A recent study has raised an alarming concern regarding the fluoroelastomer bands that come with Apple’s smartwatches. These bands may contain harmful substances known as PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been linked to various health risks. As a result, Apple is facing a class action lawsuit over its use of these so-called “forever chemicals.” Although Apple has defended the safety of its bands, the situation raises an important question: Should consumers continue wearing bands that might contain potentially harmful chemicals?
In light of this, I decided to explore and test a range of alternative materials for Apple Watch bands that might offer safer options. Whether you’re concerned about harmful substances or simply curious about your choices, here’s a breakdown of the materials I tried out.
Silicone and fluoroelastomer are both synthetic elastomers, but silicone is generally considered a safer material. Silicone is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and is commonly used in everything from baby bottle parts to medical devices. It’s an excellent choice for watch bands due to its durability and comfort.
I particularly appreciate silicone bands for fitness tracking. They are flexible, stretchable, and easy to clean after a sweaty workout. I wore one during yoga and weightlifting, and it was comfortable throughout. It provides enough stretch to stay snug without feeling too tight, making it ideal for a range of physical activities.
However, one challenge with third-party silicone bands is ensuring that the material listed is indeed legitimate. For example, Apple’s Solo Loop band is made from liquid silicone rubber and offers a perfect fit, especially with its unique loop-style design. This feature surprised me with its comfort. The band’s lightweight nature prevents it from feeling bulky on the wrist.
Another great option for fitness enthusiasts is nylon. Like silicone, nylon bands are lightweight, flexible, and comfortable, making them suitable for all types of activities. However, nylon has one drawback: it takes much longer to dry compared to silicone. After swimming, I noticed that the wet band felt uncomfortable on my wrist, and washing it took some time to dry.
Nylon bands often come in trendy color combinations or patterns, adding a bit of flair to your watch. One example is the Starlight design, which is stylish and modern. Many nylon bands come with Velcro closures, which can be noisy when adjusting, especially in quiet environments. Despite this, nylon bands are highly breathable, making them great for sleep tracking. You can also find braided loop-style designs that offer a more refined look.
If you’re aiming for a more sophisticated look, metal bands are a top choice. While they may be heavier and less comfortable for intense activities, they offer superior durability. Metal bands are less likely to show wear and tear, such as scratches, compared to other materials. I found that the premium feel of a metal band was perfect for formal occasions like dinners.
Additionally, metal bands come in various price points, making them accessible for different budgets. However, if you’re going for an affordable option, I recommend sticking with silver bands, which tend to maintain their appearance over time.
Among metal bands, I particularly enjoyed the mesh-style design, which uses a magnetic closure. This design is adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit. However, when purchasing a mesh band from a third-party vendor, be sure to read customer reviews, especially regarding the strength of the magnet. The last thing you want is for your watch to fall off unexpectedly.
For those who prefer a more traditional style, adjustable link-style bands are available. Although I’ve found these types of bands to be a bit pinchy on the skin, many users enjoy their versatility and durability.
Leather bands offer a timeless and elegant aesthetic. Depending on the quality of the leather, these bands can either be soft and supple or require a break-in period. For those who prefer a vegan option, synthetic leather is also available.
Although leather bands look attractive and stylish, I’ve found that they don’t hold up as well as other materials. They tend to trap sweat, and they are particularly vulnerable to damage from sunblock or other skincare products. Leather is also more prone to scratches, which can make it a higher-maintenance option compared to metals.That being said, I do appreciate the elegant look leather offers. It strion, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder noise at 48,000 times per second. On by default in Transparency and Adaptive Audio listening modes, Loud Sound Reduction can be helpful in a variety of loud settings. Plus, with an all-new multiband high dynamic range algorithm, sounds at live events like concerts remain even more natural and vibrant.
Hearing loss often worsens gradually, leaving many people unaware that they may be living with the condition. To give users even more insights into hearing health, Apple is introducing an intuitive, clinical-grade hearing test based on the standard clinical approach called pure-tone audiometry that users can take themselves with their AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad.
Apple“For decades, Apple has led the way in designing products for everyone and supporting users with a broad spectrum of hearing abilities,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “These features on AirPods Pro will make an impact on so many people by driving more awareness around hearing health and empowering individuals with new customisable tools to help them stay connected.”
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