Don't like the stainless steel or leather band that accompanies the Apple Watch? Fret not as now you will be able to create bands for the Apple Watch.
On Monday, May 4, Apple debuted "Creating Bands for Apple Watch" a new developer site that provides design guidelines for third-party companies who are looking to create Apple Watch bands.
The guidelines from Apple are a part of its "Made for Apple Watch" program and it gives the requirements that third-party band creators need to achieve so as to get the necessary certification to sell compatible bands for the Apple Watch on their own.
So if you're keen on creating bands for the Apple Watch here is the criteria you need to meet:
1. The band should be capable of withstanding a salt mist test that lasts 72 hours.
2. The band should not integrate magnetic chargers.
3. The band should detach swiftly from the Apple Watch when the band release buttons are pressed, as well not obstruct the device's heart rate sensor so that it can function properly.
4. The band should take into consideration the weight of the Apple Watch.
5. The band's material should be compliant with environmental regulations in the countries they will be sold.
6. The band should not interfere with any functionalities of the Apple Watch.
Moreover, Apple asserts that the third-party bands should be designed in such a manner that they fit into the lugs that secure the band to the wearable.
Per Apple "Bands for Apple Watch must integrate two lugs that mate with the Apple Watch Band Interface." Moreover, the guidelines also assert that these lugs should be able to "lock into the band mating slot with a 'lug latch' feature that prevents accidental removal of the band."
Apple also has specific materials that can be deployed to create lug latches and lugs. The lugs can be created from a particular nylon, silicone or stainless steel, whereas the latches can only be crafted out of stainless steel or nylon.
For those interested in the "Made for Apple Watch" program, the guidelines are available [pdf] online.
