Here's a look at the unreleased silicone Apple Watch band with a metal buckle.

Apple experiments with a lot of things in its labs, and many of these experiments never see the light of day. One such experiment is a very intriguing silicone Apple Watch strap with a metal clasp. And thanks to a prototype leak, we can now take a look at it.

Apple Watch Strap Prototype

An insider known as StellaFudge shared several images of a silicone Apple Watch strap that was never released by Apple. Instead of a traditional clasp on one side of the strap, it features an adjustable metal buckle and snap mechanism. The band shown in the images is red, but Apple has also reportedly made a white prototype.

Apple has also reportedly made several leather prototypes of this watch band in Saddle Brown, Red, and Ultraviolet.

“the buckle is attached to one end with a pin. The locking mechanism itself is extremely simple and has a very satisfying click. It’s similar to a sports bracelet, but has more wrist support.” StellaFudge reported this in a post on X.

While it's unclear why Apple decided to ditch this watch band, the leaker suspects it's because adjusting the buckle is “annoying,” not to mention… that it is probably more difficult to produce.

Here's a design for an Apple Watch band that never made it to production.

Apple Deployment Band!

It is known that the Sport variety is available in white and red (pictured), and there are also several leather versions: in Saddle Brown, Red, and Ultraviolet
Less than 15 of all types are known to exist. pic.twitter.com/i6NHNuYCK1

— Stella – Fudge (@StellaFudge) May 28, 2024

In the past, leaked Apple prototypes have also revealed other ideas that the company has abandoned. This includes the darker Apple Watch Ultra with a black ceramic back. Some of these prototypes end up inspiring the development of future products, while others are simply shelved forever. For example, the FCC published photos of a gold iPhone X, but Apple decided to keep that color for the iPhone XS.

Rumors suggest Apple will announce an updated “Apple Watch X” later this year, so there's a chance , that we will also see updated watch strap designs.