UPDATEJanuary 26, 2022
Apple spotlights Black voices during Black History Month
Apple invites customers to celebrate Black History Month with a special focus on Black health and wellness through a variety of exclusive content and collections across products and services.
In celebration of Black History Month, Apple is spotlighting Black business and innovation, and amplifying Black voices with a variety of exclusive content and curated collections. Throughout the month, users can listen to special episodes of "The Message" on Apple Music 1 that discuss Black creators' contributions to culture and the importance of health and wellness in the community; join new workouts that honor Black History Month on Apple Fitness+; discover new podcasts from Black creators about health, well-being, culture, and history on Apple Podcasts; and much more. Starting today, customers can also enjoy a special edition Unity Lights watch face and order the new Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop.
Apple Music
Apple Music is launching a campaign around the theme Music is Healing. Special episodes of "The Message" on Apple Music 1 will feature in-depth conversations between Ebro Darden, Apple Music's head of Hip-Hop and R&B editorial, and guests. The radio episodes will contextualize contemporary issues around Black health and wellness, and highlight the historical perspective, achievements, and contributions that Black people have made to culture. Music programming on the Apple Music Browse, Genre, and Radio pages will highlight various interpretations around the themes of Movement, Black Love, Celebration, and Peace. Apple Music TV will also have full-day takeovers of music videos inspired by the campaign.
Apple Music is launching special episodes of "The Message," featuring Ebro Darden, head of Hip-Hop and R&B editorial, and guests to discuss issues around Black health and wellness, and highlight the historical perspective, achievements, and contributions that Black people have made to culture.
Apple Fitness+
To support users on their health and well-being journey, Fitness+ will feature new workouts that pay tribute to Black History Month, including playlists dedicated to celebrating Black artists, as well as two new meditations led by Fitness+ trainers Christian Howard and JoAnna Hardy, focused on the themes of gratitude and awareness. Throughout the month, users will also have the opportunity to participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award, by closing their Move ring seven days in a row. The inclusive Fitness+ trainer team will also be wearing the new Apple Watch Unity band to celebrate Black History Month.
On February 7, Fitness+ will also release a new episode of Time to Walk, an inspiring audio experience on Apple Watch, featuring activist Ayọ Tometi, one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. On this walk, she talks about how the murder of Trayvon Martin deepened her commitment to activism, and why changing her name altered her outlook on life. That same day, Time to Run, an audio running experience designed to help users become more consistent and better runners, will introduce a new episode featuring Fitness+ trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm, as he coaches runners through Atlanta, Georgia, with notable sights such as the Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.
Beginning February 7, Fitness+ users can enjoy a new inspiring Time to Walk episode featuring activist Ayọ Tometi, one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Apple Podcasts
On Apple Podcasts, listeners can browse a vast catalog of shows from Black creators and about Black history, health, well-being, and culture. Apple Podcasts has also invited seven revelatory, would-be history-makers in podcasting to share their critically acclaimed work alongside episodes that inspire them. Listeners in the US can explore curated collections from bestselling author, professor, and social commentator Roxane Gay; food writer, entrepreneur, and founder of Whetstone Magazine Stephen Satterfield; former basketball player and sports TV personality Jay Williams; artist and poet Morgan Harper Nichols; founder of the Well-Read Black Girl reading network Glory Edim; and the founders of the financial literacy and lifestyle brand Earn Your Leisure, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings.
  • The Surviving and Thriving Apple Podcasts art.
  • A portrait of author Roxane Gay.
  • A portrait of food writer Stephen Satterfield.
  • A portrait of Jay Williams.
  • A portrait of artist and poet Morgan Harper Nichols.
  • A portrait of "Well-Read Black Girl" podcast host Glory Edim.
  • A portrait of podcast hosts Rashad Bilal to the right of Troy Millings.
Apple Podcasts offers listeners a vast catalog of shows from Black creators and about Black history, health, well-being, and culture.
Bestselling author, professor, and social commentator Roxane Gay hosts "The Roxane Gay Agenda," available with a subscription to the Luminary channel on Apple Podcasts.
