Apple already offers a number of “Made for” certification programs for its iPhones, iPads and iPods that let third-party manufacturers offer Apple-approved accessories by meeting its specification guidelines. The company yesterday expanded this program to include one for the Apple Watch. The “Made for Apple Watch” is specifically geared at third-party watch bands.
Apple Watch bands are easily changed with simple release buttons and lugs that secure the band to the Apple Watch case. When creating your custom bands, refer to the band design guidelines and lug profile. Apple Watch lugs will be available soon through the Made for Apple Watch program.
Like many other smartwatches and traditional watches, Apple Watch straps are interchangeable thanks to retractable lugs. Apple will provide to program participants both lugs as well as the ability to manufacture them themselves as long as they adhere to the standards it outlines.
Among the specifications that Apple outlines are ones to ensure that the strap will fit well on the wrist to ensure that the heart sensor will work correctly (something it does not always do for people with wrist tattoos) as well as environmental regulations and even one that prohibits the integration of magnetic chargers.
We’ve already seen a range of third-party watch bands and accessories but now manufacturers will be able to offer them with Apple’s blessing.
Source : Apple