Apple Watch Sport Band (42 mm, Midnight Blue, gold pin, OEM packaging, Fall 2015)

The Apple Watch Sport Band was made from a flexible rubber material called fluoroelastomer with a metal pin closure. Sizes ranged from S/M, M/L, or L/XL. 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 described 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.”

This version of the Midnight Blue (Generation 1) Apple Watch Sport Band includes a gold pin to match the gold Apple Watch models of the time. Alternate versions of the band had a silver and a rose gold pin.

This band did not come in Apple’s retail packaging. It was purchased from a website that sold Apple replacement parts and used Apple’s OEM packaging.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (44mm, Sunflower, Spring 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 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–200mm wrists (40mm) and 145–220mm wrists (44mm). The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes of 38mm and 42mm.

This Sunflower band used a base color of yellow-gold and had edges in white and dark gray. The connector plastics were yellow-gold and the closure plastic was 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.”

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band (42mm, Space Orange/Anthracite, Stainless Steel Buckle, Fall 2016)

The Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available from Spring 2016–Summer 2018. This band design was the first to include plastic connecting “lugs” to attach to the watch.

This Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band in Space Orange and Anthracite (dark gray) was available during the Fall 2016 season and among the first Woven Nylon bands available. This example fits the 42mm Apple Watch and had a Stainless Steel Buckle. Up close, it uses a wavy pattern with two shades of orange and anthracite. (Anthracite is a hard coal with a high carbon content.)

Apple began releasing products in the color “Space Gray” in 2013 with the iPhone 5s and has changed shades a few times over the years. “Space Black” debuted in 2014 with the Apple Watch. Except for shades of gray and black, this is the only of another “Space” color from Aple.

According to Apple:

“Every Woven Nylon band is made from over 500 threads woven together in a unique, colorful pattern. Monofilaments connect four layers of the weave to create a single durable band with a comfortable, fabric-like feel. Available in seven vibrant colors”

Unlike the Apple Sport Loop bands that shipped with two sizes in one box, each Woven Nylon box included one size band with twelve notches. The 38mm version was designed to fit wrists 125–195mm, and the 42mm fit 145–215mm wrists.

Apple Watch Woven Nylon band styles were discontinued in Summer 2018.

Source: 9to5mac (Woven Nylon, Space Gray), Apple, Wikipedia

Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band (42mm, Red, Stainless Steel Buckle, Spring 2017)

The Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available from Spring 2016–Summer 2018. This band design was the first to include plastic connecting “lugs” to attach to the watch.

This Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band in Red was available during the Spring 2017 season. This example fits the 42mm Apple Watch and had a Stainless Steel Buckle. Although its color is “red,” it includes red plastic connectors and three stripes in yellow, red, and gray.

According to Apple:

“Every Woven Nylon band is made from over 500 threads woven together in a unique, colorful pattern. Monofilaments connect four layers of the weave to create a single durable band with a comfortable, fabric-like feel.”

Unlike the Apple Sport Loop bands that shipped with two sizes in one box, each Woven Nylon box included one size band with twelve notches. The 38mm version was designed to fit wrists 125–195mm, and the 42mm fit 145–215mm wrists.

Apple Watch Woven Nylon band styles were discontinued in Summer 2018.

Source: 9to5mac, Apple

Apple Watch Solo Loop (44mm, Size 12, White, 2020)

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 White, and was also available at release in Pink Citrus, Deep Navy, Cypress Green, Ginger, Black, and (PRODUCT)RED. 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 the Apple Watch Series 6 sensors to retain constant and consistent skin contact, allowing accurate blood oxygen and heart rate measurements to be maintained.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Leather Link (44mm, M/L, Black, 2020)

The Apple Watch Leather Link was an Apple Watch band released in 2020. The design is similar to the previous Leather Loop design. While the Leather Loop included a metal “eye,” the Leather Link is held solely by magnets.

