Apple Watch bands and accessibility

Apple Watch bands and accessibility

With the Apple Watch, accessibility is built into more than just the software — it's in the bands as well.

While it has a bevy of software-based accessibility features, the Apple Watch also offers significant hardware accessibility as well. Whether it was intentional or just the result of good, usable design being accessible, there are several Apple Watch bands especially that are exceptionally easy to put on and adjust. Steven Aquino, writing for MacStories:

Putting on my Apple Watch with the Milanese Loop for the first time felt like drinking a tall glass of water on a scorching hot day; it was so refreshing. There was no struggle, no frustration, no proliferation of unfit-to-write-here cuss words coming out of my mouth, nothing. Putting it on was a breeze, and most importantly, I could do it on my own.

The only bands I've tried thus far have been the Sport band and Milanese Loop. That said, it's my opinion that Apple's magnetic bands are the most accessible for those with fine-motor problems. They're the easiest to get on without fumbling, and they effectively fasten themselves. I highly recommend them, even to those with no dexterity troubles.

My mother, whose arthritis has led to problems putting on jewelry, felt very much the same. She ordered a leather loop band because of how easy it was to put on and adjust. Even the modern buckle, which is adjusted like a buckle but closes with magnets, was appealing to her.

So, intentional or serendipitous, it's another feature that makes the Apple Watch valuable.

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