Celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia yesterday, Apple released a new Apple Watch Pride Edition band and dynamic watch face, both of which feature a broader set of colours inspired by multiple Pride flags, representing the diverse LGBTQ+ community throughout its rich history.
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, explains this new Apple Watch band recognises the fact inclusion and equity are core goals of the LGBTQ+ movement and that diverse and multiracial activists have been at the heart of this community from the start. Cook says this year’s offering honours this history as well as the work still ahead.
“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,” says Cook. “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 honour this history during Pride season.”
Apple first introduced an Apple Watch Pride Edition band in 2016 and Apple’s unique Pride bands have been a visible sign of the company’s support for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Cook says this latest band builds on the company’s long-running financial support for LGBTQ+ advocacy organisations working to bring about positive change, 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.
Design
The Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop (seen above) weaves together the original rainbow colours with those drawn from various Pride flags to represent the breadth of diversity among LGBTQ+ experiences and the history of a movement which has spanned generations. Black and brown symbolise Black and Latinx communities, in addition to those who have passed away from or are living with HIV/AIDS, while light blue, pink, and white represent transgender and nonbinary individuals.
The band is made from stretchable, recycled yarn, interwoven with silicon threads, designed for comfort without buckles or clasps. To ensure the best fit, customers can choose from 12 available lengths of the Braided Solo Loop.
Pride Watch Face
This year’s special Pride watch face mirrors the new colours of the band to represent the combined strength and mutual support of the LGBTQ+ movement. With the rotation of the Digital Crown, the threads on the watch face infinitely scroll and animate with a raise of the wrist. For the first time, Apple is also including new App Clip functionality within the band packaging, to deliver a simple and convenient way for customers to access the new, matching watch face.
Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop
A new Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop showcases six colours of the original rainbow, and utilises reflective yarn to aid those engaging in outdoor workouts at night like running, cycling, and walking. The comfortable design is durable and adjustable for the right fit, pairing nicely with a corresponding Nike watch face.
For more information:
The Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop is retailing for A$149 inc. GST and the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop is A$69 inc. GST.
The new Pride Edition bands are available at Apple’s site here or the Apple Store app and will be available at Apple Store locations from the 25th May. The Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop is also coming soon to nike.com.
- The Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop is compatible with Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 or later, while the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 or later.
- The 2021 Pride watch face is coming soon as part of a software update.
- App Clip codes require iOS 14.3 or later.
About Apple: Apple revolutionised personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple has the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple’s five software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS — provide a platform for all Apple devices. Apple has more than 100,000 employees who are dedicated to making the best products on earth – and to leaving the world better than we found it.
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