Apple honors Black History Month by unveiling the Black Unity collection and associated content
Apple is honouring Black History Month with a series of initiatives designed to connect users with a wealth of content across various platforms.
Starting off, Apple Books will showcase its Read More Black Authors collection. This collection aims to introduce readers and listeners to a diverse range of news and audiobooks spanning different genres.
Moving on to Apple Watch, the Black Unity Sport Loop packaging, Apple Store locations, and the Apple Store app will feature App Clip functionality. This allows customers to easily download the matching Unity watch face. The Black Unity Sport Loop is available for order on the website and in the Apple Store app from today, and will be available in select Apple Store locations starting January 24 for $49 (US). The band is compatible with Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, and Apple Watch Ultra (45mm band only).
Apple Fitness+ is also joining in the celebration. A new episode of Time to Run with Fitness+ trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm will be released, taking users on a run through South LA and featuring songs from the artists who helped put West Coast hip-hop on the map. Additionally, Apple Fitness+ will share new workouts featuring playlists celebrating Black artists, a new meditation dedicated to Black History Month led by JoAnna Hardy, and a new episode of Time to Walk featuring legendary singer Patti LaBelle.
Apple Podcasts will be curating podcast recommendations from Black disruptors such as environmental activist Leah Thomas, as well as shows from creators Bridget Todd, Bob the Drag Queen, Monét X Change, and Apple Music's Ebro Darden. The platform will also spotlight shows that embody the omnipresence of Blackness, offering essential historical context and insightful perspectives on news and culture.
In the realm of news, Apple News collections will showcase stories from Black-led newsrooms, including Capital B, Essence, NewsOne, Howard University's The Hilltop, and more. Apple News will also highlight compelling articles, interviews, and audio stories about the Black experience in America throughout the month.
The Apple TV app will focus on stories that illustrate three specific pillars: "Freedom in Black," "Love in Spite Of," and "The Mosaic." Moreover, the Apple TV app features series and films curated by Dr. Jelani Cobb under the theme "The Matter of Black Lives."
Lastly, the Smithsonian has created a series of Guides in Apple Maps to spotlight key landmarks in the struggle for civil rights over the past century.
Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI), launched in 2023, supports organisations focused on education, economic growth, and criminal justice reform, particularly in areas where Apple employees live. REJI is a $200 million fund aimed at advancing racial equity and justice.
Next week, the Unity 2023 watch face will be available, and requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 9.3, and iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later running iOS 16.3. Furthermore, a new Unity iPhone wallpaper for the Lock Screen will also be available next week, but requires iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16.3.
These initiatives are a testament to Apple's commitment to celebrating and amplifying Black voices and stories, making for a rich and diverse user experience.
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