This magnet features the #AppleTeacher logotype (in a Medium weight of Apple’s San Francisco corporate font) printed on a custom shape metal background. The text is white and printed on a black background.
According to Apple’s website:
“Apple Teacher is a free professional learning program designed to support and celebrate educators using Apple products for teaching and learning. As an educator you can build skills on iPad and Mac that directly apply to activities with your students, earn recognition for the new things you learn, and be rewarded for the great work you do every day.”
A strong bar magnet is attached to the back of the printed metal, and a rectangular piece of steel allows the magnet to securely fasten to fabric or other materials.
The magnet is 55 mm wide x 8 mm tall and 2 mm thick. The magnet adds another 2 mm to the overall thickness of the item. The metal backing measures 12 mm x 38 mm.
The Nike Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 40 mm and 44 mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200 mm wrists and 145–220 mm wrists. The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes. The product code is MGQJ3AM/A.
This band appears primarily monochromatic using shades of very light/powder green and light gray. The primary color field of the band is a combination of the light green and light gray, both with similar tonal values. The edges are a shade of powdery light green. The plastic connectors and closure are light gray. The “powder” description is reminiscent of the color difference between a pine tree (dark green) and some spruce trees with the appearance of powdery leaves (especially the blue spruce).
Apple described this 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 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 Starlight design used a solid band color of off-white (“Starlight”) with both band edges in a slightly darker shade of off-white. The connector plastics were a melon/orange color, and the closure plastic was slate blue. (This design uses similar accent colors as the “Cream” Sport Loop from Fall 2020, however, this band does not have colored edges to match the connector and closure plastics.)
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 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 2023 version of the Midnight color was a single shade of black (the previous 2022 version was a multi-color stripe design). The connector plastics matched the black color of the band, and closure plastic was putty.
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 Apple Watch Alpine Loop band design 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 Indigo, and the design uses two main colors. The flat textile layer is a mixture of purple and indigo (dark blue-violet) thread, while the looped layer is chocolate brown. The product code for this band is MT5R3AM/A.
The connectors and the “G-hook” closure are made of the same color titanium as the silver 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.
Although Beats products are not Apple-branded, the Beats by Dr. Dre website states, “Beats by Dr. Dre (Beats) is a leading audio brand founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine… Beats was acquired by Apple Inc. in July 2014.” As an Apple collector, I have a small number of Beats products in my collection.
Beats describes the Studio Buds + on their website:
“Beats Studio Buds + custom acoustic platform packs powerful, balanced sound in a sophisticated, pocketable design. Reengineered acoustic venting improves audio precision and gently relieves pressure for a more comfortable all-day fit. Each bud is equipped with a two-layer transducer that flexes to deliver cleaner bass and ultra-low distortion. So whether you’re listening to music or taking calls, Studio Buds + deliver rich, immersive sound wherever you go.”
As a “sister” company to Apple, the Beats Studio Buds + offer the following “Enhanced Apple Compatibility:”
One-touch pairing—easy, one-touch setup instantly pairs with every device in your iCloud account
“Hey Siri”—simply say “Hey Siri” to activate your voice assistant
Find My—locate your lost earbuds on a map based on the last known connected location
Over-the-air updates—receive software updates and new features automatically
Beats also offer “Enhanced Android Compatibility:”
Google Fast Pair
Audio Switch
Find My Device
These earbuds offer many features, including:
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)
Transparency mode
Up to 36 hours of total battery life (9-hour earbuds + 27-hour charging case)
One-touch pairing
Crisp, clear call performance from upgraded, voice-targeting mics
Sweat and water resistant earbuds (IPX4-rated)
Four soft eartip sizes
Spatial audio for Dolby Atmos
Pocket-sized charging case with USB-C connector
The case measures 2.55cm tall, 7.2cm long, and 5.1cm wide. Each bud measures 1.5cm tall, 2.05cm long, and 1.85cm wide. Each bud weighs 5g, and the entire product—2 buds and the case—weighs 59g.
My primary interest in this product was the design including the “transparent” color option. This was the first Apple-backed product released in a semi-transparent design in about 20 years (with the possible exception of updates of the originally Apple-designed Harman Kardon SoundSticks). Other notable transparent Apple products over the years have included the following:
iMac (CRT models, 1998–2003)
eMate 300 (1997–1998)
iBook (“clamshell” models, 1999–2001)
Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One (1998)
Power Macintosh G3 (Blue & White tower, 1999)
Studio Display (various LCD and CRT designs, 1998, 1999, 2000)
As a side-note, some may have forgotten that Apple’s LaserWriter 8500 (1997–1999) used light-green-tinted transparent plastics in its lower drawer and top paper feeder.
