Apple launches host of new Watch bands and faces to ‘show love of country’ ahead of Olympics

(Apple)

Apple has revealed a huge number of new straps and faces for its Watch ahead of the Olympics.

The company is selling 22 new versions of its “Sport Loop” bands that come in the colours of a range of countries. Each of them also comes with a matching face so that the screen and the band show the same colours.

The company did not mention the Olympics specifically, but all of the bands feature countries that are likely to be prominent at the games, and Apple said that the bands had been launched to “celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans”.

Apple has sold special badges for the Olympics before, though never made them as widely available. In 2016 it sold flag-themed bands but they were only available at one Apple Store in the host country of Brazil.

It has commemorated other events with its own badges, including annual Pride-themed collections.

The bands cost $49, Apple said, and come in both sizes for the Watch. The company refers to the set as the “International Collection” and they are available on its website.

(Apple)

The packaging includes special “App Clip” functionality that means they can be scanned to download the matching face. But unlike other watch straps – such as those from Hermès – anyone can download the faces, whether or not they have paid for the strap, and they will be available through Apple’s website.

The bands and their associated watchfaces are available for Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.