I have magnet and will be getting all the new bands eventually so I’ll do a comparison when obsidian mist comes in.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Every Apple Watch band Apple released. Ever.
- Thread starter choreographics
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Lolol 7th Gen, that series zero nonsense gets me every time.
Here's the latest serial #s.
I ordered Purple Pulse loop (no brainer) and Blue Black/Bright Mango.
Might get the Red g3 loop, blue braid, Ginger solo, Cali Poppy Leather Link later/as they become available.
Might get the Red g3 loop, blue braid, Ginger solo, Cali Poppy Leather Link later/as they become available.
Alright, I’ve let things settle in and simmer for a bit. I propose the following thoughts on this afternoon’s release of bands.
Overall, @choreographics has counted 50 new bands and styles released. Apple has also removed many previous seasonal colors from the store, so really, the entire storefront has changed. Lots to take in.
Let’s start with the “Solo Loop”
This band, in my opinion, is the worst band Apple has yet to release, and I don’t really think you have to use one to find that out. As others have said, its silicone instead of fluoroelastomer. The fundamental design requires this as it has to stretch, yet Apple has to tell you it’s going to stretch out over time. Additionally, with the 14(+?) size options, it’s only worth collecting if you absolutely love the band. There’s very little resell value in this style. Based on the response from everyone here, I can’t see these things being a big hit. Maybe for kids, but even then, sport loops have you beat. Overall, I’ll be passing on this one. I’ll wait for someone to sell theirs on eBay (on the rare chance that it’s the right size) for me to give it a fair try. Besides... I like my pin and tuck style.
Let’s just hope Nike doesn’t jump in on this style.
Braided Solo Loops
I forget where I said it, but I remember mentioning Apple may be coming out with a new fabric band for sleep, and this was exactly what I had in mind. Something without any plastic bits for absolute comfort. I like the design, but im a bit disappointed in the price. Sport loops should be mentioned here again as they capture the same market at half the price. And I shouldn’t have to mention again the numerous sizes available with this band?completely ruins any resell/secondhand market. That said.. there is a lot of potential in the design. I’m thinking of it as a Woven Nylon 2.0 style, where Apple can go in and add designs and special weaves later on. I like this band, but have to pass on that price point. If Apple could engineer a one size fits all solution while bringing the price down, I really think this could be a good band. For now, though, I will have to pass.
At first I thought the design was a little bulky, but I don’t know if I still feel that way. I’ll have to wait and see some real life pictures.
Leather Links
Why.
As with quite a few of you, I’m just surprised these are even real. When they were leaked a few months back I thought the colors were pretty cool, but as far as the actual design goes, I really can’t bring myself to like it. The design doesn’t look anything like a real Apple Product, and while I knew they were genuine prototypes, I didn’t expect Apple to actually go along with making them. They look weird, they’re expensive, and I’d rather just buy a leather loop. They also just look really hard to put on.
Baltic Blue does vibe though. I want that one as a leather loop please.
Sport Bands
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on our new colors. I’m split. Ginger is a nice medium yellow. Not too dark, not too light. Maybe a mix between Canary & Pollen? Cyprus Green is a good medium dark green. I mean, it’s definitely dark, but I can tell the kind of vibe Apple was going for, and I’m not opposed. Might be adding that one to the wishlist. Deep Navy is now an anchor, so it’ll most likely outlast the rest of the fall bands. They’re selling it as the default for the blue watch, so as long as the blue watch lives, Deep Navy lives. (More on that in a second.) Pink Citrus... too close to Pink & Clementine. Unless you’re going for completion, or just like weirdly named bands (looking at you, Vitamin C! (Which is already discontinued?)) skip this one. Product Red is definitely a new shade, so I need it if for any other reason than to complete my (RED) collection. Almost a Red Raspberry 2.0, but with more red. Also an anchor default for the red watch, so it’s not going anywhere either.
Sporty Loops
Kumquat is just fun to say. Might have to grab it for that reason alone. Deep Navy is Kumquat’s inverse. Both nice loops. I really like the direction Apple is taking putting so many colors on one loop, those outer edges really make a scene and I respect it. Plum Sport Loop mocks me as I’ve been saying since Fall of last year I want a Plum Sport Band. Maybe next season... pick it up if you’re a fan of purple though. I completely overlooked it at first. Product Red G3 loop is awesome. Instant favorite, beats the G2 any day.
