Apple Sport Band
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Apple Sport Band
One of the first bands Apple released for the original Apple Watch was the Apple Sport Band — the iconic Apple Watch strap that became the default choice for millions of wearers. It is made from Fluoroelastomer, which makes this Apple Watch band not only extremely durable but also surprisingly light and soft. The material is very flexible, wraps comfortably around your wrist, and feels great against your skin. Apple uses an innovative pin-and-tuck closure that creates a secure, custom fit.
The Apple Sport Band is available in a wide range of colours. From timeless classics like Black, White, and Starlight to bold shades and seasonal limited editions. In addition to the standard colours, Apple regularly releases special collections such as (PRODUCT) RED, the Pride Edition, and the Black Unity collection. Whether you are looking for a neutral colour that goes with everything or want to make a statement, there is always a colour to match your style.
Fit & measurements: getting your Apple Watch strap fit right
You get the best results from features like wrist detection, the Taptic Engine, and the electrical and optical heart rate sensors when the back of the Apple Watch is in contact with your skin. When you wear the Apple Watch with a proper Apple Watch strap fit (not too tight, not too loose, with enough give so your skin can breathe), it sits comfortably on your wrist and the sensors can do their job.
You may want to tighten your Apple Watch band during workouts. Loosen it again when you are done. The sensors also only work when you wear the Apple Watch on top of your wrist. If the Apple Watch does not stay in place or the sensors are not reading your heart rate, tighten the band slightly. The Apple Watch should fit snugly but comfortably.
Care
Keeping your Apple Watch and band clean and dry ensures comfortable wear and helps both the Apple Watch and band perform well 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 irritation.
How to clean your Apple Watch Sport Band
Taking good care of your Apple Watch bands is important so they last as long as possible and continue to look and feel great. Knowing how to clean your Apple Watch band properly keeps it hygienic and looking its best.
Follow these steps to clean your Apple Sport Band:
Clean the band with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth, such as one from Whoosh! for example. Lightly dampen the cloth with clean water if needed. You can also clean the band with a mild, hypoallergenic hand soap.
Dry the band with a lint-free, non-abrasive cloth before attaching it to your Apple Watch.
How to change your Apple Watch band or strap
Changing your Apple Watch band is really straightforward! The main thing to check beforehand is that you have the right size strap for your Apple Watch. There are two sizes: 38mm / 40mm / 41mm / 42mm (including the Apple Watch Sport Band 41mm and 40mm) and 44mm / 45mm / 46mm / 49mm (covering the Apple Watch Sport Band 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm). Not entirely sure which size Apple Watch you have? Click here to find out which Apple Watch size you have.
Apple Watch strap size guide: S/M or M/L?
Each case size comes with two band widths. Measure your wrist circumference with a tape measure at the spot where you wear the watch and choose based on the table below.
Wrist circumference
130 to 180 mm
Wrist circumference
150 to 200 mm
Does your wrist circumference fall in the overlapping range (150 to 180 mm)? S/M is generally more comfortable for everyday wear; M/L gives a little extra room if your wrist tends to swell slightly after exercise.
Turn your Apple Watch over so you can see the back.
Press and hold the band release button on the Apple Watch.
Slide the band out of the slot to remove it, then slide the new band in. If the band does not move, press the release button again and try sliding the band out of the slot.
A better fit means better measurements
For your Apple Watch to perform at its best, it needs to fit well on your wrist. Features like wrist detection, notifications, and the heart rate sensor all require good skin contact. When the Apple Watch fits properly, with a little room so your skin can breathe, the sensors work at their best. The Apple Watch only works when worn on top of your wrist!
Sport Band vs Sport Loop: which one suits you?
The Apple Sport Band and the Apple Sport Loop are both designed for an active lifestyle, but they differ quite a bit in material, fit, and feel. If you are trying to decide between an Apple Watch band with a buckle versus a strap with a loop fastener, the comparison below will help you choose. Here are the key differences at a glance.
