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Poll: After a year, how well is your Apple Watch Solo Loop holding up?

It’s been almost one year since Apple introduced Apple Watch Series 6 and its new Solo Loop bands. This new band received some mixed reactions as it had lots of different sizes and picking the right size can be confusing.

Now, as we near Apple Watch Series 7 announcement and people have been using the Solo Loop band for a year, some users are reporting that their bands are tearing apart.

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Designer Apple Watch bands by Coach reportedly coming soon for around $150 [Photos]

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Apple has previously partnered with designer brand Hermes for a set of premium Apple Watch bands, sold separately from $340 per strap. It now appears that a second high-profile fashion designer, Coach, is coming on board with its own range of Apple Watch bands.

David Boglin De Bautista reports a sales associate in a Coach boutique told him about the upcoming collection, set to debut as early as June. The sales representative sent photos of the as-yet-unreleased bands (shown above), priced at $150 each.


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Apple announces new Apple Watch bands: Space Black Milanese, new Sport colors, more

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As expected, Apple today has not released a new Apple Watch model but rather announced a handful of new bands for the device. Most notably, Apple has announced a new Space Black version of the Milanese Loop. Apple originally introduced the Milanese Loop when it first launched the Apple Watch last April.


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Coming at Apple’s March 21st event: 4-inch iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro & new Apple Watch models

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CUPERTINO, CA - OCTOBER 16: Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during an event introducing new iPads at Apple's headquarters October 16, 2014 in Cupertino, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

If Apple’s most recent hardware events were about going bigger (larger iPhones, a jumbo iPad, and a new Apple TV), Apple’s March 21st event is about going smaller. Apple yesterday officially sent invites to its much-anticipated event to be held at its Cupertino campus with the tagline “Let us loop you in.” The event, which was originally internally scheduled for a week earlier, will focus on Apple’s new 4-inch iPhone SE, a smaller, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and new Apple Watch bands. The company will likely also reveal the final versions of iOS 9.3, tvOS 9.2, watchOS 2.2, OS X 10.11.4, and an iTunes update. We’ve reported nearly the entirety of what’s expected to come at the event, so read on for a full roundup of everything we’re likely to see. (Updated March 18th with the latest information):


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Apple likely to debut iPad Air 3 at March event; new Apple Watch models revealed

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Apple is planning to introduce new iPad hardware at an event in mid-March, according to sources, with the most likely device being a new iPad Air. This new iPad with a 9.7-inch screen, presumably to be called the “iPad Air 3,” will be launched alongside the a new 4-inch iPhone known as the “iPhone 5se” and a series of new Apple Watch models. Apple is currently planning to hold its keynote during the week of March 14th, but the final date is still in flux, according to sources.


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Apple Watch Hermès collection hitting online stores starting Friday

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Originally released back in October, Apple partnered with French leather fashion company Hermès for a lineup of high-end leather bands for the Apple Watch. The Hermès bands, however, have only been available from Apple stores and Hermès stores in big cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Miami. Starting this Friday, however, the Hermès collection will be available online from both Hermes.com and Apple.com (via Fashionista).


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Pad & Quill launches new handcrafted Horween leather bands for Apple Watch

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Pad & Quill, makers of some our favorite handcrafted wood and leather goods for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, today announced a new lineup of Apple Watch bands.

Adding to the first ‘Classic’ lineup of bands it launched (which we reviewed and loved), today the company started taking orders for the new “Lowry” band collection pictured above.

Here’s a closer look at the Lowry Leather Cuff for Apple Watch, which comes in 3 color options for the 42mm Apple Watch. Colors include American Tan, Chestnut or Galloper Black, inside you’ll find a velvet soft suede interior, while outside you’ll notice full-grain vegetable-tanned leather from Horween Tannery and “Durable nickel finish Apple Watch lugs and buckles”:

And here’s a closeup of the standard Lowry leather band, which includes all of the same features minus the cuff design. There is also a version for the 38mm Apple Watch for the standard Lowry band:

The Lowry Leather Cuff sells for $129, while the standard Lowry Leather band sells for $109. The company includes a 25 year warranty and 30 day money back promise with both of the products.

Compare that with the Pad & Quill “Classic” bands we reviewed previously ranging from $89 to $99.

You can check out all of Pad & Quill’s Apple Watch accessories here, which includes a new limited edition slim version of the Classic band. 

MFi Apple Watch straps closer to launch as Apple starts selling official lug attachments

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After announcing an official program for accessory makers interested in making Apple Watch bands back in May, Apple has now delivered on its promise of providing Apple-made watch lugs that third-party manufacturers can use to make straps. That’s the first sign that official third-party watch bands will soon be hitting the market through Apple’s Made for iPhone program (MFi). Companies enrolled in the MFi program can now order the parts (pictured above) through Apple’s supplier (via MR).
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Review: Pad & Quill’s Classic Band dresses Apple Watch in rugged, American leather

P&Q Apple Watch

Like a lot of 9to5Mac readers, I’m generally a purist when it comes to matching Apple hardware with accessories: I prefer iPhones and iPads without cases unless using one of Apple’s iPhone 6 Leather Cases or iPad Air Smart Covers and I can’t resist their overpriced Lightning Docks. If Apple made an Apple Watch Charging Stand, I’d be tempted to toss my Spigen Nightstand in a drawer in favor of the official solution.

And while I own both the Classic Buckle and Milanese Loop Apple Watch bands, I wear the simpler black Sport band on most days aside from a nice dinner or more formal occasion. Both are fine bands, but Classic Buckle can feel a bit too dressy with a t-shirt and shorts and Milanese Loop isn’t as comfortable as the other bands. For myself, I’ve found that there’s a space in between completely casual and totally formal for Apple Watch bands. Pad & Quill’s Classic Apple Watch Band takes a more traditional strap approach than even Apple’s Classic Buckle and fits this space, with four leather color options and two metal finishes that match stainless steel Apple Watches or Space Gray/Space Black Apple Watches.

