ed tech | design | music
These retractable pens are primarily silver with a black Apple logo. They are available in five different grip and accent colors, including gray, purple, green, red, and blue. Each grip color has a matching transparent accent.
The pens are in their original packaging and each measures approximately 5.5 inches long.
Replacing the “squat” design of the Generation 3, the iPod nano Generation 4 (model A1285) returned to a “skinny” design similar to its predecessors. The new wraparound curved aluminum and glass case was offered in an unprecedented nine colors: silver, black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, and (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition. The display was a wide-format 2-inch (diagonal) color LCD display at 320×240.
The iPod nano Generation 4 used Click Wheel navigation and had either 8 GB or 16 GB of flash memory, capable of storing 2000 or 4000 songs, 7000 or 14,000 photos, and 8 hours or 16 hours of video.
Apple indicated that “You can distinguish the iPod nano (4th generation) from previous iPod nano models by:”
The iPod nano Generation 4 included an accelerometer (automatically switched to “Cover Flow” navigation in landscape orientation), games and videos only played in landscape, a new Genius feature to dynamically create playlists, and shake-to-shuffle for songs. Accessibility options were added including larger text and spoken menu items. It also included Nike+iPod support, FM radio tagging (using the Apple Radio Remote), support for audio crossfade, and games including Maze, Klondike, and Vortex.
Source: Apple (Identify Your iPod), EveryMac
According to Apple, the iPhone 13 mini Leather Case with MagSafe was made from “specially tanned and finished leather, the outside feels soft to the touch and develops a natural patina over time. The case quickly snaps into place and fits snugly over your iPhone without adding bulk.” Apple described the leather as “high-quality, supple,” and “a natural material…like a fine leather belt.”
The case includes MagSafe charging. Apple describes the MagSafe case experience:
“With built-in magnets that align perfectly with iPhone 13 mini, this case offers a magical attach and detach experience, every time. The perfectly aligned magnets make wireless charging faster and easier than ever before. And when it’s time to charge, just leave the case on your iPhone and snap on your MagSafe charger, or set it on your Qi-certified charger.”
This product is among Apple’s final accessories offered in leather. On September 12, 2023, Apple announced that they would end “the use of leather across all of its product lines.” Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, said: “At Apple, we have a longstanding and proven commitment to leading the fight against climate change. Our focus on renewable energy and low-carbon design has already driven industry-leading emissions reductions, and we’re not slowing down.”
The color of this case is Dark Cherry, a shade of dark red. Other leather case colors for the iPhone 13 mini included Midnight, Golden Brown, Sequoia Green, and Wisteria.
Source: Apple (introduction, carbon neutral, product)
Apple described the Smart Cover for 9.7-inch iPad:
“The Smart Cover for iPad is constructed from a single piece of polyurethane to protect the front of your device. It automatically wakes your iPad when opened and puts it to sleep when closed. You can easily fold the Smart Cover into different positions to create a stand for reading, viewing, typing, or making FaceTime calls. And it’s easy to remove, so you can snap it on and off whenever you want.”
iPad Smart Covers were first offered with the iPad 2 in 2011 and are still available as of 2023. All Smart Covers offer protection only for the front of the iPad, attach magnetically to the side, and use magnets to wake and sleep the device. Smart Covers use a 3-fold design that, when folded, allows the iPad to be used as a stand in two different positions.
This Smart Cover is compatible with iPad models including iPad Air 2, iPad Air (1st generation), iPad (6th generation), and iPad (5th generation). The color of this cover is (PRODUCT)RED.
According to Apple’s website, “Apple and (RED) are committed to fighting AIDS. In 16 years, we’ve contributed more than a quarter of a billion dollars, helping provide lifesaving treatments to people living with HIV.”
Source: Apple (Product), (PRODUCT)RED
The Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available from 2016–2019. This band design was the first to include plastic connecting “lugs” to attach to the watch.
This Gold/Red Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available beginning in Spring 2016. This example fits the 42mm Apple Watch. The design features tightly woven threads in red and gold in a wavy pattern on the exterior of the band. The interior of the band uses three colors including light orange, light green, and light blue. The buckle is silver, and the plastic closure plastics match the gold color of the thread.
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 38 mm version was designed to fit wrists 125–195 mm, and the 42 mm fit 145–215 mm wrists.
No new Apple Watch Woven Nylon band styles were introduced after Summer 2018.
Source: 9to5mac, Bandbreite app
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.
This Dark Cherry/Forest Green band used a two-stripe design first introduced in Fall 2021. One stripe was “Dark Cherry,” a shade of dark red, and the other was “Forest Green,” a shade of dark green. The edges were pale melon and provided a striking contrast to the dark stripes. The connector plastics were dark red—a similar shade to the “Dark Cherry” color—and the closure plastic matched the pale melon color of the edges.
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, Bandbreite
The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time the Summer Olympics were 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 and were 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 customized (compared to the typical Sport Loop packaging) 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:
This example is a 44mm Sport Loop representing Mexico, a white band with green and red edges, white plastic connectors, and a green closure.
Sources: Apple (Newsroom, developer)
The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time the Summer Olympics were 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 and were 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 customized (compared to the typical Sport Loop packaging) 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:
This example is a 44mm Sport Loop representing Denmark, a red band with white edges and white plastic connectors/closure.
Sources: Apple (Newsroom, developer)
The @AppleEDU Twitter account was started in January 2012 and as of 2023 has one million followers. Its description reads:
“Spark new ideas, create more aha moments, and teach in ways you’ve always imagined. Follow @AppleEDU for tips, updates, and inspiration.”
This set of vinyl stickers is printed with @AppleEdu in Apple’s San Francisco font in a variety of colors—red, orange, green, blue, hot pink, and black. Oddly, the Twitter account name is @AppleEDU (with EDU in caps), but the stickers use the “CamelCase” convention from the 1990s—an odd inconsistency given the usual fussiness of the Education Marketing team.
These stickers were available at technology conferences for attendees who visited Apple’s dedicated area. At the EdTech conference I attended, Apple had a part of a hallway and a dedicated conference room where various sessions and activities were offered where attendees could learn about Apple’s programs and offerings for schools.
Each sticker sheet measures 4 x 1.25 inches. Removed from the backing, the custom-die-cut sticker measures approximately 3.5 x 0.625 inches.
Sources: Twitter, Apple, Wikipedia
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:”
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
