Apple already has one of the widest selections of smartwatch bands on the market, covering everything from sporty to luxury. And now, it is adding another option to the lineup with a new band created to mark Black History Month.
Apple introduces a new Unity Connection band
Apple has officially unveiled the Apple Watch Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop, a new limited-edition band designed to celebrate Black History Month and highlight the idea of connection.
The band is available to order now through the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app, with in-store availability rolling out later this week. Pricing is set at $99.
The Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop comes in 42 mm and 46 mm sizes and is offered in band sizes ranging from 0 to 12. It works with Apple Watch Series 4 and newer, Apple Watch SE models, and all Apple Watch Ultra versions, though the Ultra is limited to the 46 mm band size.
Design inspired by culture, crafted with premium materials
The new band features the colors of the Pan-African flag. | Image credit – Apple
Just like previous Black Unity releases, this new band was designed by Black creatives and allies within Apple. Visually, it continues the tradition of using the Pan-African flag as inspiration, featuring red, green, and black tones woven throughout the band.
Apple uses a precision braiding process to weave recycled polyester yarn around ultra-thin silicone threads. The result is a soft, flexible band with a slightly textured feel that is comfortable for all-day wear. It is also sweat- and water-resistant, making it practical for workouts and everyday use.
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At first glance, the colors may look simple, but up close, the band reveals multiple shades within each color, adding depth and a more dynamic look compared to flat, single-tone bands.
Alongside the band launch, Apple highlighted its continued support for organizations that focus on creativity, education, and opportunity in under-resourced communities.
The company says it is providing grants to groups such as 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.
According to Apple, these initiatives build on its long-term commitment to expanding economic, educational, and creative opportunities globally, tying the Unity Connection release to a broader message beyond just hardware.
What makes Apple’s Unity bands interesting to you?
A familiar tradition for Apple Watch collectors
For Apple fans, the Black Unity bands have become something of a yearly tradition. Each release brings a new visual theme, with past designs including styles like “Unity Bloom” and “Unity Rhythm.” The 2026 “Unity Connection” band adds another chapter to that ongoing series, making it especially appealing for collectors.
I think it is also nice that this isn’t one of Apple’s entry-level bands. The Braided Solo Loop is generally seen as one of the most comfortable and premium Apple Watch bands available, so this release isn’t just symbolic, it is also practical.
And finally, it is again worth noting that you don’t need the latest Apple Watch to use it. The wide compatibility means older models can still pair with the new band, which makes it an easy upgrade for long-time Apple Watch users looking to refresh their setup.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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