Food writer and entrepreneur Stephen Satterfield is the founder of Whetstone Magazine, home to four new podcasts, including "Spirit Plate," "Fruit Love Letters," "Bad Table Manners," and "Climate Cuisine."
Dive into deep conversations about faith, vision, and grit with Gabrielle Union, Charlamagne Tha God, Maverick Carter, and more on "The Limits with Jay Williams" from NPR.
Artist and poet Morgan Harper Nichols interviews storytellers on finding meaning and peace in life and work on "The Morgan Harper Nichols Show."
Glory Edim invites you to the Literary Kickback on "Well-Read Black Girl" from Pushkin Industries, featuring Anita Hill, Zeba Blay, Min Jin Lee, Tarana Burke, and more.
Rashad Bilal (right) and Troy Millings offer listeners a pop culture-infused, tuition-free business course about the sports and entertainment industries with "Earn Your Leisure."
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Apple Watch
Apple is launching a special edition Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch face inspired by Afrofuturism, a philosophy that explores the Black experience through a narrative of science, technology, and self-empowerment. As part of this launch, Apple is supporting organizations focused on advancing inclusion in science and technology for communities of color through its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.
Designed by members and allies of the Black creative community at Apple to celebrate Black history and culture, the Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch face honors generations of Black people across the African diaspora. This design symbolizes a communal belief in the necessity for a more equitable world. The vibrant red and green colors of the Pan-African flag appear like speckled light across the black band.
The band is complemented by the Unity Lights watch face, which is designed using 2D ray tracing, a technology never before implemented for a watch face. Each pixel on the screen simulates the light and shadow falling across it and the movement of the clock hands simultaneously reveal and hide the light, changing dynamically throughout the day. The Unity Lights watch face can be customized to be a full screen or circular dial, and includes a black and white option, tick marks, up to four complications, and a monogram. iPhone, iPad, and Mac users can also show their support for Black History Month by downloading Afrofuturism-inspired wallpapers available at apple.com.
  • The new Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop band and Unity Lights watch face.
  • The Unity Challenge award.
  • The Apple Watch Unity Challenge 2022 sticker.
  • The Apple Watch Unity Challenge heart sticker.
  • The Apple Watch Unity challenge sticker depicting fingers snapping.
  • The Apple Watch Unity Challenge shaking hands sticker.
The Black Unity Braided Solo Loop band is created by weaving together 16,000 recycled yarn and silicone threads using advanced precision-braiding machinery, for an ultra-comfortable, custom fit.
Throughout February, Apple Watch users can participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
Throughout February, Apple Watch users can participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
Throughout February, Apple Watch users can participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
Throughout February, Apple Watch users can participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
Throughout February, Apple Watch users can participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
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App Store
The App Store is spotlighting a full range of apps that are enabling Black health and wellness in all areas of life, from financial to physical and mental well-being. Apple's global editorial team will feature inspiring stories on apps, developers, and influential voices empowering safe environments for Black communities. Among those individuals and apps are Black-owned apps like Irth that provide maternal health resources to Black women; outdoor and nature apps like AllTrails, Merlin Bird ID, and Nike Run Club, that are enabling solidarity among members of the Black community through fitness, nature, and collective self care; three bold content creators who are using Clubhouse, the social audio app, to level the playing field and raise one another up; and games like "Insecure: The Come Up Game" - inspired by the widely celebrated HBO series "Insecure."
Users can visit the App Store to discover a full range of apps that are enabling Black health and wellness in all areas of life.
Apple Books
Apple Books is focusing on Black health and wellness by highlighting authors - like Harriet A. Washington and Alex Elle - who tackle these multidimensional themes. With collections that explore their work, and other features recommending works by Black writers across a variety of genres, Apple Books will offer readers and listeners diverse perspectives on the richness of Black expression and experience.
