Tag: thread

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iPhone 17 Pro (Cosmic Orange, 256GB, 2025)

The iPhone 17 Pro was introduced on September 9, 2025, during a pre-recorded Apple event titled “Awe Dropping” that featured an animated/interactive Apple logo on a black background. The Apple logo resembled a thermal image, perhaps hinting that one of the products introduced might feature a new type of cooling system. That idea became a reality with the iPhone 17 Pro’s new “vapor chamber that is laser-welded into a strong, light, and thermally conductive aluminum unibody” was introduced.

Other iPhone 17 Pro features highlighted in the press release included:

  • “Both models feature A19 Pro, the most powerful and efficient chip for iPhone yet, enabling the advanced camera systems, next-level mobile gaming, and Apple Intelligence.”
  • “Three 48MP Fusion cameras — Main, Ultra Wide, and an all-new Telephoto — offer the equivalent of eight lenses, including the longest optical-quality zoom ever on iPhone at 8x, and the innovative 18MP Center Stage front camera takes selfies to the next level.”
  • “Both models feature the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover with 3x better scratch resistance, and for the first time, Ceramic Shield protects the back of iPhone.”

The iPhone 17 Pro (and Pro Max) featured new colors including a silver that uses two “refined” tones with the camera body and ceramic shield, an “elegant” deep blue, and a “bold” cosmic orange.

I found the cosmic orange option difficult to resist because previous Pro-model iPhone devices have not been available in colors that were not dark, desaturated, or otherwise dull.

This event included Apple’s first mention of the “plateau” that houses the camera on the back of the phone—previously informally referred to as the “camera bump.” (The plateau was also mentioned in the introduction of the iPhone Air in this Apple event.) Apple explained the protruding feature on the iPhone 17 Pro: “On the back, the plateau creates additional space for internal components — making room for a larger battery.”

Apple further described the vapor chamber cooling system:

“Deionized water is sealed inside the vapor chamber, which is laser-welded into the aluminum chassis to move heat away from the powerful A19 Pro, allowing it to operate at even higher performance levels. The heat is carried into the forged aluminum unibody, where it is distributed evenly through the system, managing power and surface temperatures to deliver incredible performance while remaining comfortable to hold.”

The display of the iPhone 17 Pro is described as a Super Retina XDR display in 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch sizes. It includes a new protective layer called Ceramic Shield 2 that Apple describes as “tougher than any smartphone glass or glass-ceramic, with…3x better scratch resistance and improved anti-reflection to reduce glare.” The display is an Always-On ProMotion (up to 120Hz) delivering up to 3000 nits of brightness. The same Ceramic Shield technology on the display is also on the back of the device, delivering a stronger finish that allows better conductivity for the MagSafe connector.

In addition to the new A19 Pro chip that is up to 40% more powerful than the previous generation Pro chips, the device contains the N1, “a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.”

Like many previous iPhone releases, the camera system was touted significantly throughout the release. Apple noted that the iPhone 17 Pro delivers “eight pro lenses in a user’s pocket.”

Back cameras:

  • 3 48MP Fusion cameras for sharper, more detailed images
  • 1 48MP Telephoto camera with a sensor 56% percent larger than the previous generation for brighter/more detailed photos
  • 1 4x 100mm optical zoom lens
  • 1 8x 200mm optical zoom lens

Front camera:
1 Center Stage front camera with “the first square front camera sensor on iPhone, offering a wider field of view and higher resolution — up to 18MP for photos — to capture more detail.”

Apple’s product website for the iPhone 17 Pro featured an impressive set of photos illustrating the various native zoom levels and equating them with their “8 pro lenses” claim:

  • 8x = 200mm
  • 4x = 100mm
  • 2x = 48mm
  • 1.5x = 35mm
  • 1.2x = 28mm
  • 1x = 24mm
  • 0.5x = 13mm
  • Macro

The iPhone 17 Pro video capabilities were also discussed with features such as Dolby Vision HDR, 4K 120 fps, ProRes, and support for ACES. In addition, the iPhone 17 Pro now adds ProRes RAW, Log 2, and genlock—a technique to precisely synchronize video across multiple cameras by industry leader Blackmagic.

The iPhone 17 Pro measures 5.91 x 2.83 inches, and is 0.34 inch thick. It weighs 7.27 ounces.

Sources: Apple (press release, product page)

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Nike Sport Loop (45 mm, Starlight/Pink, Fall 2023)

The Nike Sport Loop band was woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. These bands were available for the 41 mm and 45 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 of 38 mm/42 mm and 40 mm/44 mm.

