Apple Watch band adapters are already seeking crowdfunding

BY Killian Bell

Published 20 Mar 2015

Adappt-Apple-Watch

Its propriety band connector means that you can’t just combine Apple Watch with any old watch strap, but several third-party accessory makers are looking to change that with the introduction of affordable band adapters, which are already seeking crowdfunding.

The Click and the Adappt are two of the adapters you can currently support right now, and their aim is simple: they slide into the Apple Watch using the same connector official straps use, but they have pins that allow you to connect almost any 22mm watch strap.

The Click comes in four different finishes to match the Apple Watch options, and will be compatible with different pin styles, including spring bars, T-bars, and quick release bars, MacRumors reports. Its makers will also be offering leather bands to go with it.

“Until now, there has been no affordable way to customize the bands on your Apple Watch,” reads the Click’s Kickstarter description. “We want you to be able to express yourself in every situation, because you shouldn’t have to change for your watch; your watch should complement you.”

The Adappt is very similar; it allows Apple Watch to be paired with traditional watch straps using conventional pins, and it can also be coupled with Adappt’s own straps made of rubber, leather, and metal.

If you’re an early backer of the Adappt on Indiegogo, you’ll pay as little as $7 for the plastic adapter, and you can get it with a plastic band for as little as $9. If you want the gold plated Adappt, however, that’ll cost you $290, while the 18-karat gold model is $3,450.

If you prefer the Click, prices start at $12 on Kickstarter for early backers, and for that you can choose your finish.

Both of these adapters are prototypes for now; they’ll need to be perfected once the Apple Watch is made available on April 24. Click is expected to begin shipping in May, while the Adappt will begin shipping in June.

Accessories like these could quickly become the most popular Watch add-ons as adopters look for cheaper alternatives to Apple’s own straps. And if that’s the case, you can expect to see a whole lot more of them in the near future.

[via MacRumors]