I’ve been eager to try the Classic Apple Watch Band since Pad & Quill began transitioning their expertise in fine leather bag and case making toward prototyping Apple Watch bands a few months ago. After finally getting my hands on a Whiskey-colored American leather version, I’ve settled on a few first impressions on what is now my first favorite third-party Apple Watch band. Read on for details:


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Apple Stores to begin stocking Apple Watch bands this week (Update: Now arriving)

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Image via Zac Hall's Apple Watch review

<a href="http://9to5mac.com/2015/05/18/apple-watch-review-video/">Image via Zac Hall’s Apple Watch review</a>

Apple Stores will begin stocking Apple Watch bands later this week in “limited” quantities, according to a message sent to retail stores, with the majority of bands being the fluoroelastomer Sport Bands. According to the notice, this strap inventory will primarily be for customers who would like to swap the band that comes pre-bundled with their Apple Watch after their purchase. Secondary to this, these early band shipments for stores will be available as replacements for worn-out bands from the various store Apple Watch try-on stations…


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Apple launches official ‘Made for Apple Watch’ third-party bands program

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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…


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Apple revamps Apple Watch Bands website to make selecting bands easier

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Apple has updated the watch bands page on its website to provide an easier selection process for potential buyers. The page now lists each individual band under its own section with a brief description and price. Shoppers will then be able to select an appropriately-sized band for their watch.

Previously the site looked like any other collection on the store with a grid view that featured little more than a photo. The new design gives users a closer look at the clasp of the band without the watch hardware present.


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Third-party bands, replacement straps, & battery packs for Apple Watch

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With no official support from Apple, the third-party strap market for Apple Watch is still a bit of a wild-west, but there are some companies making it possible and offering inexpensive alternatives to Apple’s own bands.

Apple might have its own exclusive strap colors available for a select few, but you’ll likely need to go the third-party route if you want a similar level of customization for your Apple Watch.

Below we’ve put together a list of third-party bands already available to order, as well as adapters for traditional straps and replacement straps for Apple’s leather bands.
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Apple’s Jony Ive reveals Apple Watch w/ exclusive collection of Sport band colors at Milan Design Week

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Apple’s PR tour for the Apple Watch doesn’t appear to be slowing down with Apple’s design chief Jony Ive showing off the device and revealing an exclusive collection of never before seen Sport band colors tonight in Milan. Apple this morning kicked off a showcase of the device at Milan’s Salone Del Mobile Design Fair in Itlay, which was attended by Apple executives including marketing head Phil Schiller and designer Marc Newson.


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Photos show Apple Watch’s clever UK plug design, and a custom strap or not …

Apple Watch UK charger

You’ve probably seen a dozen celebrity endorsements of the Apple Watch by now ahead of its official ship date to customers in one week, but the latest photos shared by famed rugby player and captain turned cyclist Will Carling give us the first look at the power adapter expected to be included with the device in the United Kingdom.
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Opinion: Don’t judge – Apple Watch accessories are supposed to be personal, not universal

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Over the past fifteen years, I’ve seen certain commenters pick the same fight literally every time Apple releases another device: “are accessories really needed for _____?” Fill the blank in with “iPod,” “iPhone,” “iPad,” “Apple TV,” or “Apple Watch” and you’ll see how the answer has eventually turned out to be “yes” every time. Even though I’ve tested virtually every type of Apple accessory out there, I couldn’t help but shake my head when companies first announced cases for the Apple TV’s remote control. Crazy, right? But there were eventually behind-TV mounts, Bluetooth keyboards, and universal remote controls that became truly handy for even Apple’s least-accessorized device.

Now the Apple Watch is coming, and despite Apple’s focus on its purely aesthetic customizability — including welcoming third-party band makers to the party — the “is this necessary?” comments are appearing again. “Nothing like a faux carbon fiber decal on your watch to convey your sense of good taste,” said one commenter, who separately opined that “every protective product listed here is the modern day equivalent of plastic-covered furniture.” To be honest, I personally agree with the first sentiment, but I’m not the target market for stickers. And I can still remember some people describing iPhone cases as plastic-wrapped furniture, back before Apple started selling them, too. So who’s actually right here, a handful of anonymous commenters acting as arbiters of universal style, or consumers looking to have fun customizing their new toys to their personal tastes?…


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Apple Watch launches on April 24th in 9 countries, preorders start on April 10th

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At its event, Apple has finally announced availability information for the Apple Watch. All three models will be available in Apple Stores from the 10th of April. You can preorder any of the watch-band combinations in the collections from the 24th.

The Apple Watch will initially roll out to the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong and Japan.

Apple Watch Sport will start from $349 for 38mm and $399 for 42mm, the mid-range stainless steel version will start from $549 for 38mm and $599 for 42mm, and the elusive solid gold Edition casing will run at least $10,000. The pricing of bands varies dramatically, so note that these are base prices only.


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Apple Watch straps will be available to purchase separately at launch

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Despite speculation to the contrary, Apple does in fact plan to sell an array of bands as separate accessories for the Apple Watch at launch, according to sources. So far Apple has only shown the Watch in pre-assembled collections, which reduces their potential for customization, but our sources say that Apple’s retail outlets will be stocked on day one with individual straps so customers can easily mix and match the looks of their Watches.

While Apple has hinted at millions of combinations of Apple Watch when considering the various watch faces and interchangeable strap combos, up until now we’ve not had confirmation that straps would be available to purchase separately alongside the Apple Watch at launch.
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