Apple marks Black History Month with Unity Connection Watch band

Apple has announced a new Apple Watch band to mark Black History Month, continuing its Unity collection. The Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop captures the colours of Pan-African flag and themes of community and connection.

The band will be available to order immediately and will arrive in Apple Store locations later this week, priced at ₹9,500 in India. It is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and later, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra models (46mm band only), and comes in 42mm and 46mm case sizes across a wide range of band fits.

The design was developed by Black creatives and allies within the company. The braided strap features red, green and black yarns — colours long associated with Pan-African identity — woven using recycled polyester filaments around silicone threads. The result is a textured band that is sweat- and water-resistant, with subtle variations in colour intended to add visual depth rather than a single flat finish.

Alongside the product launch, Apple said it is extending financial support to several organisations working in creative and educational spaces, particularly in under-resourced communities. The recipients include youth and arts-focused groups in the US, the UK, Australia and Mexico.

The Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop follows earlier Unity-themed Apple Watch bands released in previous years, which have similarly coincided with Black History Month. While these releases are limited to accessories rather than new hardware, they have become a regular part of Apple’s seasonal product cycle, combining design updates with statements about culture, representation and inclusion. As with past Unity collections, the new band fits within Apple’s wider accessories lineup.

The month of February is designated as Black History Month, honouring African Americans’ contributions to our history and culture. What began as a week initiated by Carter G. Woodson and his founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History‘s (ASALH) in 1926 was expanded to a full month in the 1970s.