In line with our report from a couple of weeks ago, Apple has just debuted an official program for third-party accessory developers to design and launch bands for the Apple Watch. Like the MFi program for iPhone, iPads, and iPod accessories, this new program is called “Made for Apple Watch.” One of the device’s marquee features is its ability to connect to different straps by way of a standard connector on either side of the Watch, and now, much like with iPhones and iPads, accessory makers will be able to make good use of the product…
On a new website, Apple provides a pair of design guidelines for third-party bands, and Apple promises that “lugs” (attachments for the bands as shown in the video above) will be available soon. Even prior to today’s launch, several third-party developers have debuted straps with new leathers, battery packs, and unique designs. Apple’s guidelines for third-party band development indicate that the accessories must comply with certain environmental specifications and be able to be tightened enough to a wrist to remain compatible with the Watch’s heart rate sensor.
The guidelines do not mention the hidden diagnostic port that some accessory makers hope to leverage. Today’s announcement additionally does not provide official specifications for developing charging accessories, such as the first third-party cable introduced earlier today. For its part, Apple sells various rubber, leather, and metal Apple Watch bands in addition to extra MagSafe chargers in a stainless steel variation. Apple has also provided design diagrams for the Watch, which may intrigue those interested in the Apple Watch’s industrial design:
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What about that port?
I would think that could cause issues with water resistance.
They clearly said… “The guidelines do not mention the hidden diagnostic port that some accessory makers hope to leverage.”
Did you read the article or just skim it.
“Bands must not integrate magnetic chargers.”
No thank you for the Apple MFI program! I’ll save some hard-earned cash by buying a great looking MFI-free product on Amazon. At $29.99, these watch bands will be so inexpensive that I won’t be able to help myself!
I will review that watch band product extremely highly and complain about Apple’s “tax”. And then, weeks later, the knockoff watch band will fail while I’m out fishing and my beloved watch will fall off my wrist and into the ocean, never to be seen again. After all, that inexpensive product is poorly manufactured with worn tooling, never tested, never warrantied, and never designed to last for more than a few weeks after its sale.
Then I’ll go to Apple and demand that they provide me with a new watch. They’ll smartly refuse, but I’ll blog and tweet about it and Samsung will start a “Band-gate” marketing campaign with videos of cool, sexy college-age kids moaning about Apple. (Actually, Samsung already started this campaign based this posting, I’m sure). But my earnings from blog ad referrals will allow me to buy another Apple Watch. Phew!
I’ll be sure to update my original Amazon review of that crapoid non-MFI watch band, but no one will pay attention since, now at $1.99, they’re so inexpensive that no one can help themselves despite the 2.5 stars.
Just like knock-off lightning cables and power adapters.
That’s nice
😐
Next headlines: “Apple Watch band connectors brake easily, user says Apple denied warranty and only used certified bands”
not to mention the environmental damages of dropping a non MFI band into the ocean. The chemicals that made the material so cheap poisoned whales, driving them mad to the point of beaching themselves
Aside from a few Apple diehards who honed onto my wrist like heat-guided missiles, few people seem to notice I’m wearing a smartwatch.
So wait, let me get this straight… Cheaper certified bands will have lugs issued directly by Apple? Fantastic. They’ll make a few sales from me, just to source the lugs, then.
I’ll find my own strap.
Given how secure it looks in that one video, it seems like a far better attachment mechanism than the sprung pins Click uses. I understand those are standard, but if Click is already making their own lug, then they could have obviated the need for sprung pins.
At any rate, it looks like Click might have a patent issue on their hands. I wouldn’t hold my breath on delivery.
Click jumped early, hoping to be first and biggest, but it looks bad for them after this. They will be selling late, their product won’t be as good, and it will be almost as expensive or the same price as Apple approved alternatives.
The cheaper Chinese knock-offs of Click (which aren’t even “knock offs” really because everyone had the same idea), will sell better in the key third world markets and Click will be out of business.
After the sarcastic views above and given that Apple is going all out for this product. They’re describing it as the pioneer of the next generation wearable technologies. And the brand conscious people (rather APple conscious) have come out with open pockets to buy this “revolutionary” watch. And to make the involvement of others, third party bands are integrated with the watch. Fascinating move.