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Apple is working on a redesigned version of the Leather Loop band that could be as soon as next month, according to leaked information shared today on Reddit and by 9to5Mac.

applewatchleakedband1.jpg

The updated bands appear to have more distinct ridges that do not extend to the edge of the band and for some colors, accent edging in a different color. The photos shared on Reddit depict the bands in brown with two colors of accent edging, red, orange, black, and blue. Rather than fastening with a loop, the redesigned version uses magnets to close.


It's not clear why Apple would redesign the existing Leather Loop band, which has been available since the launch of the original Apple Watch in 2015. The new models could offer improved breathability, better water resistance, or both, and Apple could perhaps expand availability to smaller Apple Watch models.

Current Leather Loop bands only fit the 44mm Apple Watch, and the leaked images seem to depict two sizes. There's also a possibility that the Leather Loop bands will continue to exist and that these bands are something else, as they don't have a loop design.

applewatchleakedband2.jpg

The person who shared the images on Reddit says they're from a local shop in Vietnam that called the bands "experimental units for the next generation of Apple Watch." 9to5Mac says that it was also contacted by a tipster with similar images and that source said the new Apple Watch bands could be unveiled as soon as next month, perhaps during Apple's WWDC announcements and product releases.

applewatchleakedband3.jpg

Apple often refreshes Apple Watch band colors alongside major events, so it would not be unusual for new band colors and options to come out in the summer.

leakedapplewatchband4.jpg

There's no word on when these bands will come out nor is it clear if these are actually Apple-designed bands or if they're a faked version, so we'll have to wait to see if Apple actually ends up releasing them.

Article Link: Apple Could Be Planning Redesigned Leather Loop Apple Watch Band
 
Well hopefully they improve the quality of the part which connects to the watch itself with the refresh. Had 2 both of which went faulty and the straps broke (Apple did replace both times which is good) Swapped it for a milinase loop in the end. But I do like the leather look
 
The original leather loop is by far Apples most comfortable band made. (I have the brown variant). What’s actually surprising about the Leather, is how strong the magnets are, where I haven’t had any issues or I need to readjust it multiple times throughout the day. It’s A bit underrated, probably because it’s out of the price range for consumers to want to spend, but it is well-made, It even develops nice patina after a while.

This new alleged/rumored version looks seemingly cheaper, which I’m sure is probably the goal to offer the consumer, given the leather loop is fairly expensive.
 
I dunno, I kind of dig the design. It's not technically a "loop" strap, though. Maybe a completely new thing?

Also the bright colors of the ones in the red bag don't really look like leather, but who knows. I take it back, after close examination of the pictures they do indeed all look like leather.
 
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Someone posted pictures of these bands a couple of weeks back in the "Every Apple Watch band Apple released. Ever." thread and we've been discussing them. :)
 
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Their bands are ridiculously over priced. A have a perfectly good steel band at about 1/10 the cost of the Apple band. Apple Bands should only be only twice the cost not 10 times the cost.
 
The reason they are doing this is because the silver accent I’m on the steel on the current leather band does not match the space grey or black coated steal metal watch cases. This allows the leather bands to pair with all of the different case types without mismatching of the silver stainless steal accent. Getting rid of the metal accent requires the rest of the loop redesign.
 
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