Nike
Ugh. I want them all. @athousandbands was very close this time around in his predictions. We’ve got Blue Black/Bright Mango which looks like a great Halloween band. It’s definitely a fall band in my book. Obsidian Mist/Black is dangerously close to Magnet, which doesn’t surprise me much. Would love to see some comparisons on that one. I’m just the tiniest bit disappointed it doesn’t have a black pin. Also, that’s a very dark shade for Obsidian Mist! Spruce Aura/Vapor Green is just Spruce Fog/Vintage Lichen with the lights on, but that doesn’t mean I want it any less. We need more bright Nike bands, and this one’s a welcome addition. All three of these bands have seemingly random text color on the back, which may be a new trend. I’m not opposed though, it’s why I love the Nike bands. They’ve got so much color in them! Purple Pulse Sport Loop is looking to be the next Hyper Grape. Lots of conflicting colors in that one, yet it pulls it off. Next order I place with Apple I’m sure to include it. Obsidian Mist Sport Loop I love as well, but I’m not too sure why. Might just be that gray and green combination.
The only downside... I’m now 26/30 for Nike sport bands. So much for completion.
Watches
Red and Blue Aluminum are cool. I’m disappointed they’re not available in the SE. I really don’t see anybody using either of these except as a second watch, just because those bold colors will be hard to match to an outfit. Of the two, I think I would rather have the red one. Blue is definitely the first to go, I don’t see there being many sales, and a lot of customers will be returning them. Red is likely a product of many contracts between (RED) and Apple, so I would imagine they are obligated to sell it for a set period of time despite how sales go. What do I know, though. Gold stainless is a cool refresh, looks like real gold now. Almost thought it was a new EDITION at first. Graphite is nice, though I’ll have to wait and see it in person to decide if I like it over SBSS. I have a feeling I will, though. (And as @athousandbands showed me, graphite Milanese works so well with gray ceramic.) Imagine a graphite link bracelet..
GMT face is really cool. Stripes face is really cool. All the new faces are really really cool. And yet- none of them are making it to my S3. That’s not really cool. That Numerals face screams “I just woke up from a really weird dream where Apple forgot to add the pins in their band and just called it a new band” and I really can’t put my finger on why that is.
The blue watch with a blue woven solo loop thing with that face is just unsettling and I don’t know why. I feel uneasy looking at it.
It’s uncanny. Please remove it from existence.
Apple needs sales
Overall, I think this is just a trial run for Apple. They saw the success of the sport loop and tried to diversify that success, but in my opinion, I believe they should at the very least find a better solution than making one design across 14 sizes. Purely because of sizing alone I don’t think the solo loops will be around for too long.
2020 is weird, man.
Random Thoughts
- RIP black pins. Anthracite (and black Hermès I guess) are the only ones left. That sucks, because I loves the periodic black pin Nike bands. Looks like they’re nearly gone for good. Maybe we’ll get Graphite pins?
- braided solo loops are too expensive to be special editions. That means no Olympics, CYR, etc etc. At that price, I can’t tell if Apple intends it to be a luxury band or not. It doesn’t look luxury, yet prices itself like luxury?
- @emiaj is going to have a fun time squeezing all the new stuff on to that chart.
Overall, @choreographics has counted 50 new bands and styles released. Apple has also removed many previous seasonal colors from the store, so really, the entire storefront has changed. Lots to take in.
Let’s start with the “Solo Loop”
This band, in my opinion, is the worst band Apple has yet to release, and I don’t really think you have to use one to find that out. As others have said, its silicone instead of fluoroelastomer. The fundamental design requires this as it has to stretch, yet Apple has to tell you it’s going to stretch out over time. Additionally, with the 14(+?) size options, it’s only worth collecting if you absolutely love the band. There’s very little resell value in this style. Based on the response from everyone here, I can’t see these things being a big hit. Maybe for kids, but even then, sport loops have you beat. Overall, I’ll be passing on this one. I’ll wait for someone to sell theirs on eBay (on the rare chance that it’s the right size) for me to give it a fair try. Besides... I like my pin and tuck style.
Let’s just hope Nike doesn’t jump in on this style.
