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Apple Executives Talk Watch Bands: Emphasis on Backward Compatibility, Design Philosophy, and More
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I haven't, but I also don't really want to. I love my sport loop specifically because it can make exact adjustments. My wrist changes size a lot between lifting weights, running, hot and cold weather, etc, and from what I've seen about the solo loops (braided or not) stretching out over time, I just don't think I'd be happy with it. Maybe I'll try get one with my next watch when I upgrade, but I remain very skeptical.
Ah, I get you and I agree, the ordering process is a nightmare considering they don't even come in the same box anymore.
What is the limiting factor? There already was a hidden connector in the series 0. Unless they want to make the bands 5 mm thick or the watch about 60 mm, the bands and the mechanical "connecting interface" are absolutely fine.
Cases for phones change with almost every iteration, this is ok. Watches and bands are a different market. Look at, what they say about the Hermès models. The bands alone cost a fortune. Do they want to ditch that market? I guess not. I do not see any need to break compatibility with older generations (there are the small and the big ones, ok) Apple just confirms, what I thought, they would be in to.
Evans Hankey's a woman and no, user interface design is overseen by Alan Dye.
I'm not saying that there's a limiting factor now, but Apple can't promise that they will never make a swift to a new connection system, because that day may happen in 10 or 15 years. I don't see Apple limiting new features (like the patented smart bands) in the future just to keep some people happy, there will be a day when Apple will change this band connection system, and they will need to be sure it's the good move to do precisely because people will not be happy.
I disagree. Apple is able to sell expensive bands and woo band collectors because people aren't simply buying bands for that year. If I'm spending money on a leather or Hermes band (or on multiple colors, etc.), it's because I am confident those bands will last through multiple upgrade periods.
Also, anyone with a substantial investment in bands is likely to hold off on upgrading the watch itself as often if upgrading the watch means ditching all of the collected bands. As is, my bands never negatively influence my upgrade decision.
I wonder though.. couldn’t they just include a smart connector inside the tray of the Apple Watch where the band slides in? That would provide data (blood pressure and other features of a smart band) and power from the watch?
If they keep the size of the tray the same it would allow backwards compatibility still. That would be awesome.
Hmm…the last 4 bands I’ve purchased were not from Apple. Two of them were a style Apple no longer makes.
Question to everyone, if Tim is forced out this month OR next, will the Apple Watch be considered his #1 accomplishment ?
Talking about watch bands yet here I am looking for an all-black Apple sport band for my AW.
Why on earth did they decide to phase out the black one?
Why on earth did they decide to phase out the black one?
While I hear you about a day coming when Watch band connectivity will not be backward compatible - it's inevitable - people will gripe no matter what. Require new bands with every Watch release? Gripes. Require new bands after a decade of compatibility? Gripes. That said, I have only once seen where the gripes actually redirected Apple and that was with the return of actual Function keys, ports and MagSafe on the latest MacBook Pro. Otherwise, Apple gonna do what Apple wanna do.
For the record (one that no one is keeping), I'm in the seemingly small (or is it a less vocal?) crowd that prefers the flexibility the Touch Bar affords. Was sad to see that concept cut short before it could evolve. I still suspect Ive was intending to take learnings from both Touch Bar and iPad's on-screen keyboard and eventually offer a MBP whose base, like its screen, was all glass - no physical keys. Talk about gripes...
I still wish I could buy and download some classical/iconic watch faces to use on my Apple Watch, like Braun or Swiss Railway clock face.
The band I use now with my stainless steel gold Series 7 Watch is the velcro sport loop. It does give me the best adjustability for perfect fit and it is light; lighter is better if the Watch is stainless steel.
If a person buys a Hermes band they should also get the Hermes Watch face. Also for Nike.
A Watch band should come with its own unique Watch face.
If a person buys a Hermes band they should also get the Hermes Watch face. Also for Nike.
A Watch band should come with its own unique Watch face.
Technically Apple does sell an all-black Apple sport band. It's really expensive but comes with a free space black Apple Watch Hermès.
IMO, his #1 accomplishment is logistics and supply chain, taking Apple revenues to stratospheric levels.
Maybe not, at least for me. I continue to buy more bands because I know they'll most likely fit the future watch I get. If they changed the band size every year or even every other year, I don't believe I would purchase as many. I would get a favorite and not get others.
I've had the opposite experience: the Apple (and Apple+Nike) sport bands and Milanese loops all take years of abuse without flinching, but third-party versions of both failed (silicone hole-y band developed a tear near the lug, Milanese loop-style metal mesh band simply fell apart) within a year. The fluoroelastomer bands suddenly seem worthy of their $49 price tags the minute the cheapo silicone version falls off your hand...
This. If we're talking products the I guess it would have to be the watch (or maybe AirPods), but Apple's insane valuation is by far the greater achievement and is tied far closer to what his actual skillset is.
Cue the Nintendo DS comparison memes if that were to happen! I agree about the bar's flexibility despite never owning a mac with one. I think of it like music equipment; does every synthesizer really need its own keyboard when I have a competent one already, or a sequencer? It would've been interesting to see an external keyboard with touchbar for mac desktops.