February 1 is right around the corner, and it marks the beginning of Black History Month. As it has done in previous years, Apple is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting content from Black creators and businesses, across many of its apps and services on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
The curation starts with the App Store. Apple says that throughout the month of February, users will be able to visit a dedicated Black History Month Hub, which will focus on Black developers and their apps. Apps and developers alike will be given a spotlight, including developers from the likes of Zynga and Ustwo Games.
The celebration extends to other apps, too. Next up is Apple Music, which will honor Black artists and movements that have changed music around the world. All month, Apple will highlight Black Artists across Apple Music, Apple Music radio, and Apple Music TV, across all genres of music. Apple will also show curated playlists, essays, and more from Black artists, directors, and musicians.
The company will spotlight Black creators and artists on the Apple TV as well. The theme for Essential Stories during the month of February will be the representation of the Black family in TV and cinema. The collection, called “Essential: Stories That Honor Black Families,” will show TV shows and movies that explore all aspects of the Black family. And, two episodes of The Oprah Conversation will feature Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson, who wrote the book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” and they’ll be available for free on the Apple TV app, without the need for a subscription.
In Apple News, Apple will highlight curated topic groups that will highlight journalism around race, and an Apple News+ Spotlight collection will explore audio articles that highlight the experience of being Black. In Apple Books, Apple will highlight books written by Black authors, with a special section for new authors. And, in Apple Podcasts, Apple will spotlight shows from Black voices like Michelle Obama, Phoebe Robinson, and more.
Last but not least is the Apple Watch, which is getting the Black Unity Collection. This collection is designed to acknowledge Black history and culture, and consists of a limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6, the Black Unity Sport Band, and a Black Unity watch face. This collection was designed by members of the Black creative community and allies throughout Apple. The Black Unity watch face will be available as part of the WatchOS 7.3 update, which is now rolling out.
Other ways in which Apple is celebrating Black History Month include a collection of themed workouts in the Apple Fitness+ series, and a Shot on iPhone campaign called “Hometown,” which highlights the work of over 30 Black photographers.
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