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.
Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
In his Powe...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
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Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
"Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today.
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In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
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.
