In celebration of Pride Month this June, Apple has unveiled its 2025 Pride Edition Sport Band for the Apple Watch, now available at Apple Store locations across the United States and select international markets. This release is part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to supporting and honoring the LGBTQ+ community through innovative design and technology.
Design and Availability
The 2025 Pride Edition Sport Band is priced at $49 and is offered in three sizes: 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm. Each band is meticulously hand-assembled using a compression-molded technique that incorporates multi-colored stripes, ensuring that no two bands are identical. This unique design approach symbolizes the individuality and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.
Complementary Digital Features
Accompanying the new band, Apple has introduced the Pride Harmony watch face and dynamic wallpapers for iPhone and iPad. These digital features are designed to enhance the user experience by reflecting the vibrant colors and spirit of the Pride movement.
– Pride Harmony Watch Face: This watch face displays bold, animated rainbow stripes that dynamically move to form hour numerals when the wrist is raised, providing both functionality and a visual celebration of Pride.
– Animated Wallpapers: The iPhone and iPad wallpapers feature rainbow stripes that shift and rearrange based on device interaction, such as motion, locking, and unlocking. These subtle shifts in color and pattern offer a personalized and engaging user experience.
These digital features are available through the latest software updates: watchOS 11.5, iOS 18.5, and iPadOS 18.5. Users are encouraged to update their devices to access these new features and benefit from the latest security enhancements included in the updates.
Apple’s Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community
Apple’s dedication to supporting the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond product design. The company has a history of contributing financially to various LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, including the Equality Federation Institute and GLSEN. These contributions aim to promote equality and support initiatives that make a positive impact within the community.
Historical Context of Apple’s Pride Edition Releases
Apple’s tradition of releasing Pride Edition products began in 2016, with each year’s design reflecting the evolving symbols and colors associated with the LGBTQ+ movement. Previous editions have included:
– 2024 Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop: This band featured a fluorescent design inspired by multiple pride flags, with a laser-etched lug reading PRIDE 2024. The accompanying Pride Radiance watch face and wallpapers showcased beams of light that reacted in real-time to user movements.
– 2023 Pride Edition Sport Band: This design integrated a joyful rainbow of geometric shapes on a white base, symbolizing the strength and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community. The matching watch face and iOS wallpaper featured colorful shapes that responded to user interactions.
– 2022 Pride Edition Sport Loop: Utilizing a comfortable and adjustable Sport Loop design, this band revealed the word pride woven directly into the band, inspired by the original hello greeting displayed on the first Macintosh in 1984. The color gradient incorporated original rainbow colors along with those representing various pride flags.
Encouraging User Engagement
Apple encourages users to express their support for the LGBTQ+ community by incorporating these Pride-themed products and digital features into their daily lives. By wearing the Pride Edition Sport Band and utilizing the matching watch face and wallpapers, users can showcase their solidarity and celebrate the diversity and strength of the community.
Conclusion
The release of the 2025 Pride Edition Sport Band and its complementary digital features underscores Apple’s ongoing commitment to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Through thoughtful design and meaningful contributions, Apple continues to promote inclusivity and equality, encouraging users to join in the celebration of Pride Month and beyond.
