The Apple Watch Solo Loop sizing effectively maps to the holes of the Sport Loop, according to John Gruber. The distance between the holes in every Apple Watch Sport Band is reportedly exactly the same as the distance between the 12 sizes of Solo Loops on Apple's measuring tool.
All Apple Watch Sport Bands have seven holes. For the 38mm or 40mm band, the S/M band corresponds to the Solo Loop sizes of one to seven, and the M/L band corresponds to the Solo Loop sizes of four to 10. For the 42mm or 44mm band, the S/M band corresponds to the Solo Loop sizes of three to nine, and the M/L band corresponds to the Solo Loop sizes of six to 12. Gruber writes:
A few people have wondered why Apple doesn't just map fluoroelastomer Sport Band sizes to Solo Loop sizes. I can see why Apple doesn't do that — they can't assume everyone already has access to an Apple Watch with a Sport Band, and even for people who do have access to one, Apple can't assume it's the right size watch (38/40mm vs. 42/44mm). And to further complicate matters, each Sport Band comes with two sizes for the side with the holes: "S/M" and "M/L." So that's four separate mappings from Sport Band holes to the new Solo Loop sizes.
The below image shows size mapping for two 40mm Apple Watch Sport Bands, with S/M and M/L sizes.
The following image shows size mapping for two 44mm Apple Watch Sport Bands, also with S/M and M/L sizes.
The news that it is possible to match Solo and Braided Loop sizing to the Sport Band will reassure many existing Apple Watch users who have been concerned about sizing issues and the potential need for an inconvenient return.
Regarding Apple's measuring tool, Gruber points out that "I think you're supposed to use the tool to precisely measure the circumference of your wrist, not to simulate the circumference of what you think would be a comfortable watch band," and he believes this may be the result of much of the discontentment about Solo Loop sizing.
The process for this thing is way too complicated, especially right now.
Beyond that, he's probably correct that this was intended as a wrist-measurement tool and that people are (understandably, but probably incorrectly) using this instead to interpolate what they believe a correct band size will be. In short, there's almost certainly a communication failure at work here.
I can confirm that this is true for me. I got a size 7 band that fits perfectly, and I’ve always used the second hole (from tightest) on my sport bands. (44mm)
What a great idea to release a brand new product in 12(?) brand new sizes while stores are closed so that basically no one can try them on either.. Guess the delivery people won't be out of a job anytime soon at least :)
Monday September 21, 2020 3:26 pm PDT by Juli Clover
With the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple introduced two new band options, the Solo Loop and the Braided Solo Loop. These new bands are unique because they have no clasps, buckles, or other fasteners, and instead use a stretch design to allow them to pull onto the wrist over the hand.
Because these bands are not adjustable, Apple sells each one in nine different sizes to make sure each person...
Friday October 16, 2020 7:14 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
When Apple announced Apple Watch Series 6 in September, it also introduced new Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands in various colors, but the availability of PRODUCT(RED) variants of both bands was delayed until October. Stock has now arrived, however, and Apple's PRODUCT(RED) Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop for Apple Watch can be ordered today from Apple's online store for $49 and $99,...
Today we're tracking a pair of deals on the Apple Watch Series 6 that are left over from Amazon's Memorial Day deals this past weekend. To start, you can get the 40mm GPS Apple Watch Series 6 for $329.00, down from $399.00, in the (Product)RED color option. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment,...
Apple today released new Pride Edition versions of the Braided Solo Loop and Nike Sport Loop for the Apple Watch, while a matching Pride Woven watch face will be available in a future software update (likely watchOS 7.5, which is currently in beta).
One interesting tidbit shared in the announcement is that, for the first time, Apple will be including a scannable App Clip code on the...
We're only a few days away from Memorial Day in the United States on Monday, May 31, and numerous retailers have opened up major discounts on Apple products as we head into the long weekend. Below you'll find markdowns on Apple's AirPods, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may...
Anker today is introducing a new set of gallium nitride (GaN) USB-C chargers that offer fast charging speeds for mobile devices in a design that's smaller than ever. The new Nano II line is available in 30W, 45W, and 65W versions, and Anker says it has improved the chips and internal layout of its chargers to deliver greater efficiency while generating less heat.
The 30-watt charger measures ...
Apple has new band styles for the Apple Watch out today, called the Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop. In the details on each band's store page, Apple points out that these bands are aimed at the Apple Watch Series 4 and later watches.
The reason for this is because these new bands come in eighteen different size options. Apple gives customers a printable tool to find their perfect fit for the ...
Thursday April 15, 2021 7:22 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently announced that it will be hosting a virtual event on Tuesday, April 20, and alongside new products like an iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display, new colors are expected for iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands.
Twitter user "Tommy Boi" recently shared a photo of some of the allegedly new colors, including Cantaloupe, Pistachio, Capri Blue, and Amethyst (from left to right).
The...
Nomad today announced updated versions of its Titanium and Steel Bands for the Apple Watch (42mm or 44mm sizes only). The company said that the new versions of its existing accessories include multiple improvements that result in a lighter metal band that retains its durability.
Other improvements include new custom 316L stainless steel lugs, 100% color matched to the rest of the band. Nomad ...
Along with new Apple Watch and new iPad models announced today, Apple has released a collection of new bands and cases on Apple.com.
To start, Apple is selling the new Solo Loop for $49.00 in Pink Citrus, Deep Navy, Cyprus Green, Ginger, (PRODUCT)RED, Black, and White. This band comes in eighteen total size options for an "ultracomfortable" fit, since it lacks any traditional buckle or...
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Beyond that, he's probably correct that this was intended as a wrist-measurement tool and that people are (understandably, but probably incorrectly) using this instead to interpolate what they believe a correct band size will be. In short, there's almost certainly a communication failure at work here.