This Nike Sport Loop used a design that sets it apart from Apple Sport Loop bands. First, the thread pattern was created with several different colors to create a unique design with multiple colors in a randomized pattern. This design replaced the back closure plastic with a strip of embroidered thread in a single color that attached a nylon pull-tab with a Nike logo. A series of reinforced thread in a wave pattern was stitched below the pull-tab. Another thicker embroidered wave pattern was stitched across the top of the band that looped around a plastic connector.

This band used a variety of colors to achieve its unique “space-dye” pattern. It had a background and sides in starlight (light beige). A random pattern of threads was used across the face of the band in shades of yellow and dark pink. The wave patterns and closure threads were starlight (starlight and pink thread was used below the pull tab), and the pull tab was starlight with a coral pink Nike logo. The connector plastics were light pink.

Apple described the Nike Sport Loop band:

“The Nike Sport Loop has been designed to use excess yarn from previous seasons to create a soft, breathable, and lightweight band with a bold pattern. The hook-and-loop fastener and a woven pull tab featuring the Nike Swoosh makes it easy to adjust on the go. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. The Nike Sport Loop contains at least 68% excess yarn from previous seasons, saving over 3 tons of primary yarn.”

Source: Apple (newsroom), Bandbreite

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Apple Watch Braided Solo Loop (45mm, Size 12, Abyss Blue, Fall 2021)

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 Abyss Blue, a shade of dark 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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Nike Sport Loop (45mm, Summit White, 2021)

The Nike 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 and 145–220mm wrists. The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes of 38mm/42mm and 40mm/44mm.

This Summit White band used a base color of white and had the word NIKE woven into the design around the outer band and the NIKE “swoosh” on the part of the band with the hook-and-loop closure on the back. The connector plastics were white to match the base color of the band.

Apple described the Nike Sport Loop band:

“Breathable and lightweight, the Nike Sport Loop is designed for fitness. It’s made from a soft nylon weave featuring the iconic Nike swoosh. 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

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Apple Watch Sport Loop (44 mm, Flash Light, Spring 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.

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 Flash Light Sport Loop has an overall bright yellow-green appearance. It’s name includes “Light” to differentiate it from a previous Apple Sport Loop color called “Flash,” released in Fall 2017. The original Flash Sport Loop featured bright yellow edges and plastics, but included black thread woven into the center creating a dark yellow appearance, while “Flash Light” consisted only of the light and bright yellow-green hues.

This Flash Light Sport Loop is paired with an Apple Watch Series 7 in silver stainless steel.

Source: Apple, Bandbreite app

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Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop (44 mm, Hyper Crimson/Neptune Green, Spring 2020)

This Nike Sport Loop Apple Watch band was released in Spring 2020. 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. This example is called “Hyper Crimson/Neptune Green” and appears mostly dark green with crimson-colored thread woven into the pattern. Most Nike styles use an “interpretive” word in addition to a color. This example uses two descriptions, “Hyper” and “Neptune.”

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

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Nike Sport Loop (44 mm, Pride, Summer 2021)

The Nike Sport Loop Apple Watch 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 and 145–220mm wrists. The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes of 38mm/42mm and 40mm/44mm.

This Pride design was primarily white and included the colors of the LGBTQ flag. This Nike Sport Loop Pride Edition (2021) is paired here with an Apple Watch Series 6 in red aluminum.

According to Apple’s website:

“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop features a nylon weave with reflective rainbow yarn inspired by the Pride flag, 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.”

“Apple is proud to support LGBTQ advocacy organizations working to bring about positive change, including Encircle, Equality North Carolina, Equality Texas, Gender Spectrum, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG National, National Center for Transgender Equality, SMYAL, and The Trevor Project in the U.S., and ILGA World internationally.”

The final photo was an accident of auto-focus. My Nikon focused on the reflection of its own logo instead of the Watch for one frame. It was so cool, I kept it.

Source: Apple

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Apple Watch Sport Loop (44 mm, Alaskan Blue, 2019)

The Apple Watch 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 (40 mm) and 145–220 mm wrists (44 mm). The bands also fit older Apple Watch sizes.

This Alaskan Blue band used two main colors including slate blue and dark blue. Contrasting cream-colored stripes flanked both sides of the band. The connector and closure plastics were slate blue. Uncharacteristically, the inside hooks (that cannot be seen while wearing the band) were bright orange.

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

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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

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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