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Apple Granted Design Patents on Three Bands.
- Thread starter cmChimera
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How can they do that on a buckle strap and a link bracelet. Those designs have been around for years!!
Is it a patent on Apple's specific implementation of these bands, like how they connect to the watch? I would imagine that is or will be patented. Personally I think we'll get better, more high quality bands if 3rd parties have to go through some 'made for Apple Watch' program.
I agree. All of the third party bands I've seen so far look to be of significantly lower quality than Apple's offerings.
Hopefully Apple does allow 3rd party bands in some for, even if it is a Made for Watch program. If they truly want this device to be "personal" then they need to allow this in some capacity, just like the thriving iPhone case market.
In terms of quality of 3rd party bands, give it some time. Kind of difficult to create a truly compelling solution without access to the physical device.
In terms of quality of 3rd party bands, give it some time. Kind of difficult to create a truly compelling solution without access to the physical device.
The Apple Store employee who did my try on appointment said, after I was drooling over the classic buckle even though I have a SG on order (the metal part won't match), "There will be third party bands that are very nice, I'm sure you'll find something that looks good."
I know he's not an official voice on this, but he said it with a lot of confidence. So... hopefully we'll see some really nice 3rd party bands soon, for 1/3 the cost of the Apple ones of similar quality.
The patent shows a drawing of the classic buckle, but, it's actually talking about the modern buckle. Each of the three buckles in question have unique designs. The link bracelet has tool-free size adjustment and a near-flush clasping mechanism. The modern buckle has its magnetic clasp mechanism. The sport band has its material (nobody else uses this material, surprisingly) and tucking mechanism which is based on an existing design by Marc Newson who is now working part time for Apple.
All three bands are very unique. That said, even the classic buckle has unique design elements such as the seamless, inline bonding at the buckle.
As usual, Apple's design prowess will go unappreciated by most people, but, that does not mean it's not there and their protections are certain merited.
They're design patents for the particular shape of their straps and buckles.
The drawing and the patent are for the "classic". Patently Apple mislabeled that one as the "modern".
These design patents have nothing to do the mechanisms or materials. They're just about shapes.
Synthetic rubber is fairly common as a general band material for most smartwatches.
I really want to have a red sport band. I guess since Apple only gives those to special celebrities, I guess we wont' get to buy them 