Apple Watch gets 14 flag-inspired Olympic bands

OREANDA-NEWS. July 25, 2016.  Apple has cooked up a new way for you to show support for your national team at the upcoming Olympic games in Rio -- by creating dedicated Apple Watch bands inspired by a selection of flags.

But there's a catch -- they're only available in Brazil.

Set to go on sale at the Apple Store at VillageMall in Barra da Tijuca in August for 329 reals (\\$100, ?75 or AU\\$135 converted), the straps are designed to represent the flags of 14 major competitors in the games. The US, Australia Great Britain all get their own straps, as well as the Netherlands, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Jamaica, Canada, China, Germany, France and hosts Brazil.

Most people will have to wait for theirs, but it looks like Team USA sprinter Trayvon Bromell has already got his. Athlete perks, most likely.

Ever since Apple introduced its tech-first timepiece last year, personalization has been high on its list of priorities. It also helped the company set itself apart from other players in the field, most of which only offered minimal options for customization.

Earlier this month the company also released a special rainbow strap to employees celebrating Pride. The reaction online saw demand for the straps beyond the small group that received them, however, just as the new Olympic straps will likely be hankered after by Apple Watch users outside of Brazil.