  • The Black History Month hub in Apple Books displayed on iPhone 13 Pro.
  • The Book Store in Apple Books displayed on iPhone 13 Pro.
Readers and listeners can explore Black authors and diverse perspectives across a variety of genres on Apple Books.
Readers and listeners can explore Black authors and diverse perspectives across a variety of genres on Apple Books.
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Apple Maps
Apple Maps users can learn about Black history or discover Black-owned businesses through curated Guides. For users interested in expanding their knowledge of Black history, Discover Atlanta features Famous Auburn Avenue Black History Sites, National Park Foundation highlights National Parks that Honor Black History, The Philadelphia Inquirer gives users a way to Discover Philly's anti-slavery sites, and Tinybeans outlines spots to learn about Black history throughout Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Maps also helps users support Black-owned businesses with Guides from Complex celebrating Black-Owned Streetwear & Sneaker Stores; EatOkra, featuring food guides from Carla Hall, KJ Kearney, and Pierre Thiam; and The Infatuation highlighting Black-owned restaurants in cities like Chicago, Miami, and Philadelphia.
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer guide in Apple Maps displayed on iPhone 13 Pro.
  • The Complex guide to black-owned businesses in Apple Maps displayed on iPhone 13 Pro.
In Apple Maps, users can discover Black-owned businesses or learn more about Black history in their communities with curated guides created in collaboration with The Philadelphia Inquirer, EatOkra, Complex, and The Infatuation.
In Apple Maps, users can discover Black-owned businesses or learn more about Black history in their communities with curated guides created in collaboration with The Philadelphia Inquirer, EatOkra, Complex, and The Infatuation.
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Apple TV App
The Apple TV app will feature guest-curated collections by prominent Black creators and stars - including Tiffany Haddish, Mekhi Phifer, Natasha Rothwell, Sam Richardson, and more - who've shared what they watch to unwind. Viewers can also explore a spectrum of mood-based collections ranging from rest and romance to deep contemplation, as well as collections centered on wellness, spirituality, and faith.
Users can watch guest-curated collections by prominent Black creators and stars who've shared what they watch to unwind, as well as collections centered on wellness, spirituality, faith, and more.
Apple News
Throughout the month of February, Apple News readers and listeners are invited to dive deep into the important work of today's top Black journalists. Audiences can explore expert reporting and analysis on the Black experience through curated collections, audio stories, and episodes of Apple News Today, a daily audio briefing from Apple News available each weekday morning.
  • The Smithsonian in Apple News displayed on iPhone 13 Pro.
  • The Atlantic in Apple News displayed on iPhone 13 Pro.
  • Wired in Apple News displayed on iPhone 13 Pro.
Apple News is offering readers and listeners curated collections, audio stories, and episodes of Apple News Today that highlight today's top Black journalists, and expert reporting and analysis on the Black experience.
Apple News is offering readers and listeners curated collections, audio stories, and episodes of Apple News Today that highlight today's top Black journalists, and expert reporting and analysis on the Black experience.
Apple News is offering readers and listeners curated collections, audio stories, and episodes of Apple News Today that highlight today's top Black journalists, and expert reporting and analysis on the Black experience.
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Shot on iPhone
Apple's latest Shot on iPhone campaign, "Our Stories," features portraits and video of four pioneers who are at the nexus of Black history - from an athlete, to a costume designer, a music executive, and a Michelin-starred chef. Each individual shares stories about their inspiration, life's work, and philosophy.
Pricing and Availability
  • The Black Unity Braided Solo Loop is available now on apple.com and in the Apple Store app, and will be available in select Apple Store locations beginning Tuesday, February 1 for $99 (US).
  • The Black Unity Braided Solo Loop is compatible with Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 or newer.
  • The Unity Lights watch face will be available today and requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.3, and iPhone 6s or later running iOS 15.2.
  • The Apple Watch Black Unity packaging, Apple Store locations, and Apple Store app will feature App Clip functionality for customers to easily download the watch face, or customers can download from apple.com.
  • Fitness+ is available as a subscription service for $9.99 (US) per month or $79.99 (US) per year.
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    January 26, 2022

