February marks Black History Month, and every year since 2021, Apple has released a special-edition Black Unity watch band to celebrate this month. For 2024, Apple released its second Sport Band as part of its Black Unity Collection, and it’s called “Unity Bloom,” which features a creative arrangement of flowers with different colors that represent Black Unity. Without further ado, here’s a first look at the newest addition to the watch band collection.
When I held the packaging box for the first time, the texture felt different than the usual smoother texture of the paper used in the packaging of other Apple watch bands. I’m willing to guess the use of the more natural (rougher) paper-like material has a more eco-friendly manufacturing process. In addition to that, on the back of the package, you’ll find a note that asks you to recycle. I’ve never seen that in any of the packages for other watch bands. That should help not only the environment but also help Apple to recycle that material for packaging other Apple products.
Once you open up the package, you’ll be greeted with the usual stuff. However, one thing you won’t find is an App Clip sticker that allows you to quickly add the complimentary watch face to match a specific watch band. Something you won’t find in any normal watch band is a special pamphlet that explains Apple’s initiative. The pamphlet reads:
This special edition watch band celebrates the beauty of Black unity.
Its floral design symbolizes the growth and resilience nurtured by generations working together to address injustice and dismantle systemic barriers.
Rooted in the values of truth, power, and solidarity, this band and the accompanying Apple Watch face signify a lasting commitment to the pursuit of a more equitable world. One where everyone blooms.
Designed by Black creatives and allies at Apple.
If you look at the band itself, you’ll find on the back of the band the words “Black Unity.” Additionally, on the back of the stainless-steel pin, you’ll find the words “Truth, Solidarity, Power”, which surround a flower emblem that vary from band to band. So if you pick up a Unity Bloom band, chances are that the flower emblem may be different than the one shown here.
I also bought the original Black Unity Sport Band from 2021 for comparison, which Apple continues to sell to this day. If you look closely, Apple even updated the package design for that band as well. Both of the Sport Bands in the Black Unity Collection feature strikingly fun designs that celebrate the heritage of Black History Month. You really can’t go wrong with either of them.
Apple has designed four watch bands for its Black Unity collection, and it still sells them to this day:
- Black Unity Sport Band (2021) – $49
- Black Unity Solo Loop (2022) – $99
- Black Unity Sport Loop (2023) – $49
- Black Unity Sport Band – Unity Bloom (2024) – $49
You can order any of these bands at Apple’s website. Below is a gallery for a closer look at the Unity Bloom Sport Band. If you enjoy our content, make sure to follow @Appleosophy for more articles to come.
