battery Pack MageSafe” and the “iPhone Battery Pack” on the back.

Sources: Apple, Apple Support, MacRumors

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Limited Edition Canada International Collection Sport Loop (44mm, 2021)

The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics played in 2021 (referred to as the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 delay). The bands came in 22 designs “representing nations across the globe, each with a downloadable matching watch face.”

The bands used the Sport Loop design, described by Apple as, “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, it features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

The packaging for each band was highly customized and featured the Apple Watch logo on the box exterior in metallic gold (presumably a reference to Olympic gold medals). The interior packaging used the design of the sport band (as opposed to the generic design used in other Sport Loop designs) and included an App Clip Code (Apple’s custom circular QR Code design) that led directly to a downloadable Watch face that matched the band.

According to an Apple Newsroom release from June 29, 2021:

“To celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans, Apple is launching the International Collection bands for Apple Watch, featuring 22 limited-edition Sport Loop bands with colorful designs that represent those nations across the globe. Each band also features a matching downloadable Stripes watch face showcasing color combinations that customers around the world can use to personalize their Apple Watch and boldly show their country support.

The soft, breathable, and lightweight International Collection Sport Loop bands are available representing the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.”

The colorful designs used a variety of designs including one-color bands, one- and two-color facing bands, and some bands were split vertically with two colors (a first for Apple Watch band designs). All bands used a contrasting edge color, and many bands featured contrasting plastic connectors/closure colors. Bands matched the flags of each country and featured two to five colors each.

These are my descriptions of each of the band designs:

  • Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
  • Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
  • Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
  • Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; white plastic connectors, white closure.
  • China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
  • Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
  • Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
  • Greece—vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
  • Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
  • Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
  • New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
  • Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
  • South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
  • Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
  • United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.

This example is a 44 mm Sport Loop representing Canada.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, developer)

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Apple Watch Sport Band (44 mm, Black Unity, Spring 2021)

The Black Unity Apple Watch Sport Band was part of an effort during the first time Apple referred to a product as part of a “collection”—in this case, to celebrate Black History Month in 2021. According to a press release:

“To celebrate Black History Month, Apple is bringing customers a variety of new and updated collections and exclusive content that highlight and amplify Black creators, artists, developers, and businesses. From curated features across the App Store, Apple Music, the Apple TV app, Apple Books, and Apple Podcasts, to new Apple Maps Guides, the Apple Watch Black Unity Collection, Today at Apple sessions, and more, here is a look at what is in store across Apple’s products and services this February.”

The Apple Watch Black Unity Collection included three elements: “a limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6, the Black Unity Sport Band, and a Unity watch face.” In this example, the Black Unity Apple Watch Sport Band is paired with an Apple Watch Series 7 in silver stainless steel.

Apple described the Black Unity Sport Band:

“Designed by Black creatives and allies throughout Apple to celebrate and acknowledge Black history and culture, the Black Unity Sport Band is inspired by the colors of the Pan-African flag and pays homage to the rich tradition and craft of quilt-making. Three individual pieces of colored fluoroelastomer are assembled by hand and compression-molded as one. Complemented by the dynamic Unity watch face, which displays an ever-changing pattern of irregular shapes as Apple Watch moves, these colors are brought together in a unique tapestry. The innovative pin-and-tuck closure is laser-etched with ‘Truth. Power. Solidarity.'”

During this effort, Apple reported that they would support six global organizations to “help advance their missions in promoting and achieving equality and civil rights in the US and around the world: Black Lives Matter Support Fund via the Tides Foundation; European Network Against Racism; International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights; Leadership Conference Education Fund; NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; and Souls Grown Deep.”

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Product)

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Nike Sport Loop (44 mm, Pride, Summer 2021)

The Nike Sport Loop Apple Watch band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 41mm and 45mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200mm wrists and 145–220mm wrists. The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes of 38mm/42mm and 40mm/44mm.

This Pride design was primarily white and included the colors of the LGBTQ flag. This Nike Sport Loop Pride Edition (2021) is paired here with an Apple Watch Series 6 in red aluminum.

According to Apple’s website:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop features a nylon weave with reflective rainbow yarn inspired by the Pride flag, 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.”

“Apple is proud to support LGBTQ advocacy organizations working to bring about positive change, including Encircle, Equality North Carolina, Equality Texas, Gender Spectrum, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG National, National Center for Transgender Equality, SMYAL, and The Trevor Project in the U.S., and ILGA World internationally.”

The final photo was an accident of auto-focus. My Nikon focused on the reflection of its own logo instead of the Watch for one frame. It was so cool, I kept it.

Source: Apple

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Apple Watch Sport Loop (45 mm, Tornado/Gray, Fall 2021)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 41 mm and 45 mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200 mm wrists (41 mm) and 145–220 mm wrists (45 mm). The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes.

This Tornado/Gray band used a two-stripe design first introduced in Fall 2021. One stripe was olive green and the other was a dark gray with edges in dark green. The connector and closure plastics were in a dark green color that matched the thread edges.

Apple’s use of green hues in a color named “Tornado” can be explained by science. According to Accuweather, when the sun’s “…setting light is transmitted by a massively thick cloud composed of water droplets and ice particles, the results are a green sky.”

Apple described the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

Source: Apple, Accuweather

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Apple Watch Sport Loop (45 mm, (PRODUCT)RED, Fall 2021)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 41 mm and 45 mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200 mm wrists (41 mm) and 145–220 mm wrists (45 mm). The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes.

