Third-Party Apple Watch Bands Are About to Be a Huge Thing
Third-Party Apple Watch Bands Are About to Be a Huge Thing
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Shimada shows off his newly purchased Apple Watch outside boutique store, Dover Street Market Ginza on April 24, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan.Chris McGrath—Getty Images
Third-party Apple Watch bands were on the market even before the smartwatch launched last month — but now Apple is pulling in strap makers with a new developers’ program.
Apple launched the “Made for Apple Watch” initiative on Monday, which provides third-party accessory developers with precise smartwatch specifications, according to the program’s new website.
These Apple Watch Accessories Might Be Cooler Than the Apple Watch Itself
Casetify Customizable Watch Band If Apple's watch band selection doesn't fit your tastes, Casetify allows you to create your own for $50 — you can even print your own selfies on the band. As its name suggests, Casetify also sells custom designed iPhone cases.CasetifyThe CyClip The self-described "world's first handlebar adapter for the Apple Watch" allows you to mount your device to your bike, moped or motorcycle to receive hands-free directions, trip computing or other information (at your own risk). Pricing details haven't been announced yet.VarGriffin Watchstand This elegant watch stand ($29.99) doubles as an Apple Watch charger, allowing customers to slide in the Apple-provided magnetic charging cable so the device is ready to charge at all times. Griffin TechnologyLux Watch Omni Yellow Gold Brikk's modified Apple Watches will set you back over $100,000, but you'll get an Apple Watch covered in diamonds with yellow or pink gold plating. Brikk has already made a name for itself by selling 24-karat gold iPhone 6 models.BrikkNomadPod At $59.95, the NomadPod gives you four charges of Apple Watch using a small charger that fits in your pocket. The pod serves as a portable USB battery that is designed to hold the Apple-provided cable. NomadReserve Strap At $249.99, Reserve Strap is "the only band that charges the Apple Watch while you wear it." It's a silicon band that slides under the watch face, so that you don't even have to take the watch off when it's out of battery.Reserve Strap
Like the similar “Made for” programs for iPhone, iPad and iPod (“MFi”), the Apple Watch specifications are intended to ensure the accessories comply with Apple performance standards. For Apple Watch bands, that means using the appropriate sizes and materials compatible with its features and environmental regulations. It also means following the company’s ban on integrated magnetic chargers.
There’s no mention of integrating accessories with Apple Watch’s hidden diagnostic port, a possibility many developers are hoping will be added in the future. That could allow faster charging or even battery straps, though other developers argue that the port is hidden for a reason.
See How the Apple Watch Might Look if Reimagined by Fashion's Top Designers
An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Chanel.Finz Lo—HighsnobietyAn artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Alexander Wang.Finz Lo—HighsnobietyAn artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Maison Martin Margiela.Finz Lo—HighsnobietyAn artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Givenchy.Finz Lo—HighsnobietyAn artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Louis Vuitton.Finz Lo—Highsnobiety