    UPDATE

    Apple spotlights Black voices during Black History Month

    In celebration of Black History Month, Apple is spotlighting Black business and innovation, and amplifying Black voices with a variety of exclusive content and curated collections. Throughout the month, users can listen to special episodes of "The Message" on Apple Music 1 that discuss Black creators' contributions to culture and the importance of health and wellness in the community; join new workouts that honor Black History Month on Apple Fitness+; discover new podcasts from Black creators about health, well-being, culture, and history on Apple Podcasts; and much more. Starting today, customers can also enjoy a special edition Unity Lights watch face and order the new Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop.

    Apple Music

    Apple Music is launching a campaign around the theme Music is Healing. Special episodes of "The Message" on Apple Music 1 will feature in-depth conversations between Ebro Darden, Apple Music's head of Hip-Hop and R&B editorial, and guests. The radio episodes will contextualize contemporary issues around Black health and wellness, and highlight the historical perspective, achievements, and contributions that Black people have made to culture. Music programming on the Apple Music Browse, Genre, and Radio pages will highlight various interpretations around the themes of Movement, Black Love, Celebration, and Peace. Apple Music TV will also have full-day takeovers of music videos inspired by the campaign.

    Apple Fitness+

    To support users on their health and well-being journey, Fitness+ will feature new workouts that pay tribute to Black History Month, including playlists dedicated to celebrating Black artists, as well as two new meditations led by Fitness+ trainers Christian Howard and JoAnna Hardy, focused on the themes of gratitude and awareness. Throughout the month, users will also have the opportunity to participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award, by closing their Move ring seven days in a row. The inclusive Fitness+ trainer team will also be wearing the new Apple Watch Unity band to celebrate Black History Month.

    On February 7, Fitness+ will also release a new episode of Time to Walk, an inspiring audio experience on Apple Watch, featuring activist Ayọ Tometi, one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. On this walk, she talks about how the murder of Trayvon Martin deepened her commitment to activism, and why changing her name altered her outlook on life. That same day, Time to Run, an audio running experience designed to help users become more consistent and better runners, will introduce a new episode featuring Fitness+ trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm, as he coaches runners through Atlanta, Georgia, with notable sights such as the Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

    Apple Podcasts

    On Apple Podcasts, listeners can browse a vast catalog of shows from Black creators and about Black history, health, well-being, and culture. Apple Podcasts has also invited seven revelatory, would-be history-makers in podcasting to share their critically acclaimed work alongside episodes that inspire them. Listeners in the US can explore curated collections from bestselling author, professor, and social commentator Roxane Gay; food writer, entrepreneur, and founder of Whetstone Magazine Stephen Satterfield; former basketball player and sports TV personality Jay Williams; artist and poet Morgan Harper Nichols; founder of the Well-Read Black Girl reading network Glory Edim; and the founders of the financial literacy and lifestyle brand Earn Your Leisure, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings.

    Apple Watch

    Apple is launching a special edition Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch face inspired by Afrofuturism, a philosophy that explores the Black experience through a narrative of science, technology, and self-empowerment. As part of this launch, Apple is supporting organizations focused on advancing inclusion in science and technology for communities of color through its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.

    Designed by members and allies of the Black creative community at Apple to celebrate Black history and culture, the Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch face honors generations of Black people across the African diaspora. This design symbolizes a communal belief in the necessity for a more equitable world. The vibrant red and green colors of the Pan-African flag appear like speckled light across the black band.

    The band is complemented by the Unity Lights watch face, which is designed using 2D ray tracing, a technology never before implemented for a watch face. Each pixel on the screen simulates the light and shadow falling across it and the movement of the clock hands simultaneously reveal and hide the light, changing dynamically throughout the day. The Unity Lights watch face can be customized to be a full screen or circular dial, and includes a black and white option, tick marks, up to four complications, and a monogram. iPhone, iPad, and Mac users can also show their support for Black History Month by downloading Afrofuturism-inspired wallpapers available at apple.com.

