Apple Introduces New Apple Watch Pride Bands

Just in time for Pride Month

By
Allison Murray
Allison Matyus
Allison Murray
Tech News Reporter
  • Southern Illinois University
Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert.
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Updated on May 17, 2021 04:02PM EDT
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Rich Scherr
Rich Scherr
Fact checked by Rich Scherr
  • University of Maryland Baltimore County
Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.
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Apple introduced a new Apple Watch Pride Edition band on Monday with more colors inspired by multiple Pride flags. 

The tech giant has introduced a new Apple Watch Pride band every year since 2016 in support of Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community. The latest Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop includes more colors than just the rainbow stripes, which Apple said represents "the diverse and multiracial activists" that "have been at the heart of this community from the start.”

Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop

Apple

Apple said the black and brown colors in the new band symbolize Black and Latinx communities, and those who have passed away from or are living with HIV/AIDS. The light blue, pink, and white colors represent transgender and nonbinary individuals. 

"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," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in the company’s announcement. 

Apple added that it is continuing to financially and directly support LGBTQ+ organizations, including Encircle, Equality North Carolina, Equality Texas, Gender Spectrum, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Transgender Equality, PFLAG National, SMYAL, The Trevor Project, and ILGA World internationally.

In February, the company announced a $1 million contribution to Encircle, which provides therapy, community groups, and programs for LGBTQ+ youth. 

In addition to the Apple brand watchband, the company also announced a Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop band, created in the original six colors of the rainbow and made of reflective yarn for those who run, cycle, or walk at night. 

On many fronts, Apple supports the ongoing and unfinished work of equality for diverse and intersectional communities...

Both bands are available to order starting Monday. Apple’s Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop costs $99, and the Nike band is $49. 

In addition to the bands, Apple also will have a 2021 Pride watch face to match the Braided Solo Loop. Apple said the watch face would be available in an upcoming software update. 

Apple’s releases come just in time for Pride Month, which has taken place every June to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which began on June 28, 1969. 

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