In the two Newsroom photos of John Ternus in Apple’s announcement of his accession to CEO, he’s seen wearing a Black Unity Braided Solo Loop, part of Apple’s Special Edition Unity Connection. From the marketing page for the band:

Inspired by the power of connection, this striking band uses an advanced braiding technique to unite multiple yarns in a Pan‑African color palette of red, green, and black — creating a vibrant and tactile dimensionality. […]

Three bands, one community. The Black Unity Collection continues to support organizations dedicated to advancing racial equity and justice. […]

The band was designed by Black creatives and allies at Apple.

I’m sure Ternus rotates his watchbands regularly, so I don’t want to read too much into his selection, but I want to believe he either wears this band regularly or chose to wear it for these photos.

The Black Unity band is a deeply meaningful artifact for Apple’s Black community. I recall an October 2017 meeting between Apple’s Black employee association and its then-executive sponsor, Lisa Jackson, where we explored creating a “Truth” watchband to celebrate Black history and culture. Three years later—after I’d stepped down as co-chair, to be clear—Apple announced its first Black Unity Collection band, with the words “Truth. Power. Solidarity.” laser-engraved onto the fastening pin. It was a significant achievement for the many people who worked tirelessly to bring the long-gestating project to life, and a symbol of Apple’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Ternus led that Product Design team.

Whether Ternus is wearing the latest iteration by choice or by chance, I’m taking it as a sign that he’ll continue that commitment.