Popular accessory company Nomad has released a new range of premium Apple Watch bands made from hydrophobic leather and designed for "heavy everyday use."
The new Active Straps are water and sweat-resistant, and feature ventilation channels on the underside of the leather to ensure the bands remain comfortable and breathable during workouts.
Nomad says the bands are "built for sport," but the look is more formal than sporty, and the bands can be rinsed with water after a workout so they're ready to wear for a night out.
The new Active Strap Apple Watch bands are available in both black and mocha leather, and customers also have the option to choose between black hardware and silver hardware on the stainless steel accents.
The Active Strap is available for 42mm and 44mm Apple Watch models, in one size that fits wrists ranging from 150mm to 210mm. The Active Strap costs $69.95 and can be ordered on Nomad's website from today.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Nomad. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie.
"Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by Juli Clover
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do.
The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up.
Upgraded Architecture
The next-generation...
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld.
The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld.
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future.
To set up the...
New MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could arrive as soon as Monday, March 2, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In today's "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the release of new MacBook Pro models is tied to the release of macOS Tahoe 26.3. The launch is said to be slated for as early as the week of March 2. He added that the M4 Pro and M4 Max models on sale today...
The best one for myself is Nike Sport Band. Dries quick cause holes and odor free. Nike Sport Loop is easier to adjust, but Nike Sport Band reigns supreme imho.
I wouldn’t expect this to feel exactly like leather, especially given the texture and form that is visible on the inside the band. I wouldn’t even care if this wasn’t real leather, either. Durability and high quality materials (including no weird/harmful chemicals) are what I would want from a waterproof watch band at this price.
I think the band’s rectangular shape looks far better on the Apple Watch than the rounded off bands I see everywhere. I’ve (personally) been tired of Apple’s rounded off corners for years now. The iPhone 5 was the best example of minimal design. It was thin, could be easily gripped due to its “chamfered edges” and was far sleeker than the current “flattened tampon” design that’s been Apple trademark for, what, seven or more models now?
Anything to offset the mashed cookie dough look of the Apple Watch is a step forward, IMO.
For those who want a nice leather band that feels, wears, smells, etc. like leather, you can always chose to use more than one band. As long as these watches require daily fiddling with chargers and the like, why not take another 30 seconds and change the band to fit whatever you’re doing?
Meh. I prefer to have materials that an animal wasn't killed for. Or at least not during this millennia.
The best one for myself is Nike Sport Band. Dries quick cause holes and odor free. Nike Sport Loop is easier to adjust, but Nike Sport Band reigns supreme imho.
I agree, except that I feel that the Nike Sport Bands run tighter than the regular Sport Bands.
