Apple Debuts Official "Made for Apple Watch" Bands Program

Apple has just debuted an official program for third-party bands for Apple Watch. Like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, the new program is dubbed “Made for Apple Watch.” Apple is providing this set of design guidelines for accessory makers with one major caveat: “Bands must not integrate magnetic chargers.” (I wonder if this limitation applies to — or will be modified to apply to — companies making bands that charge via Apple Watch’s diagnostic ports.)

Prior to today’s announcement, many commentators, including myself, had speculated on whether Apple would allow third-party accessory makers to make bands for the Watch in the first place. It appears that they are. It’ll be interesting to see what manufacturers come up with now that they have Apple’s blessing.

Here are some of the guidelines Apple has in place for those planning to make third-party bands (via TechRepublic):

Both bands and lugs must pass a 72-hour “salt mist test” with no visible corrosion
Bands must resist a 5-20 kilogram force later slide-out force–essentially, they must stay installed in the Apple Watch even when pushed on
Bands must resist a 20 kgf pull force, the same as a diver’s watch
Bands must detach easily when the band release buttons on the Apple Watch are pressed
Bands must take into account the weight of the Apple Watch