Image via Apple
February is Black History Month, and Apple is focusing its many channels to celebrate the time. The Cupertino-company issued a press release last week, announcing several initiatives.
On Apple Music, episodes of the show “The Message” on the station Apple Music 1 will have Ebro Darden and guests contextualizing “contemporary issues around Black health and wellness,” and highlighting cultural achievements and contributions of Black people. Lots of playlists and music programming to check out as well, throughout the month.
Apple Fitness+ “will feature new workouts that pay tribute to Black History Month, including playlists dedicated to celebrating Black artists…” There will also be a couple of special meditations, dedicated episodes of “Time to Walk,” and “Time to Run,” and the Unity Challenge, about which I told you last week. That’s the one that awards animated stickers for Messages and a virtual medallion for closing your Move ring seven days in a row.
The company is apparently curating a special section of Apple Podcasts, dedicated to Black history. Similarly, Apple says Apple Books “is focusing on Black health and wellness by highlighting authors (…) who tackle these multidimensional themes.” The company says the “App Store is spotlighting a full range of apps that are enabling Black health and wellness in all areas of life, from financial to physical and mental well-being,” including Black-owned apps like Irth and AllTrails. Apple Maps is using its curated Guides to help people learn about locations significant to Black history, as well as find Black-owned businesses. The Apple TV App will feature “guest-curated collections by prominent Black creators and stars.” Apple News will highlight work by Black journalists.
And would it be a thing without something to sell? According to the press release:
Apple is launching a special edition Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch face inspired by Afrofuturism, a philosophy that explores the Black experience through a narrative of science, technology, and self-empowerment.
The Unity Lights watch face is beautiful. It’s available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later, and it’s free. Apple has similarly inspired wallpapers for iPhone, iPad, and the Mac available at apple.com/watch.
The Black Unity Braided Solo Loop is far from free. It’ll run buyers $99. Sales start Tuesday 1 February “in select Apple Store locations,” according to the release. They are also available to order now on Apple’s site.