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A new sport band, the “Pride Luminance” watch face and matching wallpapers: Apple is launching its annual Pride collection – and noticeably changing the format.
Right on schedule for the start of May, Apple unveiled its new Pride Collection 2026. The pattern has been the same for years: In the lead-up to Pride Month in June, Apple releases a matching Apple Watch band, a coordinating watch face, and wallpapers for iPhone and iPad. This year, however, Apple is focusing much more on a colorful, woven look – and combining the Sport Band with a watch face that Apple offers in two geometric variations. The timing of the release also aligns with recent announcements from Cupertino. Just recently, a new “Pride Luminance” watch face was revealed for the upcoming watchOS 26.5 update. reported. That's now official.
The new Pride Edition sports armband in detail
The centerpiece of the collection is the new Pride Edition Sport Band. This time, Apple has opted for a woven nylon yarn that represents a rainbow of eleven colors. The colors blend seamlessly into one another thanks to the special weave, creating a sense of depth and movement. Visually, this makes the band appear significantly more vibrant than classic striped designs. Apple describes the result as a full spectrum of colors intended to reflect the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.
The band is available for order starting today via apple.com/de and the Apple Store app, and will be available in Apple Stores and at authorized retailers starting at the end of this week. The price is €49 including VAT. The Pride Edition is available in three sizes: 40 mm, 42 mm, and 46 mm.
Pride Luminance: The new dial in two versions
The new "Pride Luminance" watch face is a perfect visual match for the band. Apple offers it in two geometric patterns: A radial version positions the color rays to align with the hour markers. The second, vertical version adopts the band's striped pattern and transfers it to the Apple Watch display. The colors react dynamically to movement and light.
Apple also emphasizes that the watch face isn't static. Users of the Pride Luminance watch face can customize it – including additional color options – to tailor the design to their personal style. This continues Apple's tradition of developing the Pride band and watch face together in previous years – as seen most recently with the 2021 Pride bands and watch face, and the 2022 Pride Edition.
iPhone and iPad wallpapers as a third building block
For the first time, the collection is being extended to iPhone and iPad in this form. Apple is releasing matching wallpapers that echo the design principles of the watch band. Here, too, the colors are customizable, allowing the three devices—Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad—to create a cohesive look. Apple is promoting the set as a complementary, deliberately dynamic design.
Availability: These software updates are needed
While the watch band is available for immediate order, the availability of the watch face and wallpapers depends on upcoming software updates. Apple explicitly states that Pride Luminance will only appear in the watch face gallery once watchOS 26.5 is released. The same applies to the wallpapers, which require iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5.
The timing is perfect: iOS 26.5 is just around the corner. Apple has already completed the beta phase with the fourth test version, as we showed in our report on iOS 26.5 Beta 4. The new watch face should therefore arrive soon with the final release. You can find more information about the contents of the May update in our iOS 26.5 overview.
Pride strategy and fundraising efforts
In its press release, Apple emphasizes that its commitment to Pride Month extends beyond its products. The company has supported organizations working for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide for years and will continue this commitment in 2026. Apple does not specify particular recipients or amounts in the current announcement.
The Pride Collection is thus part of a long-standing series of Apple initiatives in which the company uses special Apple Watch designs to draw attention to social issues. The Black Unity Collection and the International Collection Sport Loops also fit into this concept.
Pride 2026: More than just a bracelet
What Apple is presenting with the Pride Collection 2026 is more than just a new accessory. It's a cross-device design language – the band, watch face, and wallpapers are conceived as a cohesive set. With this, Apple is following a trend the company has recently pursued across several product lines: devices are to harmonize more effectively with each other through software. Whether this year's Pride edition is among the strongest in the series will be determined when Pride Luminance is seen in action with watchOS 26.5 – presumably in the coming days. (Image: Apple)
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