To celebrate February’s Black History Month, Apple is introducing this year’s Black Unity Collection featuring a special edition Sport Loop for select Apple Watch models as well as new curated collections and content for multiple iOS platforms.
The 2023 Black Unity sports ring made of intricately woven threads spelling out the word “Unity” using the same red, green and black colors to reflect the Pan African flag; Similar to last year’s show. The bracelet comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, which can fit “Apple Watch SEAnd Apple WatchSeries 4 or newer f [the] Apple Watch Ultra (45mm range only). Apple Watch and iPhone owners can also download the matching Pan-African watch face and phone wallpaper sometime next week. However, both designs require their devices to run watchOS 9.3 and iOS 16.3; both have not been officially released as of this writing. Both are currently in beta.
Given the software requirements, Apple is likely hinting that both iOS 16.3 and watchOS 9.3 are launching sooner than expected. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the update is supposed to be released between February and March. We asked Apple if watchOS 9.3 and iOS 16.3 launch next week to coincide with the Black Unity Collection. This story will be updated if we hear back.
On the other hand, the Sport Loop is currently available on the Apple online store for $49. Or, if you prefer to purchase in person, you can purchase the band at select Apple Store locations beginning January 2
new content
In terms of new content, Apple has teamed up with the Smithsonian to create a series of guides to Apple Maps highlighting key moments in the civil rights movement from the past century or so. Each guide covers a specific time period and the events that occurred. For example, file 1960-1978 fragment Speaking of Martin Luther King Jr., instead Directory 1980-2020 More contemporary history touches like Black Lives Matter.
Apple Fitness Plus subscribers will get new episodes of Time to Walk and Time to Run on January 30th. For the first episode, the episode will feature famous R&B singer Patti LaBelle who will give some information about her life and family. Time to Run’s content is a quick showcase of the music and artists from South Los Angeles who have “helped put West Coast hip-hop on the map”.
Most curated collections are just that; A collection of content centered around black artists. For example, Apple Books will enhance the Read More Black Authors group with the goal of connecting readers (and audiobook listeners) of books “across genres.” Apple Music has updated the For us, by us Playlist to house more songs based on “resilience and resistance”.
Apple Podcasts will highlight shows that talk about how black media in general affects the world; However, you will have to wait a bit before you can listen. This collection will be launched on February 1st.
Going back to iOS 16.3, which we mentioned earlier, there is an important fix arriving in this update. Addresses the random green and yellow lines that flash across the iPhone screen when booting up. Apparently, this is caused by the Home app. Make sure you check out TechRadar coverage Somewhat annoying problem.