As mentioned above, Harman Kardon SoundSticks were reported to have been designed in partnership with Apple and have been available since 2000. Although the product has not changed significantly, it has been updated regularly (2004, 2009, 2012, and 2020).
This iPhone FineWoven Wallet is made from Apple’s “luxury” FineWoven material and includes Find My support. Apple described the Wallet:
“Designed with both style and function in mind, the new iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe is the perfect way to keep your ID and credit cards close at hand. It supports Find My, so you can be notified of your wallet’s last known location if it gets separated from your phone… The wallet features strong built-in magnets that allow it to effortlessly snap into place on the back of your iPhone. You can even stack it on top of a case with MagSafe to create a look that’s unique to you. The FineWoven wallet supports up to three cards and is shielded so it’s safe for credit cards.”
Further, Apple describes FineWoven as “durable microtwill” with a “soft, suedelike feel.” Apple continues, “The FineWoven material was also designed with the earth in mind — made from 68 percent post-consumer recycled content and significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to leather.”
Apple created FineWoven as a replacement to leather and since then, customer reviews of the material have been polarizing. Consumer Reports reviewed the material and its verdict was to not recommend accessories made from the material, stating that with typical use, they look “like a toddler has been chewing on it.”
The Consumer Reports tester, along with several other reviewers and consumers, report that FineWoven scratches easily, attracts lint, and stains with oil or grease—compared to the leather cases they replaced.
Apple provides a 4-step cleaning process for FineWoven using a liquid laundry detergent and reports that the “material may look different and show wear over time as the fibers get compressed with normal use.”
This FineWoven Wallet is Taupe, a shade of medium brown.
The AirTag Leather Key Ring was designed to contain an Apple AirTag, a small, disc-shaped accessory that uses Apple’s Find My network to easily locate items.
This color of the AirTag Leather Key Ring was among Apple’s final accessory offerings in leather when they discontinued the material’s use in 2023 due to environmental concerns. In a September 2023 press release, Apple reported, “Apple has…ended the use of leather across all of its product lines.”
According to Apple:
“The leather key ring is thoughtfully crafted from the finest materials. The stainless steel is as striking as it is strong, while the European leather is specially tanned and soft to the touch. And it fits snugly over your AirTag, so you never have to worry about it falling out.”
When the AirTag was released, “a wide range of Apple-designed AirTag accessories” were also available. Accessories included: a Polyurethane Loop, a Leather Loop, and a Leather Key Ring. In addition, Apple and Hermès introduced the AirTag Hermès with an “assortment of handcrafted leather accessories including the Bag Charm, Key Ring, Travel Tag, and Luggage Tag.” The Hermès accessories were sold with a custom-engraved AirTag with the Hermès Clou de Selle logo.
This AirTag Leather Key Ring is Forest Green, shade of dark green.
In October 2023, Apple released this new Apple Pencil USB-C model. At the time, this was the third Apple Pencil in the lineup. Apple described the Apple Pencil USB-C:
“Today, Apple is bringing more choice to iPad users with a new, more affordable Apple Pencil. With pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, the new Apple Pencil is ideal for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more. Designed with a matte finish and a flat side that magnetically attaches to the side of iPad for storage, the new Apple Pencil pairs and charges with a USB-C cable.”
This Apple Pencil added the hover feature on M2 iPad models, “allowing users to sketch and illustrate with even greater precision.” The USB-C version of the Apple Pencil also added a new charging method to the Apple Pencil family—this time by sliding the end of the Pencil to reveal a USB-C charging port that both charges and pairs the Pencil.
The original Apple Pencil also used wired charging/pairing via Lightning port, while the Apple Pencil 2 used magnetic wireless charging/pairing. This Apple Pencil USB-C uses magnets to attach to the side of compatible iPad models for storage (like the Apple Pencil 2), but it does not charge.
As of June 2024, this Apple Pencil USB-C was compatible with the following iPad models:
iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
iPad (10th generation)
iPad mini (6th generation)
iPad Air (4th or 5th generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th generation)
Apple’s retail store bags have been used at Apple Stores beginning in 2001 when the first Apple Store opened. Please refer to my blog post, 20 Years of Apple Store Bags (2001–2021), for more details.
In November 2023, Apple began an email, web, and Apple Store campaign using the tagline “All kinds of wonderful” online and “Wonder awaits” on Apple Store windows. The visuals included a stylized white Apple logo with a gift bow and winter scene.
A simplified version of the logo was printed on Apple’s retail store bags to replace the typical solid gray Apple logo. This paper bag is one example of the 2023 holiday Apple Store bags.
The blog post includes a photo I captured of the winter logo on the window of the Apple Store Michigan Avenue in Chicago on November 5, 2023.
