Apple Braided Solo Loop review: I loved the fit and performance, but the high price was an instant turn-off
Apple Braid Solo Loop Review
I keep apple Putting the Braided Solo Loop through its paces to see how well it compares to the sport strap I included apple watch. At first everything was rosy (with a little help from gorgeous magenta), and I felt ready to give the Apple Braided Solo Loop a dazzling review. But then I saw the price.
The Apple Braided Solo Loop is priced at US$99/£99/AU$149 on Apple’s official website. I know big brands like Apple sell enough of their products that they have access to higher quality materials and more sustainable production processes which warrants them charging a premium, but at least in my opinion a price of £99 at least It’s a small price. – The small strap feels a bit forced. I was further convinced when I discovered that the 80% recycled stainless steel Apple Milanese Loop band was priced the same, even though it used what I imagined would be a more expensive material.
I love this nifty tool on Apple’s website that gives me step-by-step instructions for measuring my wrist to make sure I order the correct band size. I can confirm that the Apple Braided Solo Loop I received is a perfect size and sits comfortably on my wrist. However, one small problem with this tightness and lack of adjustability is that the squeeze causes a slight bulge in the skin on the sides, which isn’t the most appealing look.
As the name suggests, the Apple Braided Solo Loop consists of a continuous braided band made from 16,000 filaments of recycled polyester yarn woven around ultra-fine silicone threads, making the band stretchy enough to slip on. In my hand without losing its structure once in place it wraps around my slimmer than average wrist. While I’m dissatisfied with the cost, I have to commend Apple for its sustainable practices here. The band is said to be carbon neutral, using 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn and 80% recycled stainless steel, using clean Energy manufacturing.
The Apple Braided Solo Loop is compatible with 40, 41 and 42mm Apple Watch models, with ten strap lengths to choose from. It’s waterproof and sweatproof and has so far proven to be breathable enough, unlike my previous silicone strap which I had to take off and dry after every skincare routine because it never dried on its own .
In short, I’m a big fan of the Apple Braided Solo Loop and support Apple’s approach to sustainability, but its cost has proven to be a big turnoff for me – especially considering its price Only 10 pieces of a quarter of the Apple Watch series, including silicone strap. That being said, if you consider this before buying an Apple Watch, you can save around $50 if you choose the Apple Braided Solo Loop as part of your first Apple Watch purchase. Percentage, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind.
If you’d like to check out other Apple Watch band options, we’ve got a bunch of options in our guide The best Apple watch straps.
Apple Braided Solo Loop review: Price and specs
| price | US$99/£99/AU$149 |
| Material | 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn, 80% recycled stainless steel |
| Available strap sizes | 0-10 |
| Compatible with | 42, 44, 46 mm |
| resistance | sweat and water |
| sustainable development | Yes |
