Apple Card (Titanium, Mastercard, 2019)

The Apple Card was a Mastercard credit card created by Apple and issued by Goldman Sachs. The Apple Card was designed primarily to be used with Apple Pay on an Apple device (e.g., iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac), but also included a physical credit card made of Titanium. The Apple Card was only available in the United States and reportedly had 12 million cardholders as of 2024.

This [expired] physical Apple card is made of titanium and could be used at locations where Apple Pay payments were not accepted. The logos and cardholder name on the card were laser-etched. The card does not have a card number, CVV security code, expiration date, or signature. Apple described the card:

“With laser etching and clean styling, Apple Card is designed with the same craftsmanship we bring to all our products. And it’s the only credit card made of titanium—a sustainable metal known for its beauty and durability. When you use the card, you’ll get 1% Daily Cash back on every purchase. Since Mastercard is our global payment network, you can use it all over the world. For apps and websites that don’t take Apple Pay yet, just enter the virtual card number stored securely in your Wallet app.”

These features are part of Apple’s philosophy of security. Apple explains:

“With advanced security technologies like Face ID, Touch ID, and unique transaction codes, Apple Card with Apple Pay is designed to make sure you’re the only one who can use it. The titanium card has no visible numbers. Not on the front. Not on the back. Which gives you an enhanced level of security. And your data isn’t sold to third parties for marketing or advertising.”

MacRumors offers a periodically updated Guide about the Apple Card that explains its features. The resource includes information such as:

  • If someone finds or steals your card, there’s no real way for them to use it, at least for online purchases.
  • There’s still a traditional magstripe on the back, along with a built-in chip. While the card number and CVV are not on the card itself, you can find them in the Wallet app if you need them.
  • The physical Apple Card does not support contactless payments itself — you need to use your iPhone for Apple Pay payments.
  • There is no cost for the card and there is no fee associated with replacing it if you lose it.
  • Monthly Apple Card statements are provided in the Wallet app. You can save a PDF of the statement from the Wallet app so that you can access it on other devices.

The titanium Apple Card weighs 14.7 grams.

Sources: Wikipedia, Apple, MacRumors Guide

Limited Edition USA International Collection Sport Loop (44mm, 2021)

The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics 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, 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 highly customized 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 face1 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 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. My band color descriptions include:

  • Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
  • Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
  • Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
  • Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; whit plastic connectors, white closure.
  • China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
  • Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
  • Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
  • Greece—vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
  • Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
  • Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
  • New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
  • Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
  • South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
  • Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
  • United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.

This example is a 44mm Sport Loop representing the United States of America.

Sources: Apple (product pages, Newsroom, developer)