Apple Watch gets 14 flag-inspired Olympic bands - CNET

Apple has cooked up a new way for you to show your support 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 $49 (329BRL), the straps are designed to represent the flags of 14 major competitors in the games. Both the US and the UK get their own straps, as well as the Netherlands, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, Jamaica, Canada, China, Australia, Germany, France and 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, personalisation 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 customisation.

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.