Apple Now Selling 'Made for Apple Watch' Lugs for Third-Party Bands - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Now Selling 'Made for Apple Watch' Lugs for Third-Party Bands

Apple has begun selling official Apple Watch lugs through authorized distributor Avnet that may only be used in third-party bands that adhere to the company's Band Design Guidelines for Apple Watch. Apple-designed stainless steel lugs are each marked with "Made for Apple Watch" laser etching to verify their authenticity.

apple_watch_lug
The stainless steel lugs are available in 38mm and 42mm sizes and are compatible with all Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition models. However, at the time of publication, Space Gray, Space Black, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold lugs are not listed for sale.

Apple has published Apple Watch Lug Assembly Guidelines that provide accessory makers with step-by-step instructions and a list of required tools for assembly, including a Pentalobe 1.1 screwdriver bit and clamping device. The document also outlines proper screw installation for the lugs.

Avnet is selling Apple Watch lugs in sets of 25 or 200 in both 38mm and 42mm, with prices ranging between $278.75 and $1,866.00 per package and between $9.18 and $11.33 per individual set. The distributor is also selling the Pentalobe 1.1 screwdriver bit required for lug assembly for $12.65. All prices are listed in U.S. dollars.

Apple Watch Lugs - 38mm (25 sets)

  • Price Per Unit: $11.15 USD

  • Package Price: $278.75 USD

    Apple Watch Lugs - 38mm (200 sets)

  • Price Per Unit: $9.18 USD

  • Package Price: $1,836.00 USD

    Apple Watch Lugs - 42mm (25 sets)

  • Price Per Unit: $11.33 USD

  • Package Price: $283.25 USD

    Apple Watch Lugs - 42mm (200 sets)

  • Price Per Unit: $9.33 USD

  • Package Price: $1,866.00 USD

    Avnet currently estimates a shipping lead time of 2 weeks for all lug sets and pentalobe screwdriver bits. Opening a commercial account with Avnet is required to complete the ordering process. Avnet's customer service team will contact customers within 24-48 business hours to complete the ordering process.

    Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
    Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
  • Popular Stories

    earth day 2025 apple watch

    Apple Watch Earth Day and International Dance Day Activity Challenges Launching Later This Month

    Tuesday April 14, 2026 12:00 pm PDT by
    Apple has two new Apple Watch activity challenges coming up, celebrating Earth Day and International Dance Day. The Earth Day activity challenge will launch on Wednesday, April 22, while the Dance Day challenge will take place a week later on Wednesday, April 29. To complete the Earth Day challenge, Apple Watch owners will need to complete a workout that lasts for 30 minutes or longer. This ...
    apple watch series 11 spring

    Apple Stores Will Soon Be Able to Restore Apple Watch Software In-House

    Wednesday April 15, 2026 5:36 pm PDT by
    Apple retail locations and Apple Authorized Service Providers will soon be able to restore Apple Watch software in-store without needing to send an Apple Watch to a service center, according to a retail source that spoke to MacRumors. Right now, Apple Watches that can't be restored using an iPhone need to be mailed to an Apple Repair Center for service. There is no in-store repair option, so ...
    youtube iphone apple watch health ad 2026

    New Apple Ad Sells the iPhone and Apple Watch Health Pairing

    Thursday April 23, 2026 11:18 am PDT by
    Apple has published a new ad to appeal to customers in the market for an iPhone and Apple Watch pairing, highlighting the insights it can offer for your health. Titled simply "Health with iPhone + Apple Watch," the half-minute ad focuses on a woman waiting in line at a cafe who begins receiving unsolicited health and fitness advice from other people in the queue, as well as local residents,...

    Top Rated Comments

    Buschmaster Avatar
    138 months ago
    So we have to spend $280 on 25 of them if we want any at all.. And this is why people buy third party.
    I miss the thumbs down button...
    Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
    138 months ago
    Still no space grey? Man, us SG users are getting screwed with the Apple Watch.
    Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
    Jeremy1026 Avatar
    138 months ago
    Really? $280 for 25 of them? And this is why people buy third party.
    These are for wholesale purchases. So Store A buys 25 sets of them, at $11.20 each, and will then sell to the consumer at ~$20 each. These are actually pretty decent prices.
    Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
    TechZeke Avatar
    138 months ago
    The lack of reading comprehension and common sense in this thread is disturbing...
    Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
    138 months ago
    Goodbye Click!
    Nice almost knowing you.
    Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
    138 months ago
    I imagine Apple will eventually carry these in store.
    For the DIY band market? It really seems like people are missing the boat on this article. This isn't for the regular customer... Or are we missing something?
    Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)