Apple has issued a set of guidelines for third-party companies wanting to create their own bands for the Apple Watch.
Third-party watchbands were previously available for purchase, but they were not approved by Apple itself. Along with the posting comes a new initiative called "Made for Apple Watch," which is essentially Apple's stamp of approval for third-party manufacturers who create watchbands that follow Apple's guidelines.
The new guidelines are important for developers to follow if they want to create bands for the device. Apple has promised that users will be able to easily swap out bands on the Apple Watch, but the sizing and design is propriety, meaning that users won't be able to swap out a band with any generic band that they can buy at a store.
The guidelines include the use of Apple Watch Lugs, which essentially secure the band to the Apple Watch body itself. The company says that these lugs will be available for purchase in the near future.
Apple also includes specific guidelines about how the sensors need to be in contact with the skin in order to work properly.
"Bands must not prevent the user's skin from maintaining direct contact with the Apple Watch heart rate sensors and back of Apple Watch, and must incorporate sufficient margin to compensate for shifting or dimensional changes of the band material," says Apple. "Failure to do so may interfere with Apple Watch wrist detect and Apple Pay features."
Apple has introduced other "made for" programs in the past with devices like the iPod and iPhone, ensuring that developers follow Apple's standards when it comes to manufacturing accessories for Apple products. Apple also requires that manufacturers meet certain guidelines as far as the environment goes.
Apple's new guidelines do not mention the hidden diagnostics port found under the watch band connection point, a port that one manufacturer, which is called Reserve Strap, is taking advantage of to charge the device. Reserve Strap is essentially making a band that includes a small battery that can charge the Apple Watch through the diagnostics port.
Apple, of course, offers a selection of six bands it makes for the Apple Watch, with a selection of colors and options for each type.
Apple Watch users have recently complained of skin irritation when it comes to the band of the device, with Apple responding by posting a support document for those who might have skin problems with the device.
