Apple Emphasizes That Solo Loop May Increase in Length Over Time, Updates Sizing Guide With More Specific Instructions

[Unregistered 4U]

At least with a buckle one when it stretches you can just use a different hole. With this as soon as it is stretched a bit it is toast.

But, there’s literally nothing to prevent anyone from disposing of them, they are ALL disposable. Whether it’s a stretchy band OR if it’s no longer the ”fashionable” color. Recycling is the responsibility of the owner in any case. If you want it to end up in a landfill, throw it in the trash.

However, do NOT put butter on it! Because, regardless of what folks say, the Solo band is not now, nor ever will be, toast.

 

[Axiboy]

I also don't know why they don't have the size guide indicate that if you currently wear a sport band on a 40/44mm watch on "this hole", your size sport band size is this. Would be that much easier for existing users with the sport band.

I gave that exact feedback on my survey after purchasing my S6 - THAT would have been so helpful!. I ordered a size 8 band and it's currently on a UPS truck down the road. I guarantee if it doesn't fit I won't be returning the whole watch - I'll just sell the band for a small loss and decide if I want to try again.

 

[Axiboy]

Mine is very comfortable and I appreciate the simplicity. Unfortunately in size 10, it is just slightly looser than I normally run. All sensors work fine, but I prefer a bit more snug fit- though this doesn’t slip at all. I also like how it’s not “sticky” unlike most silicones. Ordered a green sport loop to replace the black I received with the Series 6, in size 9, to solve this, long-term.

Out of curiosity, which "hole" do you use on your regular silicone band?

 

[Toratek]

Third from the case, using the longer of the two holed sections of the band. This provides a snug fit. Mind you, 85 pounds ago, I used the 5th hole. 44 mm case.

 

[Axiboy]

Third from the case, using the longer of the two holed sections of the band. This provides a snug fit. Mind you, 85 pounds ago, I used the 5th hole. 44 mm case.

Ah ok thanks! That's where I wear mine and I ordered a size 8 - so we'll see!

 

[Rogifan]

I still don't understand the environmental point of view that Apple has on their products. They really trying to look like they care and then they make $99 plastic bands that cannot be adjusted for multiple sizes, so it's just another disposable item. I get it, they might look better, but...

How about a recycling program? You bring your old watch band and you will get a 50% discount for a new band (or like half of the price of the previous band)? I don't know, I just don't believe them... it's like with the charger. No charger included? I'm ok with that, but lower the price of the iPhone / Apple Watch (minus retail price of the charger).

It's just business / money as usual... they care only if they won't lose any money.

I don’t get what you mean here. How is this band any more disposable than Apple’s other bands?

 

[Rogifan]

At least with a buckle one when it stretches you can just use a different hole. With this as soon as it is stretched a bit it is toast.

Which is why they’re telling people to size down.

It takes courage to:

• Design and Engineer a product that has been acknowledged, might not last...
• Endorse phenomenal waste i.e. should a detachable part of an expensive device not last through bad design, let’s replace the whole device instead of just the detachable part!
• Remove headphone jacks from devices.
• Choose NOT to stand up to Communist China while banging on about privacy and social justice/LGBTQ+ whatever else issues

I thank you and goodnight.

Who acknowledged this band won’t last? Certainly not Apple. All of this is hyperbolic nonsense.

 

[Toratek]

Ah ok thanks! That's where I wear mine and I ordered a size 8 - so we'll see!

Based on my experience with this I think you will be fine with that choice- I contemplated that myself. The band is very comfortable indeed, and I believe it’s stretchy enough to accommodate the usual hot weather-cold weather slight fit differences many people experience.

 

[Chompineer]

"may" increase...damage control after poor engineering.

This comment is showing a poor understanding of engineering and material sciences.

Do you understand the stress/strain relationship? Bringing a material beyond it's elastic limit will begin to plastically deform it (permanently). Every time you put on or take off the loop, if you bring it beyond the elastic limit, even a bit, you're permanently deforming it a bit every time.

Couple that with a lifespan of dynamic load/unload cycles and you've got a material that will have permanent deformation over time that becomes noticeable to the end user.

I am a civil engineer, so I don't really have experience with the mechanical properties of silicone rubber, so if a mech does and wants to correct me, please do.

 

[mikethemartian]

There are online tailors that use iPhone apps to measure customers. Does Apple offer any sort of app for measuring the user’s wrist?

 

[loekf]

Solo loop reminds me of Han Solo doing a Kessel Run back and forth....

 

[Samuel Sosa]

I think it was poor implementation. They should have not sold the watch with these bands. They should have started out with it as an optional band to test the waters. Now you have returns like crazy. Poor decision apple. The "One size fits most" is not a good idea right now especially since we can't try them on at the store.

