Apple Launches Black Unity Collection Featuring Limited-Edition Timepiece

Black History Month has grown over the years, and with the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 and calls for better representation and increased inclusivity, celebrations this year would certainly be different. Apple seems to understand this, and its decision to launch the Black Unity Collection lends credence to this assertion.

The Limited-edition Black Unity Apple Watch 6.
The Limited-edition Black Unity Apple Watch 6. Image courtesy of Apple

Apple says that the collection includes a limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6, the Black Unity Sport Band, and a Unity watch face. The Apple Watch Sport Band and Apple Watch face were designed by “members of the Black creative community and allies throughout Apple…to honor the ongoing fight for racial justice”, with the Black Unity Sport Band sporting the laser-engraved words “Truth. Power. Solidarity” on its interior stainless steel fastening pin.

Close up of the fastening pin of the Black unity sports band
The fastening pin of the Black Unity sports band feature laser-engraved words. Image courtesy of Apple

Both the timepiece and band come with a black, green, and red striped band and face, meant to reflect the Pan-African flag: “red for the blood that unites people of the African Diaspora and was shed for their liberation, black for the people whose existence is affirmed by the flag, and green for the vibrant natural wealth of Africa, the Motherland.”

The Unity watch face displays an ever-changing pattern
The Unity watch face displays an ever-changing pattern that dynamically shifts as the timepiece moves, creating a unique face for everyone. Image courtesy of Apple

The Unity watch face was made available to the general public from the 26th of January as part of watch OS 7.3, while the limited-edition Watch Series 6 Black Unity and the Black Unity Sport Band will be available starting February 1 at Apple. The band will remain on sale all year, but the watch as a whole will only be sold in February. Prices start at $399 with the band sold separately for $49.

Apple Watch users can participate in a new Unity Activity Challenge
Apple Watch users can participate in a new Unity Activity Challenge and earn the limited-edition award. Image courtesy of Apple

The Black Unity Collection is only a part of other initiatives Apple has lined up for Black History Month. There is the App Store Black History Month Hub, which will spotlight Black-owned businesses, developers, entertainment and gaming apps, and social justice apps; Apple Maps Guides created in collaboration with EatOkra that would highlight local, black-owned restaurants; a collection of curated films and TV shows on the Apple TV app that “…honour Black families”; a new collection of Black authors and narrators on Apple Books, and, a collection of themed workouts featuring all Black artists on Apple Fitness+, amongst others.

Source: Apple