Third-party Apple Watch bands are the new third-party iPhone cases

Third-party smartwatch bands may be the new third-party phone cases. With the Apple Watch predicted to sell 20 million units in 2015, there are bound to be legions of users who want to make their new devices a bit more personalized.

A good deal of third-party Apple Watch band-makers are being funded by Kickstarter campaigns. Click, for example, features bands for both the Classic and Sport in a variety of colors of leather — and it even designed its own version of those highly coveted stainless steel links.

There’s also Monowear, which offers leather, nylon, and metal bands. The company’s leather and metal options land on the subtle end of the spectrum, while nylon colors range from vibrant pink to turquoise and olive.

The most distinct option, though, currently comes via Casetify, where users can upload their own personal photos to be printed on the band. How’s that for individualization?

But it’s not just startups making these Apple Watch bands. Apple’s own SVP of Design, Jony Ive, unveiled new band options for Apple Watch Sport at Milan Design Week. Similar pop-up events are anticipated at other fashion hot-spots around the world.

The success of these band-focused third-party companies in large part depends on sustained interest in the Apple Watch once the initial launch frenzy dies down.

Whether or not Apple will begin selling these bands in-store or online is yet to be revealed, but with so many consumers keen on personalizing their Apple products, there is plenty of room in this market for a host of players.

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