This Popular Apple Watch Accessory Just Got a Striking Makeover

The new band fits most new and older Apple Watch models. Plus, Apple finally unveiled new AirTags, retro-inspired New Balance sneakers and more.

Close-up of a black smartwatch with a braided nylon band in red, green, and black colors.Apple

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Welcome to “Today in Gear,” your daily snapshot of the most important releases in style, watches, tech, motoring, fitness, home and the outdoors.

Today in Gear: The most important news in the product world, independently curated by our editors. Catch up on other key releases across all the topics you care about.

Black smartwatch with a braided loop band in red, green, and black colors.Apple

Apple Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop

In honor of Black History Month, Apple has introduced a special-edition version of its Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Like previous Black Unity bands, this model showcases the colors of the Pan-African flag. The band is made from recycled polyester yarn filaments woven around ultra-thin silicone threads. Apple claims it has a soft, textured feel that is also sweat and water-resistant. Available in 42mm and 46mm sizes.
Black and white folding knife with a cat face design on the handle and a metal clip on the back.Civivi

Civivi Purr

Who says that EDC knives have to be serious all the time? Not Civivi, if the brand’s quirky, cute Purr front flipper is any indication. When closed, this tiny knife looks like a rotund cat, complete with dual flipper ears, Torx screw eyes and a little engraved kitty smile on the handle scales. But don’t worry, it’s also a fully-functional cutting tool, boasting a Nitro-V blade, G-10 scales and a double-detent slipjoint mechanism.
Two white Apple AirTags with silver Apple logos on a light gray background.Apple

Apple AirTags (2nd Generation)

Nearly five years after the original’s release, Apple has finally introduced second-generation AirTags. It hasn’t messed too much with what is the world’s most popular Bluetooth tracker, granted, as the new AirTags look exactly the same (meaning they’re compatible with all the old accessories). However, Apple has made several key “under-the-hood” upgrades. The new AirTags have significantly better range, a louder speaker and they support Precision Finding from the Apple Watch. And they cost exactly the same: $29 for one, or $99 for a four-pack.
Pair of gray and black New Balance sneakers with mesh and suede panels and blue logo accents.End

New Balance 2010 Tornado

Introduced in 2025, the 2010 is New Balance’s spiritual successor to the 99x series. This limited-edition model utilizes the light gray and steely indigo blue color scheme of the coveted 1300JP, but remixed with a faded black mesh base layer. It is built with the ABZORB midsole and heel cup system, which provides exceptional stability and support. This color will be available exclusively from End on January 27.
Dark green sports car with wide tires and aerodynamic design driving on a race track.Dunkervoort

Donkervoort P24 RS

With the P24 RS, Dutch performance car builder Donkervoort has ditched its usual Audi five-cylinder in favor of the same twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 as found in the Ford GT. It’s a change that abounds with performance benefits, as the lighter engine allows the car to tip the scales at just 1,700 lbs while also making an authoritative 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. In practice, Donkervoort says that this results in a 0-62 mph time that is “appropriate,” a top speed in excess of 185 mph and a max lateral acceleration of as much as 2.3 Gs without the aero kit. As with the brand’s other cars, it’ll be highly limited — just 150 examples are slated for production, and each example will be priced at €298,500 (about $353,000).
Black Garmin Tactix smartwatch with digital display showing time, date, and activity stats on a black silicone strap.Garmin

Garmin Tactix 8 Cerakote

This already robust smartwatch’s 51mm case borrows from the knife and multi-tool world via a slate gray Cerakote treatment, which boosts resistance to wear, abrasion, corrosion and chemicals. The bevy of tactical features include jumpmaster activity, waypoint projection, dual-position GPS format, stealth mode, kill switch, compatibility with night vision goggles and rucking activity. It also boasts multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, a 40-meter dive rating and a built-in flashlight.
Two hikers with backpacks and trekking poles walking on a grassy mountain trail with snow-covered peaks in the background.Helinox

Helinox Passport TL115 Trekking Poles

South Korean ultralight expert Helinox’s newest trekking poles are feather light at 11.5 ounces, and are foldable and super compact, making them ideal for fast and light adventures. The fixed-length design features three independent sections held together by by an internal cord and secured by a tension-lock system, allowing them to be broken down into a very portable package. EVA foam grips maintain comfort and tungsten carbide tips provide extra grip on uneven terrain.