Apple Unveils 2021 Pride Edition Apple Watch Bands (with Some Extra Twists)
Pride Edition Apple Watch bands have become almost an annual event at this point, with Apple releasing them around this time each year in advance of Pride Month, however this year, Apple’s Pride Edition bands have a couple of extra twists in store.
Released today in line with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), this year’s bands are intended to “represent the breadth of diversity among LGBTQ+ experiences and the history of a movement that has spanned generations.”
To that end, the Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop expands on the original rainbow colours with those drawn from other various Pride flags, including black and brown to symbolize Black and Latinx communities as well as those who have passed away from or are living with HIV/AIDS. Light blue, pink, and white have also been added to represent transgender and nonbinary individuals.
The Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop incorporates stretchable recycled yarn interwoven with silicon threads, and like other versions of the Braided Solo Loop, it’s available in 12 sizes.
As usual, Apple has also designed a matching Pride watch face, which will likely make its debut in watchOS 7.5, which mirrors the rich colours of the Braided Solo Loop band. The face features a dynamic set of threads that scroll and animate each time you raise your wrist.
More significantly, however, this will also be the first time Apple is including an iOS 14 App Clip on its product packaging. The Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop will include a scannable App Clip that will allow customers to effortlessly bring up the matching Pride Woven watch face.
It’s a fun and practical way of using an App Clip on Apple’s product packaging, and while the concept isn’t entirely new — other companies have done similar things with normal QR codes — it represents another example of how Apple is leveraging its technology for more convenient user experiences.
For those who prefer the more traditional Pride colours, Apple is also releasing a Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop that not only showcases the original rainbow, but also uses reflective yarn for nighttime workout enthusiasts. It features that same comfortable, durable, and adjustable design of the other Nike Sport Loop bands, and Apple notes that it will include a corresponding Nike Watch face that it can be paired with.
Even before the events at the Stonewall Inn brought the LGBTQ+ movement to new prominence, Black, Brown, and transgender activists were key leaders in the march toward equality. On many fronts, Apple supports the ongoing and unfinished work of equality for diverse and intersectional communities, and we want to provide every opportunity to celebrate and honor this history during Pride season.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO
As part of today’s announcement, Apple also adds that it’s building on its long-running financial support for various LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, including Encircle, Equality North Carolina, Equality Texas, Gender Spectrum, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Transgender Equality, PFLAG National, SMYAL, and The Trevor Project in the US, as well as ILGA World internationally.
The Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop and the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop will sell for $99 and $49, respectively. They’re available to order today from Apple and are expected to arrive at Apple Store locations beginning on May 25. Customers will also be able to order the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop directly from nike.com.
The Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or later (including the Apple Watch SE), while the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 or later.