This (PRODUCT)RED band used a two-tone design first introduced on Fall 2021. One stripe was dark red and the other was a bright red with edges in a shade of orange (dark cantelope). The connector and closure plastics were dark red.

Apple described the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

The packaging specified that “Apple is proud to join (RED) in funding programs to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

Source: Apple

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AirTag Loop (Electric Orange, 2021)

The AirTag Loop was released in April 2021 along with the AirTag. Apple described the AirTag as “a small and elegantly designed accessory that helps keep track of and find the items that matter most with Apple’s Find My app.”

Apple’s press release described this product as the Polyurethane Loop: “The Apple-designed Polyurethane Loop is both lightweight and durable, and fits securely around AirTag.” As of September 2021, the website simply referred to this product as the “AirTag Loop” (a similar product is called the “Apple Leather Loop”).

Apple described the AirTag Loop product:

“Both lightweight and durable, the loop is made from polyurethane and securely fastens your AirTag to your items. The enclosure fits tightly around your AirTag to ensure that it stays put, so you can keep track of whatever it’s attached to. AirTag is sold separately.”

This example is bright orange in Apple’s Electric Orange color.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Apple Loop)

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Apple Watch Solo Loop (45 mm, Size 12, English Lavender, 2021)

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 English Lavender, a shade of light 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 English Lavender 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.

Source: Apple

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Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm, Silver Stainless Steel, California Poppy Leather Link band, 2021)

The Apple Watch Series 7 is similar to the Series 6 that preceded it, but has a larger, edge-to-edge display, a more durable case, and faster charging capabilities. Like all previous Apple Watch models, the Series 7 uses Apple’s Digital Crown and a touch display with haptic feedback. Apple described the Series 7 as having “a reengineered Always-On Retina display with significantly more screen area and thinner borders.”

The Series 7 introduced two new sizes, 45mm and 41mm. This example uses the 45mm display. The display is a 396×484 LTPO OLED and is “Always On.” The display is protected by Apple’s Sapphire crystal that adds durability.

The cellular-equipped Apple Watch Series 7 models were available as an option with the aluminum colors and standard with stainless and titanium models. The cellular Apple Watch models can connect to the Internet without an iPhone (non-cellular models can answer phone calls if an iPhone is “tethered” and in range). Cellular models require an add-on cellular data service obtained through your cellular provider that links your iPhone number to the Watch and costs approximately $10 per month.

Apple described the color choices:

“Apple Watch Series 7 introduces five beautiful new aluminum case finishes, including midnight, starlight, green, and a new blue and (PRODUCT)RED, along with a range of new band colors and styles. Stainless steel models are available in silver, graphite, and gold stainless steel, along with Apple Watch Edition in titanium and space black titanium.”

The Apple Watch Series 7 has a ceramic and sapphire crystal back. Upon release, Apple offered eleven pre-configured options:

  • Green Aluminum with Clover Sport Band
  • Starlight Aluminum with Starlight Sport Band
  • Midnight Aluminum with Midnight Sport Band
  • Blue Aluminum with Abyss Blue Sport Band
  • (PRODUCT)RED Aluminum with Red Sport Band
  • Gold Stainless Steel with Dark Cherry Sport Band
  • Gold Stainless Steel with Gold Milanese Loop
  • Silver Stainless Steel with Starlight Sport Band
  • Silver Stainless Steel with Silver Milanese Loop
  • Graphite Stainless Steel with Abyss Blue Sport Loop
  • Graphite Stainless Steel with Graphite Milanese Loop

Two aluminum Apple Watch Series 7 Nike options were available at release as pre-configured options:

  • Starlight Aluminum with Platinum/Black Sport Band
  • Midnight Aluminum with Anthracite/Black Sport Band

Two Apple Watch Series 7 Hermès options were available at release:

  • Space Black Stainless Steel case with patterned blue and black leather Circuit H Single Tour Band
  • Silver Stainless Steel case with brown leather Single Tour Deployment Buckle

In addition to the included Hermès-designed bands, Apple Watch Series 7 Hermès devices with black housings include a black Hermes Sport Band and models with silver housings include an orange Hermes Sport Band.

This silver stainless steel 45mm example shipped with a Starlight Sport Band. It is shown here with a California Poppy Leather Link band.

Sources: Apple, EveryMac

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HomePod mini (Yellow, 2021)

On October 18, 2021, Apple introduced HomePod mini in three new colors: yellow, orange, and blue. The three new colors joined the two original colors of white and space gray. Apple describes the HomePod mini as:

“Jam-packed with innovation, HomePod mini delivers unexpectedly big sound for a speaker of its size. At just 3.3 inches tall, it takes up almost no space but fills the entire room with rich 360-degree audio that sounds amazing from every angle. Add more than one HomePod mini for truly expansive sound.”

In addition to adding bold color to the exterior mesh fabric, Apple also color-matched the touch surface, volume icons, and woven power cable.

The technology built in to the HomePod mini is described by Apple:

“HomePod mini uses computational audio to provide a rich and detailed acoustic experience and deliver peak performance. To achieve big sound out of such a compact design, the Apple S5 chip runs advanced software to analyze the unique characteristics of the music. It also applies complex tuning models to optimize loudness, adjust the dynamic range, and control the movement of the driver and passive radiators, all in real time. HomePod mini’s full-range driver, premium neodymium magnet, and pair of force-cancelling passive radiators enable it to produce deep bass and crisp high frequencies.”

Sources: Apple (HomePod mini, Newsroom: Announcement, Availability)