Apple Watch Series 9 may see the return of a much-loved, long-lost strap

(Image credit: Apple)

According to a new rumor, a new watch band may launch alongside Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 when these are expected to be announced at a September event.

The upcoming wearables from Apple are only rumored to gain small speed improvements due to a new chip, alongside a new pink color for Series 9, and a black one for Ultra 2. So a new band makes sense to set these further apart from previous Apple Watch models.

This new strap is apparently going to debut “with weaved fabric materials and magnetic buckle” according to Kosutami on Twitter. It doesn’t sound too dissimilar to the discontinued Modern Buckle band that launched alongside the original Apple Watch in 2015.

So a return of an old band to launch alongside Apple Watch Series 9 may tempt a bunch of users to upgrade. Could it come in pink as well?

Getting the band back together

#Apple will release a new Watch band with weaved fabric materials and magnetic buckle (might like Modern Buckle Leather Band one) this year later with new watch. (Photo only for concept looks)#appleinternal @markgurman @URedditor @ProfessorTox pic.twitter.com/9wD75v6go5August 9, 2023

The Modern Buckle band was a great one to wear, with a muted blue color and magnetic latch that went well with every Apple Watch face and size. It was the first band to be discontinued in 2018, with no reason given by Apple. But fashions change and sometimes a design comes back into vogue.

So seeing this band return for Series 9 and Ultra 2 would be great to see. Having it appear with a choice of new colors, from pink to dark green, would be another neat touch. These would also help it match up well with the many Apple Watches that are available in 2023 - from the SE to the Ultra.

September is rumored to be a busy month for Apple, with iPhone 15 and new Apple Watches expected to be announced. So a new, returning band would be welcome for those who may not want to upgrade to the latest and greatest for now.

Daryl is iMore's Features Editor, overseeing long-form and in-depth articles and op-eds. Daryl loves using his experience as both a journalist and Apple fan to tell stories about Apple's products and its community, from the apps we use every day to the products that have been long forgotten in the Cupertino archives.

Previously Software & Downloads Writer at TechRadar, and Deputy Editor at StealthOptional, he's also written a book, 'The Making of Tomb Raider', which tells the story of the beginnings of Lara Croft and the series' early development. His second book, '50 Years of Boss Fights', came out in June 2024, and has a monthly newsletter called 'Springboard'. He's also written for many other publications including WIRED, MacFormat, Bloody Disgusting, VGC, GamesRadar, Nintendo Life, VRV Blog, The Loop Magazine, SUPER JUMP, Gizmodo, Film Stories, TopTenReviews, Miketendo64, and Daily Star.