Sport Band
- Material: Fluoroelastomer
- Closure: Classic buckle
- Adjustable: Hole by hole
- Feel: Firm and compact
- Ideal for: Intense sport, everyday use
- Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth
Sport Loop
- Material: Woven nylon
- Closure: Hook-and-loop (double fold-over)
- Adjustable: Infinitely adjustable
- Feel: Soft and breathable
- Ideal for: All-day wear, walking, swimming
- Cleaning: Machine washable at 30 degrees
Both Apple Watch bands are popular and interchangeable across all Apple Watch models. Choose the Sport Band if you prefer a firm, classic Apple Watch strap with a buckle closure. Choose the Sport Loop if you prefer a softer, more breathable Apple Watch band that you can fine-tune to any fit.
Fake or genuine Apple Watch band?
Sport Bands are the most counterfeited Apple Watch straps because they are so popular. Fortunately they are also one of the easiest to tell apart from an original Apple Watch band, as fakes are usually made from a completely different material.
- Original packaging: does the original packaging come with it?
- Three pieces: genuine Apple Watch bands are supplied in three parts
- Size imprint: S/M and case size (e.g. 40mm) are printed on the inside
- 'Assembled in China' printed on the connector piece
- Micro-imprint on the side of the connector pin
- Material: Fluoroelastomer, not plastic or silicone
- Smooth finish with no sharp edges or mould lines
- Verify the colour using the Bandbreite app
- The (PRODUCT) Red collection also has a logo on the inside
Use the checklist below to check step by step whether your Apple Watch band or strap is a genuine original Apple Watch band or a fake.↓
✔ Genuine (Apple)
- ✔Premium Fluoroelastomer (soft and matte)
- ✔Attracts significantly less dust and lint than cheap silicone
- ✔Stainless steel, sits perfectly flush with the band
- ✔Crisp laser engraving (size and production details)
- ✔Clicks on seamlessly with no play
- ✔Centre lug is made of metal (for the locking mechanism)
- ✔Always 3 pieces (1 pin piece, 2 length pieces)
- ✔Retains its matte appearance for a long time. With intensive use, a slight sheen may appear at pressure points after years of wear, but far more slowly than with a fake
✘ Fake (Imitation)
- ✘Cheap silicone (sticky or rough)
- ✘Attracts dust, hair, and lint
- ✘Often lightweight metal that sticks out or sits too deep
- ✘Often blank, blurry, or wrong font
- ✘Rattles, feels loose, or slides stiffly
- ✘Often made from grey plastic
- ✘Often only 2 pieces (no spare size)
- ✘Becomes shiny or "greasy" looking over time
Tips to prevent skin irritation
No nickel was used in the production of the Apple Sport Band; Apple chose to use stainless steel for this product instead. The Apple Sport Band is made from: Fluoroelastomer with stainless steel, ceramic, titanium, or 18-karat gold.
Apple's tips for skin sensitivitiesSpecial collections
(PRODUCT) RED Collection
A fully red band that contributes to the fight against AIDS. Buy this band and support a great cause for people of colour and the LGBTQIA+ community.
View (RED)
Pride Collection
A colourful band that is crafted by hand; each one is unique. Apple uses this collection to support the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.
View Pride Edition
Black Unity Collection
Featuring the colours of the Pan-African flag. This band shows solidarity with human rights organisations and the fight for equality.
View Black UnityApple has released several special collections, including the (RED) collection, the Pride collection, and the Black Unity collection, all of which support charities fighting AIDS and human rights organisations. For the Sport Band, Apple has also created bands that tie in with these three collections. For example, they designed a band for the Black Unity collection featuring the colours of the Pan-African flag. For the Pride collection, Apple created a design with many different colours; according to Apple, each band is unique because it is made by hand. And for the (RED) collection, Apple released an all-red band. By purchasing these bands, you can do your part to support causes fighting AIDS and championing the rights of people of colour and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Frequently asked questions
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