I was all set to upgrade from the Series 6 until I went online to order it. The watch bands are what stopped me. I don’t need more watch bands. I have had an Apple Watch since they debuted and have amassed a half a dozen bands I really like. The current solo band colors are awful and the braided band is $50 more. Apple, why not just sell the watch without a band? Take $50 off the cost. Save yourselves the order configuration hassle. Win-win. Oh, except that your bands are a massive profit center.
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I’ll Take The Watch, Hold The Band
- Thread starter FelicityW
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You pretty much answered your own question.
The bands are a huge profit point for Apple. The only positive thing I can add to that is that they are very high quality and outlast the third-party clones.
I also agree that the band issue is a PITA. I mean, I am waiting 4 extra weeks on an ULTRA watch I just ordered because it includes the band I want. If I wanted the ULTRA on release day I would have to go with a band I am not crazy about. So, Apple forcing you to pick a band at purchase potentially delays receiving the watch.
Don't think Apple will do anything differently moving forward.
I agree that the Apple bands are better quality than the third-party bands; they are my favorite bands ever. In fact, I would like to get one of the silicone solo bands for my Swiss Army watch. 😁
I like the ultra but I pretty much don’t care for any of the bands. Would be nice if there were a create your style option.
Think the trail band is the closest to a normal band. It is also the most popular band with the largest delays on shipping.
The choice of ultra bands is an issue for me. I run and/or swim daily, and like the ultra for battery life and the additional button. However, the trail loop seems like it would get soaked in sweat from running and soak up water while swimming. The diving bands seem overkill for swimming. Hmm.
I think you are right.
The ocean bands attract too much attention to the watch for normal use.
The trail band, on the other hand, looks more dressy which is what I wanted, but agree that it will soak up sweat. I have the thin Apple sport band and it gets wet from exercise.
I’ve preordered an Ultra with the orange alpine loop. I actually wanted the black and grey trail loop but the delivery of that combination was end of October. I just bit the bullet and preordered the trail loop for November delivery.
I do like the orange alpine loop but it wouldn’t have been my first choice but I want the watch on release day especially as I’m upgrading from a series five. Also the battery life of series five doesn’t seem as good as it use to be.
I do like the orange alpine loop but it wouldn’t have been my first choice but I want the watch on release day especially as I’m upgrading from a series five. Also the battery life of series five doesn’t seem as good as it use to be.
Charger gate? It’s going to be another controversy if they don’t include a band and you will see Samsung running an ad saying “hey we didn’t forget the band, Samsung galaxy watch.”
Even if Apple sold the watch without a band, I bet they would keep the same starting price. They would do it for environment 😂😂
That's how they get you!
I've had the exact same thought as you... In a world where money is no object I could justify the Alpine band for general use; Trail for running (I'm hoping we can wash it) and the diving one for swimming. But that's an extra £200 on top of the cost of the watch.
I expected Apple to release this watch with one of those standard silicon straps you get with Garmin & Suunto watches, maybe available in a few different colours.
I guess go for the every day use band and change it when you go running or swimming. As far as I’m aware they are compatible with 44/45mm watch bands
Yeah I am thinking I’ll use my existing solo loop, assuming it fits OK.
It‘s strange that even though they showed triathlon in the keynote there’s no obvious band for either swimming or running.
