Will Apple patent kill 3d party bands?

[Bifurcated]

Apple awarded patent for watch straps.

Will this kill the third party band market? Are those click people in violation? It's not obvious that the connectors are covered by the patent - maybe just the straps?

Any lawyers or lawyer-wannabees on the forum?

 

[kch50428]

3rd party manufacturers can simply buy a license to produce bands... Just like they do now for thousands of other aftermarket accessories...

 

[Bigeric23]

I'm going to stick with Apple bands, but I know lots of people are looking forward to third-party bands. So I hope no issues arise with these aftermarket bands.

 

[Bifurcated]

3rd party manufacturers can simply buy a license to produce bands... Just like they do now for thousands of other aftermarket accessories...

Hmm, the word "simply" is a pretty big word. Consider for example that Apple has refused to license the MagSafe connector, meaning that nobody has been able to legally produce chargers for MacBooks. They have even sued a company that recycled existing MagSafe connectors into a new form factor.

So if Apple genuinely owns the strap connector, I think we can forget about cheap 3d party straps.

 

[Ledsteplin]

Monowear (kickstarter) is hoping to offer leather and metal bands for $80.

https://www.kickstarter.com/project...ange-a-band-for-every-occasion?ref=nav_search



Sent from my ancient but trustworthy iPhone 5. ☮

 

[Flow39]

I hope they don't, but I usually stick to Apple accessories and cases anyway.

 

[Ledsteplin]

I hope they don't, but I usually stick to Apple accessories and cases anyway.

I would prefer Apple accessories, but I ain't rich. I could do $80 for a decent leather band though. $449 for the metal link is a bit much for my wallet.


Sent from my ancient but trustworthy iPhone 5. ☮

 

[kch50428]

Hmm, the word "simply" is a pretty big word.

Not really... Apple wanted to keep the MagSafe connector to itself - it didn't license it... seems simple to me... Apple will likely license their patents for 3rd parties to produce bands for Watches... but they will likely NOT license their connection mechanism to makers of other devices because they want to keep that for Apple devices...

 

[Bifurcated]

Not really...

Well, as you're fond of saying, time will tell. With luck you are correct.

 

[Flow39]

I would prefer Apple accessories, but I ain't rich. I could do $80 for a decent leather band though. $449 for the metal link is a bit much for my wallet.


Sent from my ancient but trustworthy iPhone 5. ☮

True. If I did buy another band, it'd be a sport band again most likely. The other options are too much $$$

 

[pappy53]

They should allow them, as they don't make an assortment for wrists that are more than 210mm. Oversight on Apple's part, imo.

 

[Bigeric23]

They should allow them, as they don't make an assortment for wrists that are more than 210mm. Oversight on Apple's part, imo.

I'm assuming Apple make the choice to manufacture watch bands that would fit the majority of individuals. So, yeah, third-party bands could fill the gaps.

 

[ajl]

I will definitely only buy bands from Apple. With no reason honestly, I just like the genuine feeling.


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[Bigeric23]

I will definitely only buy bands from Apple. With no reason honestly, I just like the genuine feeling.


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I feel the same way, but I can certainly see why other people would be interested.

 

[ajl]

I feel the same way, but I can certainly see why other people would be interested.

As can I. I plan on buying either the Milanese or the Leather band, and being done with it. One of those and my Sport band is more than enough for me


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[Quackinup]

As can I. I plan on buying either the Milanese or the Leather band, and being done with it. One of those and my Sport band is more than enough for me

Yeah, that's how I went, got a Milanese and a Sport. But I may but the adapters to be able to use a standard band also as a backup.

 

[Bifurcated]

For what it's worth, Peter Cohen has done a round-up on 3d party straps:

Here are the third-party Apple Watch bands | iMore

Let's see how many of them ship!

Personally I like the look of Monowear's black strap. I would bet quite a bit that MyCell's complete rip-offs will not be permitted to sell.

 

[Galley]

Appe has published a "Made for Apple Watch" third party band program.

 

[Bifurcated]

Appe has published a "Made for Apple Watch" third party band program.

...and here is iMore's take on this program:

Creating bands for the Apple Watch: Official guidelines posted! | iMore

 

[kch50428]

Hmmm... licensing 3rd party accessories... what a concept.