Apple publishes Apple Watch band design guidelines for accessory makers
Apple on Monday posted to its website a previously unreleased document detailing Apple Watch band design guidelines for third-party manufacturers interested in making aftermarket straps for the device.
Added to Apple's Developer Resources webpage, "Band Design Guidelines for Apple Watch" (PDF link) offers an extensive overview of the stringent regulations to which third-party accessory makers must abide if they wish to market Watch-compatible straps.
The document carries a revision date of April 24, the same day Apple Watch launched worldwide.
In the document, Apple notes all band accessories must meet environmental regulations while maintaining a high level of durability as assessed by reliability tests measuring corrosion, metal purity and strength, among others. Special consideration is given to band lugs, integral components that mate straps to Watch by interfacing with Apple's proprietary magnetic attachment system.
Design specification regulations are expectedly strict. Apple notes that accessories must allow full Watch functionality, including direct access to the device's heart rate sensor, a clause that prohibits manufacturers from creating bands with magnetic charging capabilities. Cases that block transmission of Apple Pay near-field communications are likewise forbidden.
The document includes highly detailed schematics of both 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch chassis, as well as individual specifications for the magnetic band interface and lug design.
A separate download contains an Apple Watch lug Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file for mocking up designs in drafting software like AutoCAD. Apple says official Apple Watch lugs "will be available soon" the new Made for Apple Watch program.
Added to Apple's Developer Resources webpage, "Band Design Guidelines for Apple Watch" (PDF link) offers an extensive overview of the stringent regulations to which third-party accessory makers must abide if they wish to market Watch-compatible straps.
The document carries a revision date of April 24, the same day Apple Watch launched worldwide.
In the document, Apple notes all band accessories must meet environmental regulations while maintaining a high level of durability as assessed by reliability tests measuring corrosion, metal purity and strength, among others. Special consideration is given to band lugs, integral components that mate straps to Watch by interfacing with Apple's proprietary magnetic attachment system.
Design specification regulations are expectedly strict. Apple notes that accessories must allow full Watch functionality, including direct access to the device's heart rate sensor, a clause that prohibits manufacturers from creating bands with magnetic charging capabilities. Cases that block transmission of Apple Pay near-field communications are likewise forbidden.
The document includes highly detailed schematics of both 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch chassis, as well as individual specifications for the magnetic band interface and lug design.
A separate download contains an Apple Watch lug Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file for mocking up designs in drafting software like AutoCAD. Apple says official Apple Watch lugs "will be available soon" the new Made for Apple Watch program.
Comments
It doesn't look possible to prevent the sale of non-compliant watch bands on the open market. Apple can withhold a logo, but the junk makers will just ignore it.
I didn't expect this so quick. I hope Apple has good standards in place because I fear this will open the floodgates to cheap bands more so than additional high quality options.
It hasn't stopped the flood of cheap Chinese junk before. Will a consumer buying a $2 knockoff wristband result in their watch catching fire and burning their wrist off?
I didn't expect this so quick. I hope Apple has good standards in place because I fear this will open the floodgates to cheap bands more so than additional high quality options.
They probably figured it would happen either way. If they provide excellent specifications, perhaps some of those third party bands will turn out better.
I didn't expect this so quick. I hope Apple has good standards in place because I fear this will open the floodgates to cheap bands more so than additional high quality options.
The market will decide which bands win, which don't. In the end, the consumer wins by having different choices and ways to personalize their Apple Watch.
I'd be interested to see if Apple can legally enforce these specifications. Are there laws to prohibit a manufacturer to produce any accessory for any product, if it does not make that product illegal to operate? I assume these specs are required to get an "official Apple accessory" certification. Good to see that Apple sets down some guidelines, this will increase the likelihood of quality accessories.
I doubt it. Consider those tons of Chinese knockoff iPhone/iPad chargers and cables. They look like the real thing, yet have been proven time-and-time again to be an electrical hazard, blow iPhone batteries, set fire to cables, etc... Apple even offered to replace those knockoff chargers with Apple-certified ones to end the bad press back then... name another company that would do that?
