Apple unveils new Black Unity Apple Watch band to mark Black History Month

Apple has revealed a new special-edition Apple Watch band to mark Black History Month, celebrating connection, creativity and community.

The Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop is available to order from today and continues Apple’s annual Black Unity collection, which honours Black culture and history. The band features the colours of the Pan-African flag – red, green and black – and was designed by Black creatives and allies at Apple.

Apple says the design reflects the “power of connection”, with the band created using advanced precision-braiding techniques. Recycled polyester yarn filaments are woven around ultrathin silicone threads, giving the strap a soft, textured feel while remaining sweat and water resistant. Subtle variations in the red, green and black threads are designed to add depth and vibrancy to the finished look.

Alongside the launch, Apple confirmed it is continuing its support for organisations that promote creativity and opportunity in under-resourced communities around the world. The company is providing grants to groups including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Urban Arts in New York, Youth Music in London, the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, and Enactus México in Mexico City.

Apple says these new grants build on its long-standing commitment to expanding economic, educational and creative opportunities globally.

The Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop is priced at £99 and will be available in Apple Store locations later this week. It comes in 42mm and 46mm case sizes, with band sizes ranging from 0 to 12, and is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 or later, Apple Watch SE, and all Apple Watch Ultra models.

The new band joins Apple’s existing Black Unity collection, which has become a yearly fixture for the company’s Apple Watch lineup.