The Apple 2022 Pride Edition watch band and matching watch face mark Apple's annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, arriving just in time for Pride Month in June. This year's launch includes two distinct band options and a new digital watch face that together offer the most expressive Pride accessories Apple has released for the Apple Watch to date.
Apple 2022 Pride Edition Sport Loop Design and Inspiration
The centerpiece of this year's release is the Pride Edition Sport Loop, which features a sweeping color gradient and the word "Pride" woven directly into the band using a new textile technique. Apple partnered with members and allies of the LGBTQ+ creative community within the company to shape the visual language of the design. Drawing on a cursive style inspired by the original "Hello" shown on early Apple displays, the lettering is rendered by removing select double-layer nylon textile loops — giving the word a textured, tactile quality rather than a printed or embroidered finish. The result is a lightweight, breathable, and durable Sport Loop that carries its message as part of its very structure.
Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop and Campaign
Alongside the standard Sport Loop, Apple is releasing the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop, offered at the same price point. This band pairs the Pride color treatment with Nike's perforated sport loop construction, targeting fitness-focused Apple Watch wearers. The Nike variant is also coming soon to nike.com in addition to Apple's own channels. Complementing both bands, Apple has launched a new Shot on iPhone Pride campaign on Instagram, shining a spotlight on the work of artists and figures from within the global LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing that the Pride Edition is as much a cultural statement as a hardware accessory.
Pricing, Availability, and Compatibility
Both the Pride Edition Sport Loop and the Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop are priced at $49 (approximately ₹3,799). They went on sale via Apple.com and the Apple Store app on May 25, with in-store availability at Apple Store retail locations beginning May 26. Critically, both bands are compatible with any Apple Watch model, so existing owners do not need to upgrade their watch hardware to wear the new bands.
Pride Watch Face Requirements
Apple is also releasing a dedicated Pride watch face to pair with the new bands. The watch face became available for download on the same day as the bands, May 25. To run it, users need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.6, paired with an iPhone 6S or later running iOS 15.5. The watch face is a free download and does not require purchasing either band, though the two are designed to complement each other visually.
Why It Matters
Apple has released a Pride Edition band every year as a visible expression of its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. The 2022 edition raises the bar with its woven-text construction technology, which is a first for the line. Combined with the Shot on iPhone campaign and the Nike collaboration, the 2022 Pride Edition represents Apple's broadest Pride effort to date. Fans of Apple Watch accessories and supporters of LGBTQ+ visibility alike will find plenty to appreciate in this year's release.