And then there will be those people that will complain - as they always do about anything Apple - and say "Why should I pay $50 for that <insert Apple accessory here> when I can buy it from some obscure eBay Chinese seller for $1.99 with free shipping!!!" and then b!tch as to why their Apple product was ruined. Of course, they will blame Apple for it.
Apple won't be able to stop that.
If you don't follow the specs, you can't display "Made for Apple Watch" logo on your product. Simple as that.
Thanks. The article does not make that clear.
I didn't expect this so quick. I hope Apple has good standards in place because I fear this will open the floodgates to cheap bands more so than additional high quality options.
The market will decide which bands win, which don't. In the end, the consumer wins by having different choices and ways to personalize their Apple Watch.
Except for the fact that Apple always gets blamed when a third party accessory causes trouble, never the third party manufacturer. Like all other third party accessories buy only the Apple approved ones (Made for Apple Watch) and avoid the mall kiosk stuff.
Yes, this is for licensees. Apple has patents on their connector for the watch bands which will be ignored by knockoff manufacturers, but those interested in selling product through Apple Stores will obviously need to pay Apple and be certified.
I bought a cheap iPhone case from a mall kiosk and it's perfectly acceptable. It's worth the $5 or $8 spent.
Yes, this is for licensees. Apple has patents on their connector for the watch bands which will be ignored by knockoff manufacturers, but those interested in selling product through Apple Stores will obviously need to pay Apple and be certified.
It is not just selling through Apple Stores, but (for any country with applicable laws:) also allows Apple to take steps against vendors which attempt to sell "made for Apple Watch" accessories which are not licensed.
They'll certainly have that option, but knockoffs are almost impossible to squash. The moment almost anything comes out, there are 100 ripoff versions from China or Korea on the boat, headed for sale everywhere.
They'll certainly have that option, but knockoffs are almost impossible to squash. The moment almost anything comes out, there are 100 ripoff versions from China or Korea on the boat, headed for sale everywhere.
Oh, I know. Like playing whack-a-mole. It gives them a tool to use when applicable though.
I wonder if the manufacturers of arm band batteries will be allowed with their products on the Apple watch without ruining the warranty? I doubt it but...
This is an important piece of the puzzle. Seems pretty clear that allowing third party bands and licensing them has been in the works for some time. Apple is neatly sidestepping the PR issue of "who the hell is Apple to tell me what I can do with my watch?" Lots of interesting press haunting International Harvester on the issue (involving the software in their farm equipment.)
I wondered if Apple was going to make their bands with an ID chip (or similar) to deactivate the watch if it wasn't attached to a Apple branded band. Looks like that isn't going to happen.
Quote:
I bought a cheap iPhone case from a mall kiosk and it's perfectly acceptable. It's worth the $5 or $8 spent.
I'm not sure that apple has iPhone case attachment patents. Watch has at least a design patent on the attach mechanism. But of course, how aggressive Apple is going to be with their patent enforcement is still unknown. Doubt they are after the mall kiosks.
I wondered if Apple was going to make their bands with an ID chip (or similar) to deactivate the watch if it wasn't attached to a Apple branded band. Looks like that isn't going to happen... I'm not sure that apple has iPhone case attachment patents. Watch has at least a design patent on the attach mechanism. But of course, how aggressive Apple is going to be with their patent enforcement is still unknown. Doubt they are after the mall kiosks.
The reference to "Apple's proprietary magnetic attachment system" make me scratch my head ... is this in reference to the lugs? There is a piece of metal exposed in the center hole of the lug. Could this be a way to thwart unauthorized bands?
?I think Apple is vigilant with patent protection. Where they can easily sue, they likely do in order to protect their patents and trademarks, or risk losing them. But looking at how they have handled the lightening connector would be a good indication as to how they will handle third party bands. The key is in the marketing. Likely most Apple customers buy their accessories through the Apple Store, or Best Buy, or other Apple authorized retailer. Amazon doesn't technically sell those unauthorized Apple products from questionable Chinese vendors, so that may be how they get around allowing them to be sold through the website, and how many people are actually buying their Apple accessories that way? I'd bet less than impulse buy in a store. So getting that "made for Apple" product endorsement is a big deal for most manufacturers.
how is that fear-inducing? there is always cheap stuff available to cheap consumers.