The tech giant has introduced a new Apple Watch Pride band every year since 2016 in support of Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community. The latest Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop includes more colors than just the rainbow stripes, which Apple said represents “the diverse and multiracial activists” that “have been at the heart of this community from the start.” Apple said the black and brown colors in the new band symbolize Black and Latinx communities, and those who have passed away from or are living with HIV/AIDS. The light blue, pink, and white colors represent transgender and nonbinary individuals. “On many fronts, Apple supports the ongoing and unfinished work of equality for diverse and intersectional communities, and we want to provide every opportunity to celebrate and honor this history during Pride season,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in the company’s announcement. Apple added that it is continuing to financially and directly support LGBTQ+ organizations, including Encircle, Equality North Carolina, Equality Texas, Gender Spectrum, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Transgender Equality, PFLAG National, SMYAL, The Trevor Project, and ILGA World internationally. In February, the company announced a $1 million contribution to Encircle, which provides therapy, community groups, and programs for LGBTQ+ youth. In addition to the Apple brand watchband, the company also announced a Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop band, created in the original six colors of the rainbow and made of reflective yarn for those who run, cycle, or walk at night. Both bands are available to order starting Monday. Apple’s Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop costs $99, and the Nike band is $49. In addition to the bands, Apple also will have a 2021 Pride watch face to match the Braided Solo Loop. Apple said the watch face would be available in an upcoming software update. Apple’s releases come just in time for Pride Month, which has taken place every June to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which began on June 28, 1969.
