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

Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop (45mm, Spring 2023)

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). The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes.

The Spring 2023 Black Unity Sport Loop is the third Apple Watch band in the Black Unity collection. The band was released with a matching Apple Watch face, iPhone wallpaper, and Mac wallpaper. Apple describes the band and collection:

“Inspired by the creative process of mosaic, the new Black Unity watch band and matching watch face symbolize the vibrancy of Black communities and the power of unity.”

This is the first Apple Watch Sport Loop design to use a relatively complex design with multiple textures. Placed flat, one side of the design reveals abstract letters spelling “UNITY” using different thread textures. The other side is black. The color palette matches those that of the Pan-African flag. Apple describes the design:

“Designed by Black creatives and allies at Apple, this band honors Black history for anyone committed to ending systemic racism and building a more equitable world… Featuring the colors of the Pan-African flag, this adjustable, soft and lightweight Sport Loop band contains the word ‘unity’ woven in layers for a three-dimensional texture.”

One of the band’s edges is bright red, and the other edge is bright green. The connector and closure plastics are black.

Apple says that they are “supporting five global organizations focused on uplifting Black and Brown communities by unlocking creative potential with technology:”

  • Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia)
  • Ghetto Film School (New York City, Los Angeles, London)
  • Music Forward (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Shout Mouse Press (Washington D.C.)
  • The National Museum of African American Music (Nashville, TN)

The box and interior packaging are primarily black with white text. The packaging includes an insert that features a “UNITY” design on the front and a further explanation about the Black Unity collection inside (in English and five additional languages).

I find this design particularly striking, unique—and perplexing! The “UNITY” pattern is on the inside of the band, while the primary, out-facing color is solid black. Thus, when wearing the band, the artistic pattern is barely visible. In my case, the band appears mostly black (with the red and green edge stripes), and the only part of the pattern exposed is part of the “U”—while more than two-thirds of this eye-catching design is facing my wrist.

Source: Apple (bands, Sport Loop), Bandbreite

Apple Watch Sport Loop (45mm, Elderberry, 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 130–200 mm wrists (41mm) and 145–220 mm wrists (45mm).

This Elderberry band used a multi-stripe design. The primary color of the background was dark purple (the color of the elderberry), and 8 thin rows of contrasting colors accented the background, including two rows of melon, 2 rows of light purple, 2 rows of burgundy, and 2 more rows of light purple. The two edges were different colors, one side was melon, and the other side was pale pink. The connector plastics were dark purple (almost black), and the closure plastic was melon.

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, Wikipedia