Tag: 2022

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Alpine Loop (Green, Large, Fall 2022)

The Apple Watch Alpine Loop was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”

In the original press release, Apple described the Alpine Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple adds:

“With explorers in mind, the Alpine Loop band features two integrated layers made from one continuous weaving process that eliminates the need for stitching. The top loops, interspersed with high-strength yarn, provide adjustability and a secure attachment for the titanium G-hook fastener.”

Apple’s product page described the Alpine Loop:

“The rugged Alpine Loop is made from two textile layers woven together into one continuous piece without stitching. High-strength yarns reinforce the top loops, and the corrosion-resistant titanium G-hook slides easily into the loops for secure fit.”

This Alpine Loop is Green, in a shade that could be described as Army Green. The connectors and the “G-hook” closure are made of the same color titanium as the Apple Watch Ultra. Although splitting hairs, a more apt name for the hook would be a “g-hook” since it matches the shape of a lowercase—not uppercase—“g.”

All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Alpine Loop is made primarily of polyester.

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom), Bandbreite app

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Apple Watch Ultra Ocean Band Extension (49mm, Yellow, Fall 2022)

The Ocean Band and Ocean Band Extension were released along with the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022. Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra debuted three additional new band designs, the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and the Ocean Band.

The Ocean Band was described by Apple:

“The Ocean Band is molded in a high performance elastomer with a tubular geometry allowing it to stretch for a perfect fit, even over a wetsuit. The corrosion-resistant titanium buckle and adjustable loop secure the band during high-speed water sports. A band extension is sold separately to fit over your thickest wetsuit.”

Apple described the Apple Watch Ultra Ocean Band Extension:

“Made from the same high-performance elastomer as the Ocean Band, this band extension lengthens the 49mm Ocean Band by an additional 50 millimeters — perfect if you need extra length to wear the band over your wetsuit. The extension comes with an extra adjustable, corrosion-resistant titanium loop which you can place in any tube to tuck the excess band into. This extension must be used with the regular Ocean Band.”

This band was available in three colors: white, midnight, and yellow. This example is yellow. The Ocean Band Extension paired with the Ocean Band was compatible with Apple Watch models including 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm.

The Ocean band was advertised as “One Size (Fits Most),” and fits 130–200mm wrists. Although the XL Ocean Band Extension was made to wear over a wetsuit, I was hoping that it would allow me to wear the Ocean band with my 215mm wrist because it provides “an additional 50 millimeters” and “comes with an extra adjustable, corrosion-resistant titanium loop, which you can place in any tube to tuck the excess band into.”

Unfortunately, the additional 50mm must be folded back over itself, thus creating a three-layer stack of the band that neither looks good nor feels comfortable. I have provided a few photos of the comically inappropriate back-and-forth looping required to wear this band with a larger wrist. I do not recommended this band or extension.

Source: Apple (store, press release)

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Apple Watch Ultra Ocean Band (49mm, Yellow, Fall 2022)

The Ocean Band was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra also debuted three additional new band designs, the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and the Ocean Band shown here.

The Ocean Band was described by Apple:

“The Ocean Band is molded in a high performance elastomer with a tubular geometry allowing it to stretch for a perfect fit, even over a wetsuit. The corrosion-resistant titanium buckle and adjustable loop secure the band during high-speed water sports. A band extension is sold separately to fit over your thickest wetsuit.”

The band is advertised as “One Size (Fits Most)” and fits 130–200mm wrists. My 215mm wrist required the Ocean Band Extension that is sold separately.

Apple offers additional information about the Ocean band in its Apple Watch Ultra press release. Apple notes that “the Ocean Band is designed specifically for extreme water sports and recreational diving with a titanium buckle and corresponding spring-loaded loop.”

The Apple Watch Ultra was advertised, among other uses, as made for “Ocean and Water Sports Enthusiasts.” In all of Apple’s press examples, models who were engaged in water activities were wearing the yellow Ocean band.

A feature new to the Apple Watch Ultra was also mentioned: “When submerged, Apple Watch Ultra automatically launches a new Depth app, which displays time, current depth, water temperature, duration under water, and max depth reached.”

This band was available in three colors: white, midnight, and yellow. This example is yellow. The Ocean Band was compatible with Apple Watch models including 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm.

Source: Apple (store, press release)

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Apple Watch Solo Loop (45mm, Size 12, Succulent, Fall 2022)

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 Succulent, a shade of light gray-green. It was available in 41mm and 45mm widths, and was sold in specific wrist sizes. The 41mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45mm 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.

Source: Apple, Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Solo Loop (45mm, Size 12, Sunglow, Fall 2022)

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 Sunglow, a shade of yellow-gold. It was available in 41mm and 45mm widths, and was sold in specific wrist sizes. The 41mm Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45mm 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.

Source: Apple, Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (45mm, Size 12, Slate Blue, Fall 2022)

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 Slate Blue, a desaturated shade of medium blue. It was available in 41mm and 45mm widths. The 41mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45mm 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.

Source: Apple, Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (45mm, Size 12, Rainforest, Fall 2022)

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 Rainforest, a shade of dark gray/green. It was available in 41mm and 45mm widths. The 41mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45mm 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.

Source: Apple, Bandbreit app

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (45mm, Size 12, Beige, Fall 2022)

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 beige. It was available in 41mm and 45mm widths. The 41mm Braided Solo Loop was sold in wrist sizes 1–9, and the 45mm 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.

For the die-hard Apple fans among us, one might mark the release of this band with a bit of melancholy. When the original iMac was introduced in 1998, Steve Jobs said, “Today we brought romance and innovation back into the industry. iMac reminds everyone of what Apple stands for.” The groundbreaking design of the original iMac in translucent Bondi Blue included a series of taglines, including one that has suck with me for the past 24 years—”Sorry, no beige.” I wistfully report that beige is back in an official Apple product.

Source: Apple, Bandbreit app, MacRumors

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Trail Loop (Black/Gray, M/L, Fall 2022)

The Apple Watch Trail Loop was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”

In the original press release, Apple described the Trail Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple added:

“Designed specifically for endurance athletes and runners, the Trail Loop band is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date. The lightweight woven textile is both soft and flexible, allowing it to cinch to the optimal fit, and the convenient tab is designed for quick and easy adjustment.”

Apple’s product page described the Trail Loop:

“The thin, lightweight Trail Loop is made from a nylon weave creating a soft band with increased elasticity for a comfortable fit. The band is infinitely adjustable with a convenient pull tab for quick adjustments on the go.”

This Trail Loop is Black/Gray. The main outer field of the band is a dark gray, while the inside of the band uses a thin alternating stripe pattern of dark and light gray. One edge of the band is accented in dark gray and the other side is accented in black. The connectors are made of the same color titanium as the Apple Watch Ultra. The band has a bright orange closure tab that is stitched to the main band.

All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Trail Loop is made primarily of nylon.

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom)

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Apple Watch Sport Loop (45mm, Midnight, XL, Fall 2022)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop 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 (41mm) and 145–220mm wrists (45mm). This band is the much rarer XL size, offered only in the 45 mm size to fit 170–245mm wrists.

This Midnight band used a multi-stripe design. The primary color of the background was dark gray, and 8 thin rows of contrasting colors accented the background, including two rows of gray-green, 2 rows of rust, 2 rows of dark brown, and 2 more rows of light gray. The two edges were different colors—one side was gray-green, and the other side was light gray. The connector and closure plastics were dark gray.

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.”

Sources: Apple, Bandbreite app