Apple Solo Loop: Older textile watch bands can stretch out
Older bracelets that Apple sold for 100 euros do not retain their shape. The problem seems to be solved in newer versions.
Solo Loop bracelets from Apple: The Black Unity from 2022 and the Pride from 2021 give way relatively quickly.
(Image: Apple)
The so-called Braided Solo Loops are very comfortable for Apple Watch users: The braided bands are made of a soft textile material and you can simply slip into them without having to fiddle with an opening mechanism. To ensure the Solo Loops fit, you check the size beforehand: Apple sells a total of 13 different variants, for 42 and 46 mm watches. At almost 100 euros each, however, the bracelets are not a bargain. It is all the more annoying that users report stretched-out bands after (somewhat) longer use: The integrated stretch material seems to lose tension, in individual cases even breaking at the attachment area with the computer watch (although the latter is documented for the silicone variant, not the braided one).
Sensors no longer work properly
The problem could also be confirmed in the Mac & i editorial office: The Pride Solo Loop from 2021 and the Black Unity Solo Loop from 2022 were affected. Both bracelets were worn irregularly and always handled gently when slipping them on – the stretching became apparent after the bands were checked after a longer period of non-use. In practice, this means that the bracelets lengthen by several sizes, so that the watch wobbles on the wrist – heart rate and blood oxygen measurement are no longer possible in a meaningful way.
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On Reddit, a case is described where the band length increased significantly after seven months of wear. Apple will likely exchange the bracelets at least within the scope of the 24-month EU warranty, but anyone who contacts support later will have to rely on the company's goodwill. Since the range of Apple Watch accessories changes regularly, it may also be that no replacement model is available. This applies in particular to the popular Pride and Black Unity variants, which Apple releases anew each year.
Has Apple fixed the problem?
The resistance to stretching is likely directly related to the textile material used by Apple. According to Apple, it is made from “16,000 threads of recycled polyester yarn” woven with a “high-precision braiding machine” around “extremely thin silicone fibers.” The bracelet is then “precisely cut with a laser for a perfect fit.” Obviously, the silicone fibers lose their elasticity after some time.
Interesting: Apple's latest Braided Solo Loop, the Black Unity variant from the 2026 vintage, seems less familiar with this issue in this form. At least initial tests suggest this: One person who wore the bracelet every day continuously since January reported no stretching at all – at least so far. A Black Unity band in the Mac & i editorial office, which was also used intensively for several months, still fits like on the first day. Apple does not provide any information about a material change, but the description of the bracelet no longer includes the mention of 16,000 threads of recycled polyester yarn. Instead, there is no number there anymore.
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