    App Store

    The App Store is spotlighting a full range of apps that are enabling Black health and wellness in all areas of life, from financial to physical and mental well-being. Apple's global editorial team will feature inspiring stories on apps, developers, and influential voices empowering safe environments for Black communities. Among those individuals and apps are Black-owned apps like Irth that provide maternal health resources to Black women; outdoor and nature apps like AllTrails, Merlin Bird ID, and Nike Run Club, that are enabling solidarity among members of the Black community through fitness, nature, and collective self care; three bold content creators who are using Clubhouse, the social audio app, to level the playing field and raise one another up; and games like "Insecure: The Come Up Game" - inspired by the widely celebrated HBO series "Insecure."

    Apple Books

    Apple Books is focusing on Black health and wellness by highlighting authors - like Harriet A. Washington and Alex Elle - who tackle these multidimensional themes. With collections that explore their work, and other features recommending works by Black writers across a variety of genres, Apple Books will offer readers and listeners diverse perspectives on the richness of Black expression and experience.

    Apple Maps

    Apple Maps users can learn about Black history or discover Black-owned businesses through curated Guides. For users interested in expanding their knowledge of Black history, Discover Atlanta features Famous Auburn Avenue Black History Sites, National Park Foundation highlights National Parks that Honor Black History, The Philadelphia Inquirer gives users a way to Discover Philly's anti-slavery sites, and Tinybeans outlines spots to learn about Black history throughout Los Angeles, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Maps also helps users support Black-owned businesses with Guides from Complex celebrating Black-Owned Streetwear & Sneaker Stores; EatOkra, featuring food guides from Carla Hall, KJ Kearney, and Pierre Thiam; and The Infatuation highlighting Black-owned restaurants in cities like Chicago, Miami, and Philadelphia.

    Apple TV App

    The Apple TV app will feature guest-curated collections by prominent Black creators and stars - including Tiffany Haddish, Mekhi Phifer, Natasha Rothwell, Sam Richardson, and more - who've shared what they watch to unwind. Viewers can also explore a spectrum of mood-based collections ranging from rest and romance to deep contemplation, as well as collections centered on wellness, spirituality, and faith.

    Apple News

    Throughout the month of February, Apple News readers and listeners are invited to dive deep into the important work of today's top Black journalists. Audiences can explore expert reporting and analysis on the Black experience through curated collections, audio stories, and episodes of Apple News Today, a daily audio briefing from Apple News available each weekday morning.

    Shot on iPhone

    Apple's latest Shot on iPhone campaign, "Our Stories," features portraits and video of four pioneers who are at the nexus of Black history - from an athlete, to a costume designer, a music executive, and a Michelin-starred chef. Each individual shares stories about their inspiration, life's work, and philosophy.

    Pricing and Availability

    • The Black Unity Braided Solo Loop is available now on apple.com and in the Apple Store app, and will be available in select Apple Store locations beginning Tuesday, February 1 for $99 (US).
    • The Black Unity Braided Solo Loop is compatible with Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 or newer.
    • The Unity Lights watch face will be available today and requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.3, and iPhone 6s or later running iOS 15.2.
    • The Apple Watch Black Unity packaging, Apple Store locations, and Apple Store app will feature App Clip functionality for customers to easily download the watch face, or customers can download from apple.com.
    • Fitness+ is available as a subscription service for $9.99 (US) per month or $79.99 (US) per year.

    Press Contacts

    Makeda Bell

    Apple

    makeda_bell@apple.com

    (669) 218-1558

    Lance Lin

    Apple

    lance_lin@apple.com

    (408) 974-5036

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    (408) 974-2042

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Press Contacts

Makeda Bell

Apple

makeda_bell@apple.com

(669) 218-1558

Lance Lin

Apple

lance_lin@apple.com

(408) 974-5036

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com

(408) 974-2042

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Apple Inc. published this content on 26 January 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 26 January 2022 14:05:42 UTC.