Braided Solo Loops
I forget where I said it, but I remember mentioning Apple may be coming out with a new fabric band for sleep, and this was exactly what I had in mind. Something without any plastic bits for absolute comfort. I like the design, but im a bit disappointed in the price. Sport loops should be mentioned here again as they capture the same market at half the price. And I shouldn’t have to mention again the numerous sizes available with this band?completely ruins any resell/secondhand market. That said.. there is a lot of potential in the design. I’m thinking of it as a Woven Nylon 2.0 style, where Apple can go in and add designs and special weaves later on. I like this band, but have to pass on that price point. If Apple could engineer a one size fits all solution while bringing the price down, I really think this could be a good band. For now, though, I will have to pass.
At first I thought the design was a little bulky, but I don’t know if I still feel that way. I’ll have to wait and see some real life pictures.
Leather Links
Why.
As with quite a few of you, I’m just surprised these are even real. When they were leaked a few months back I thought the colors were pretty cool, but as far as the actual design goes, I really can’t bring myself to like it. The design doesn’t look anything like a real Apple Product, and while I knew they were genuine prototypes, I didn’t expect Apple to actually go along with making them. They look weird, they’re expensive, and I’d rather just buy a leather loop. They also just look really hard to put on.
Baltic Blue does vibe though. I want that one as a leather loop please.
Sport Bands
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking on our new colors. I’m split. Ginger is a nice medium yellow. Not too dark, not too light. Maybe a mix between Canary & Pollen? Cyprus Green is a good medium dark green. I mean, it’s definitely dark, but I can tell the kind of vibe Apple was going for, and I’m not opposed. Might be adding that one to the wishlist. Deep Navy is now an anchor, so it’ll most likely outlast the rest of the fall bands. They’re selling it as the default for the blue watch, so as long as the blue watch lives, Deep Navy lives. (More on that in a second.) Pink Citrus... too close to Pink & Clementine. Unless you’re going for completion, or just like weirdly named bands (looking at you, Vitamin C! (Which is already discontinued?)) skip this one. Product Red is definitely a new shade, so I need it if for any other reason than to complete my (RED) collection. Almost a Red Raspberry 2.0, but with more red. Also an anchor default for the red watch, so it’s not going anywhere either.
Sporty Loops
Kumquat is just fun to say. Might have to grab it for that reason alone. Deep Navy is Kumquat’s inverse. Both nice loops. I really like the direction Apple is taking putting so many colors on one loop, those outer edges really make a scene and I respect it. Plum Sport Loop mocks me as I’ve been saying since Fall of last year I want a Plum Sport Band. Maybe next season... pick it up if you’re a fan of purple though. I completely overlooked it at first. Product Red G3 loop is awesome. Instant favorite, beats the G2 any day.
Nike
Ugh. I want them all. @athousandbands was very close this time around in his predictions. We’ve got Blue Black/Bright Mango which looks like a great Halloween band. It’s definitely a fall band in my book. Obsidian Mist/Black is dangerously close to Magnet, which doesn’t surprise me much. Would love to see some comparisons on that one. I’m just the tiniest bit disappointed it doesn’t have a black pin. Also, that’s a very dark shade for Obsidian Mist! Spruce Aura/Vapor Green is just Spruce Fog/Vintage Lichen with the lights on, but that doesn’t mean I want it any less. We need more bright Nike bands, and this one’s a welcome addition. All three of these bands have seemingly random text color on the back, which may be a new trend. I’m not opposed though, it’s why I love the Nike bands. They’ve got so much color in them! Purple Pulse Sport Loop is looking to be the next Hyper Grape. Lots of conflicting colors in that one, yet it pulls it off. Next order I place with Apple I’m sure to include it. Obsidian Mist Sport Loop I love as well, but I’m not too sure why. Might just be that gray and green combination.
The only downside... I’m now 26/30 for Nike sport bands. So much for completion.
Watches
Red and Blue Aluminum are cool. I’m disappointed they’re not available in the SE. I really don’t see anybody using either of these except as a second watch, just because those bold colors will be hard to match to an outfit. Of the two, I think I would rather have the red one. Blue is definitely the first to go, I don’t see there being many sales, and a lot of customers will be returning them. Red is likely a product of many contracts between (RED) and Apple, so I would imagine they are obligated to sell it for a set period of time despite how sales go. What do I know, though. Gold stainless is a cool refresh, looks like real gold now. Almost thought it was a new EDITION at first. Graphite is nice, though I’ll have to wait and see it in person to decide if I like it over SBSS. I have a feeling I will, though. (And as @athousandbands showed me, graphite Milanese works so well with gray ceramic.) Imagine a graphite link bracelet..
