On Thursday, ZAGG gear4 announced a line of new Apple Watch bands that are reminiscent of the Alpine Loop bands that Apple pairs as an option with its flagship Apple Watch Ultra.
Called Highland, Gear4’s new Apple Watch bands feature adjustable, dual-layer nylon braiding and aluminum hardware that looks just like the bare titanium 49mm Apple Watch Ultra case. As with the Alpine Loop, the wrist size is adjusted using a G-hook locking system.
The new straps are available in black, beige and blue, as well as in small, medium or large sizes. These are colors that Apple doesn’t offer for its own Alpine Loop strap, which only comes in star, green, or orange.
The Highland strap lug is designed to fit any 49mm, 45mm, or 44mm Apple Watch, including the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, or any older series that fits. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an option for the smaller 41mm and 40mm Apple Watch family.
One thing that makes the Gear4 Highland Apple Watch band different from the Apple Alpine Loop is the fact that it is coated with an antimicrobial coating that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria and destructive microorganisms. This seems to be a common trend in iPhone cases these days, so it’s good to see it extending to the Apple Watch, a device you’re probably sweating over all day.
In terms of price, the Gear4 hits $69.99, which is a nice discount from $99 for Apple’s Alpine Loop. By comparison, Apple uses titanium as the metal material for its straps, which is a higher quality material than the aluminum used in the Gear4.
The Highland Apple Watch Band is backed by a two-year non-transferable warranty to protect users from defects.
Do you think you will buy one of the Gear4 Highland bands for your Apple Watch? Let us know why or why not in the comments section down below.