Apple Milanese Loop

Apple Milanese Loop

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Apple Milanese Loop

The first version of the Milanese Loop was released in spring 2015. Meanwhile, Apple has introduced five different straps in five different colours. The Milanese Loop is available for both the 38mm / 40mm / 41mm Apple Watch and the 42mm / 44mm / 45mm / 49mm Apple Watch. What you should be aware of is that the Apple Milanese Loop is not water-resistant.

This modern strap is made of high-quality stainless steel. This makes it a very strong band that is also very light and therefore very comfortable to wear. This stainless steel bracelet is inspired by a nineteenth-century design from Milan. The bracelet is made with classic Italian machinery to achieve the unique woven effect. The strap is completely magnetic, making it fully adjustable to the right wrist size. An additional physical vapour deposition (PVD) coating gives the ones in gold and graphite a strikingly beautiful look. But you can also opt for a plain steel colour. Besides being a weave of steel, there is still room for your skin to breathe.

The 1st generation has a rose gold stainless steel finish to match the Apple Watch Series 4 and series 5. If you like a darker gold colour better, check out the 2nd generation Milanese Loop. Refer to the Bandbreite app for more information on the Milanese Loop.

Milanese Loop Size

The Apple Milanese Loop is made to fit both small and large watch cases. The 38mm is also compatible with the 41mm and the 42mm is compatible with the 49mm, however, the 41mm is not compatible with the 42mm Apple Watch.

The Milanese Loop is not limited to adjustment holes within sizes, as with a Sport Band, for example, because it has a magnetic clasp that is infinitely adjustable. You can attach the magnet anywhere along the band. That means you can not only get the perfect fit for your wrist, but you can adjust that fit as often and as precisely as you want throughout the day. If it starts to feel a little loose, you easily pull it tighter.

A better fit makes for better measurements

The best results with features like wrist detection, the Taptic Engine and the electrical and optical heart rate sensors are obtained when the back of the Apple Watch makes contact with the skin. If you wear the Apple Watch properly fitted (not too tight, not too loose and with enough slack so your skin can breathe), the Watch will sit comfortably on your wrist and allow the sensors to do their job.

You may want to tighten your Apple Watch band during workouts. Then loosen it again when you're done. Also, the sensors only work when you wear the Apple Watch on top of your wrist. If the Apple Watch does not stay in place properly or if the sensors do not measure your heart rate, tighten the strap slightly. The Apple Watch should be snug but comfortable.

Too loose

Just right

Een Apple Watch die te los om een pols wordt gedragen Een Apple Watch die correct om de pols wordt gedragen

Maintenance of the Milanese Loop

Keeping your Apple Watch and strap clean and dry will keep it comfortable to wear and will ensure that your Apple Watch and strap will still function properly in the long run. This is especially important after a workout or exposure to liquids such as sweat, soap, sunscreen and lotions that can cause skin irritations.

How do you clean the Apple Milanese Loop?

It is important to take good care of your Apple Watch straps, as this will help them last as long as possible and keep them functioning properly. To clean your Milanese Loop band, you need to follow the following steps:

To clean the Milanese Loop, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the strap with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Moisten the cloth lightly with clean water if necessary.
  2. Dry the bracelet with a lint-free, non-abrasive cloth before attaching it to your Apple Watch.

For cleaning your other Apple Watch bands, you can find more information here: How to clean your Apple Watch band.

How do you (dis)assemble the Apple Milanese Loop from your Apple Watch?

Changing your Apple Watch strap is very easy! What you need to check beforehand is whether you have the right size strap for your Apple Watch. You have two different sizes; 38mm/ 40mm/ 41mm and the 42mm/ 44mm/ 45mm/ 49mm. If you are not quite sure which size Apple Watch you have? Click here to find out which Apple Watch size you have.

Follow these three steps to change your Apple Watch strap:

  1. Turn your Apple Watch over that you have the back of the Apple Watch.
  2. Hold down the strap release button on the Apple Watch.
  3. Slide the band out of the slot to remove and slide the new band in. Does the band not move? Then press the unlock button again and try sliding the band out of the slot.

See the image below for a visual representation:

Never force a band into the Apple Watch's slot. If you fail to remove or insert the Apple Watch band, press the band release button again.

A better fit ensures better measurements

For optimal performance of your Apple Watch, it must fit snugly on your wrist. For the sling detection, tactile notifications and heart rate sensor functions to work best, the back of the Apple Watch must make good contact with the skin. When the Apple Watch is snug on your wrist, with a little slack left so that your skin can still breathe, you can do anything and the sensors will do their job properly. The Apple Watch only works when you wear it on top of your wrist!

Fake or real band?

  1. Original packaging > Is the original packaging included?
  2. Price > A band cheaper than €20 is not realistic, as Apple often maintains its value.
  3. Size print > The connector on one side shows e.g. 44mm.
  4. Imprint 'Assembled in China' > Apple's connector says 'Assembled in China'.
  5. Imprint on the side of the connector pin > On the side of the connector pin is a very small imprint of a code.
  6. Other materials and colours > Look carefully at the material of the straps that it is not plastic. See the Bandbreite app to make sure the colour is actually released by Apple.
  7. Neater finish > Look closely at the finish of the edges. Apple always provides a nice finish.
  8. Inform yourself > The more you know about the original straps, the sooner you can fish out the fake versions.

One of the most popular strap styles for the Apple Watch is the Milanese Loop. As such, it is regularly counterfeited. So pay close attention when buying one second-hand.

Tips to avoid skin irritations

No Nickel was used during the production of the Milanese Loop, as they chose to use stainless steel for this product. The Milanese Loop band is made of: stainless steel.

Tips to prevent skin irritations or hypersensitivity

Indications that it is a real Apple Band

Indications that it is a fake Apple Band

The case size (38/40/41 mm or 42/44/45 mm) is engraved at the bottom of the non-loop strap.

Engraved/stamped markings are not present.

"Stainless Steel" is engraved at the bottom of the loop through which the strap passes.

The coating wears off easily if it is a black or gold band.

"Assembled in China" is stamped on the edge of the lug opposite the case mark.

The strap is offered in distinct colours such as bright blue, red or even metallic rainbow.

The edge of the magnetic clasp has a small notch for your fingernail to make it easier to take off the band.  

The magnetic clasp is a half-dome or round shape.

    With most genuine Milanese loops, the magnetic clasp cannot be pulled through the loop.
    • However, there was a period in 2018-2019 when the Milanese Loop was made so that the magnet could be pulled through the loop and the strap would come apart so that the watch could be used with AirPower.