The 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil is dawning upon us, and various global brands are making products to celebrate the event. Apple, for one, is producing limited edition Apple Watch bands for the sporting event.
Announced in September 2014, the Apple Watch is the company's first smartwatch.
"With Apple Watch, we've developed multiple technologies and an entirely new user interface specifically for a device that's designed to be worn. It blurs the boundary between physical object and user interface," said Jony Ive, Apple's senior vice president of design. "We've created an entire range of products that enable unparalleled personalization."
The Apple wearable is available in two sizes, and customers have the option to personalize their Apple Watch with a number of available bands. Popular fashion brands such as Hermes and Coach have also partnered with Apple and produced straps for the Apple Watch. A wide variety of third-party options are also available on the market to suit personal taste and preference.
Now, with the Olympics attracting many sports enthusiasts, Apple is trying to capitalize on the popularity of the event with the launch of new bands for the Apple Watch.
The bands are based on the national flag of 14 countries, including the United States, the UK, the Netherlands, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Jamaica, Canada, China, Brazil, Australia, Germany and France.
GQ has posted images of national flag-themed Apple Watch bands for all of these countries.
Trayvon Bromell, a sprinter for Team USA, was spotted wearing an American national flag-themed band for his Apple Watch. He also posted an image of the band on Twitter.
Ready for rio ! pic.twitter.com/p8PKJ3o5Fs
— IamTrayvonBromell (@TrayvonBromell) July 21, 2016
Reports suggest that the patriotic Apple Watch bands are made from different types of nylon sourced from the U.S. Each band is woven precisely so that it features different color compositions on both sides. The loop of individual bands is also designed to match the theme of the band.
The limited edition band for the Apple Watch will be available for 329 Brazilian Real (approx. $101).
Many customers would be willing to pay more than $100 for the band but availability is an issue. The limited edition bands for the Apple Watch will be sold only in the Apple Store at VillageMall in Barra da Tijuca in Rio. It remains to be seen if the company launches the limited edition bands in other locations once the 2016 Olympics kicks off on Aug. 5.