GMT face is really cool. Stripes face is really cool. All the new faces are really really cool. And yet- none of them are making it to my S3. That’s not really cool. That Numerals face screams “I just woke up from a really weird dream where Apple forgot to add the pins in their band and just called it a new band” and I really can’t put my finger on why that is.
The blue watch with a blue woven solo loop thing with that face is just unsettling and I don’t know why. I feel uneasy looking at it.
It’s uncanny. Please remove it from existence.
Apple needs sales
Overall, I think this is just a trial run for Apple. They saw the success of the sport loop and tried to diversify that success, but in my opinion, I believe they should at the very least find a better solution than making one design across 14 sizes. Purely because of sizing alone I don’t think the solo loops will be around for too long.
2020 is weird, man.
Random Thoughts
- RIP black pins. Anthracite (and black Hermès I guess) are the only ones left. That sucks, because I loves the periodic black pin Nike bands. Looks like they’re nearly gone for good. Maybe we’ll get Graphite pins?
- braided solo loops are too expensive to be special editions. That means no Olympics, CYR, etc etc. At that price, I can’t tell if Apple intends it to be a luxury band or not. It doesn’t look luxury, yet prices itself like luxury?
- @emiaj is going to have a fun time squeezing all the new stuff on to that chart.
you need to change the product red version for both the loop and the sport band to 3rd and 4th gen respectively
Good thoughts @mikedop!
Sport loops and Solo/Braid loops should be $25. Entice us to try out their weird stuff.
Sport loops and Solo/Braid loops should be $25. Entice us to try out their weird stuff.
Big nope from me, but then I still haven‘t accepted the Sport Loop.
Good thoughts @mikedop!
Sport loops and Solo/Braid loops should be $25. Entice us to try out their weird stuff.
I agree, but then the cost is my biggest issue with the Sport Loop as well.
I mean, honestly, I do actually like this. And I have a feeling it’ll look better in person
I’ve always wanted a leather loop (style) band for the 40mm Watch and Apple finally gave it to us. I know not the exact same, but I still think close enough
I’ve always wanted a leather loop (style) band for the 40mm Watch and Apple finally gave it to us. I know not the exact same, but I still think close enough
@mikedop right there with you on just about every point. One other thought on the leather link band: in addition to being the ugliest band Apple has ever released (IMHO), it is also the least secure. Every other Apple band has at least 2 points of failure that must be breached in order for the watch to fall off your wrist. Sport Band: untuck the band and then pop the pin loose. Sport Loop: disconnect the Velcro and then loosen the band enough to slide off your wrist. Modern Buckle: squeeze the buttons simultaneously and then disconnect the buckle. Etc.
With the leather link, disconnect the magnets and...that’s the ballgame. It does look like there are quite a few magnets. But, it’s definitely the easiest to remove of any band so far. Seems like a strong tug from a passer by would be enough to yank the watch right off your wrist. And it still looks like one of those puffy north face jackets turned into a watch band. Not a fan all around.
With the leather link, disconnect the magnets and...that’s the ballgame. It does look like there are quite a few magnets. But, it’s definitely the easiest to remove of any band so far. Seems like a strong tug from a passer by would be enough to yank the watch right off your wrist. And it still looks like one of those puffy north face jackets turned into a watch band. Not a fan all around.
When I saw that leak a while ago about the new leather loops, I just presumed it was a joke. I agree that these look terrible.
Yes. An Unreleased Nike band. As a policy I don’t share photos of prototypes though.
Last edited:
Hyper Grape Sport Loop for today!
I’m picking one of these up for under retail.
With the new family feature, I’m passing my series 5 nike down to my daughter. I’ve wanted her to have a watch instead of a phone, which she is too young to keep track of, and now she can! This is a good excuse to get a series 6. I ordered silver SS with pink woven solo loop. Ships in 5 to 6 weeks!
AOD from the start is true parental love 🥰