 

[Seanm87]

This band seems like far more hassle than it’s worth.

 

[nycgeo]

I used the paper sizing tool and was right on the line between 5 and 6 for the solo loop. So, I went to the apple store to try on the different sizes and can say the following:

1) I had to size up to a 6
2) the difference between the sizes (1 in either direction) is a question of comfort, not "fitting". I could have gotten a 5 or a 7, but the 5 felt a little more constricting, and the 7, just slightly too loose, but not badly so. If I got a 5 or 7 via delivery I might not have known better and thought the fit was "ok".

My recommendation is to try them at the store if possible, by reservation. I had a 5,6, and 7 out in front of me and tried them on and off repeatedly before choosing a 6. Had I read the forums and ordered online I would have ordered the size 5.

 

[nycgeo]

This band seems like far more hassle than it’s worth.

This is mostly because of the pandemic. If you could just walk into an apple store and try them on (surely their plan while it was being developed 1-2 years ago) it wouldnt be a problem at all. BTW, you can make a sales reservation and go to an apple store if its convenient for you, and you arent too nervous about the health questions.

 

[nycgeo]

This comment is showing a poor understanding of engineering and material sciences.

Do you understand the stress/strain relationship? Bringing a material beyond it's elastic limit will begin to plastically deform it (permanently). Every time you put on or take off the loop, if you bring it beyond the elastic limit, even a bit, you're permanently deforming it a bit every time.

Couple that with a lifespan of dynamic load/unload cycles and you've got a material that will have permanent deformation over time that becomes noticeable to the end user.

I am a civil engineer, so I don't really have experience with the mechanical properties of silicone rubber, so if a mech does and wants to correct me, please do.

Product designer here. This is correct, and something I thought about from the very beginning with this whole concept. *surely* they have gone a long way to develop a silicone rubber with incredible memory.

 

[spartan1967]

We would have to return the entire watch if this doesn't work? We only have 14 days to test this with work, excercise, sleeping, and other activities?

Considering my AW Nike band goes from loose to fitting just right depending on if I wake up or swollen from getting done lifting...no thank you. 😀

 

[nycgeo]

We would have to return the entire watch if this doesn't work? We only have 14 days to test this with work, excercise, sleeping, and other activities?

Considering my AW Nike band goes from loose to fitting just right depending on if I wake up or swollen from getting done lifting...no thank you. 😀

You need to get juuuuust the right size to have it be comfortable in all of those situations. If you order one too tight or too loose you'll have a problem at the margins.

 

[spartan1967]

You need to get juuuuust the right size to have it be comfortable in all of those situations. If you order one too tight or too loose you'll have a problem at the margins.

I actually really like the AW and usually only have this device on me, with no phone, the majority of my day and am hoping gimmicks like this are just place holders because Apple is developing some real innovation with these future wearables.

 

[cmaier]

"may" increase...damage control after poor engineering.

Anything stretchable may increase in size over time. It’s not poor engineering. It’s lack of magical unicorn-tear based materials.

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

I'm one of those unlucky doofs who had to exchange his whole watch just to swap the band out. I used the sizing tool in store and fell on a 7/tight 6 so I bought the 6. Got home because they don't let you put it on in the store, immediately found it too loose. Then spent the next day wearing it just to see how it fit. Decided I needed to get a tighter band. Went in the next day, spent two hours waiting for my appointment they made me make. Had to return everything. I didn't have the charger with me because I didn't expect to have to make a full return. They made me open the new watch in the store and hand them the charger. Entire experience was degrading.

 

[dwaltwhit]

What is the appeal of this band other than it being harder to size, put on, and take off? Is it really that much more comfortable?

I had the same thought. Then my brother in law told me about how when he is typing on his computer, the old sport band with the metal stud was digging into his wood desk and was uncomfortable on his wrist. That makes sense to me. I still won't be looking to get one of these solo loops, but I get it.

 

[iStorm]

What is the appeal of this band other than it being harder to size, put on, and take off? Is it really that much more comfortable?

People have given great examples already. One I haven't seen yet would be for situations when you wouldn't want it to accidently fall off. This would be much more secure when swimming or surfing. I don't know if I would wear the loop every day, but definitely would when I'm in the lake or ocean.

 

[ani4ani]

I still want to know why the woven version costs $99..

$100 would have been extortion

 

[hagar]

So you don't have to fiddle with buckling it. Could be useful for those with fine motor challenges.

I guess these people may also have difficulties slighting the tight band over their fingers. People with artritis come to mind.