Apple introduced the “AirTag 2” alongside the release of this year’s “Black Unity” Apple Watch band, continuing a tradition that began five years ago.
For Black History Month in 2021, Apple made a significant impact by launching the Black Unity Sport Band and the first limited-edition Apple Watch model. The company also organized various activities, including a Unity Activity Challenge on the Apple Watch, themed workouts on Apple Fitness+, and a Time to Walk session hosted by Ibram X. Kendi focusing on racial justice and resiliency.
Apple extended its support by featuring curated content on platforms like the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, and more to showcase Black-owned developers, artists, books, films, and podcasts. The company also offered guides in Apple Maps to help users locate and support Black-owned businesses, along with virtual Today at Apple sessions and a Shot on iPhone campaign highlighting Black photographers.
In the following years, Apple gradually scaled back its Black History Month initiatives. The Black Unity Collection in 2022 featured a Unity Sport Loop and matching wallpapers, but subsequent years saw a reduction in offerings. This year, Apple’s Black Unity release consists of the Black Unity Braided Solo Loop without any accompanying watch faces or wallpapers.
While previous limited-edition bands from Apple typically included custom watch faces, this year’s release focuses solely on the Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop. Despite the absence of additional digital content, the band aims to support under-resourced communities worldwide.
Apple supports organizations that foster connection and creativity in under-resourced communities globally, including grants to various institutions and initiatives.
Apple
Aside from product releases, Apple has made substantial contributions to social causes through its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, committing over $200 million to programs supporting education and economic opportunities for underprivileged communities.
The Unity Connection Band, designed by Black creatives and allies at Apple, features the colors of the Pan-African flag woven with recycled polyester yarn filaments around silicone threads.
The Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop is available for purchase on the Apple Store website and will soon be available in physical Apple Store locations. It is compatible with all current and past Apple Watch models, with a preference for the Series 4 or later due to the fit of the Solo Loops.
Over the Years: Apple Watch Black Unity Collections
| Year | Collection Theme | Primary Accessory | Matching Watch Face |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Original Unity | Sport Band + Limited Edition Watch | Unity |
| 2022 | Unity Lights | Braided Solo Loop | Unity Lights |
| 2023 | Unity Mosaic | Sport Loop | Unity Mosaic |
| 2024 | Unity Bloom | Sport Band | Unity Bloom |
| 2025 | Unity Rhythm | Sport Loop | Unity Rhythm |
| 2026 | Unity Connection | Braided Solo Loop ($99) | None |