Apple describes the Leather Link:

“The Leather Link features handcrafted Roux Granada leather made in France. The strap elegantly wraps around the wrist and magically attaches with flexible moulded magnets that gently flex to help maintain a secure, comfortable fit throughout the day.”

When released, the Leather Link was available in Baltic Blue, California Poppy, Saddle Brown, and Black. It came in sizes including 40mm in S/M (130–160mm wrists) and M/L (140–180mm wrists), and 44mm in S/M (140–180mm wrists) and M/L (165–205mm wrists). This example is a Black 44mm, M/L Leather Link.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport (original, 42 mm, space gray anodized aluminum, black Sport Band, 2015)

On September 9, 2014, Apple announced the Apple Watch as its “most personal device ever—featuring revolutionary new technologies and a pioneering user interface with a beautiful design.” The Watch debuted the Digital Crown that Apple described as the “most revolutionary navigation tool since the iPod Click Wheel and iPhone Multi-Touch.”

The original Apple Watch required that the user pair it with an iPhone 5 or later and carry an iPhone to access all of the Watch’s functions. The original Apple Watch was available in three collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition.

This Apple Watch Sport model featured a 312×390 Retina display. Apple described the display as featuring “Force Touch, a technology that senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way to quickly and easily access controls within apps.”

The original Apple Watch had only 11 available faces that allowed customization:

“Apple Watch comes with 11 watch faces ranging from traditional analog faces to new faces like the dynamic Timelapse face; the Astronomy face with its interactive, real-time 3D model of the earth, sun, moon and planets; and the Solar face, a contemporary sundial. Apple Watch can be personalized in appearance and capability with additional information such as upcoming events, moonphases or your activity level, enabling millions of possible configurations.”

The Apple Watch Sport was available with a space gray or silver anodized aluminum case and Sport Band. The original Sport Band colors available were available in black, blue, green, pink, and white. This example is a space gray anodized aluminum case with a black Sport Band.

Sources: EveryMac, Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (44mm, Cape Cod Blue, 2018)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They were available for the 38/40mm and 42/44mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in sizes to fit 130–190mm wrists.

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including (PRODUCT)RED, Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Electric Pink, Hibiscus, Hot Pink, Pink Sand, Flash Light, Flash, Marine Green, Tahoe Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Midnight Blue, Indigo, Dark Olive, Storm Gray, Black, and Seashell.

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.”

This Cape Cod Blue Sport Loop has an overall bright bright blue appearance, but is comprised of a bright blue base color with light blue and dark blue accents. This example also includes unboxing photos, and the internal packaging includes installation instructions.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Sport Loop (44mm, Kumquat, 2020)

The Apple Watch Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 38/40mm and 42/44mm Apple Watch models, and were offered in a size to fit 130–190mm wrists.

Beginning around 2018, Sport Loop designs were comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors. This Kumquat band uses an orange base color with edges accented in dark green and dark blue. In addition, the plastic connectors are orange while the closure plastic is dark blue.

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.”

Beginning in 2020 Apple began including a Band Compatibility statement on its website:

“You can match most bands with any Apple Watch Series 3 or newer case of the same size. (For Apple Watch Series 3, the 40mm band works with the 38mm case; the 44mm band works with the 42mm case.) The Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands are only compatible with Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 or newer. The 40mm case works with band sizes 1–9; the 44mm case works with band sizes 4–12.”

Source: Apple

Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop (44mm, Olive Flak, 2018)

This Nike Sport Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2018. 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. Style names have included Bright Crimson/Black, Pearl Pink, Smokey Mauve, Midnight Fog, Celestial Teal, Cargo Khaki, Black/Pure Platinum, Black, Summit White, Desert Sand/Volt, Pink Blast/True Berry, Royal Pulse/Lava Glow, and Summit White. This example is Olive Flak. Most Nike styles tended to use an “interpretive” word in addition to a color, while Apple styles were arguably more concise, color-focused names.

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.”

Source: Apple