Apple may have made a major design mistake with its latest Apple Watch family, reminding me of the issues around the Apple Watch Series 3. Apparently, some Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 users are reporting strange skin irritation on Reddit.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 owners report burning sensations and redness
Apple Watch 12 user reported a strange skin irritation on Reddit. | Image by Reddit
Apple may or may not be in trouble again, as users report unexpected skin irritation, burning sensations, and redness under the sensor area. At the moment, there's a Reddit thread describing a small burn on an owner's wrist after coming home from a gym session.
Before we turn this post into a major Apple lawsuit drama, most people in the comments suggest the irritation may simply be contact dermatitis.
There are some people who share the same experience. | Images by Reddit
There are even people joking about the Apple Watch giving them a brand by fire to show they're the chosen ones.
However, there are some who share the same experience, either with earlier Apple Watch models or different smartwatch brands altogether.
Wrist irritation is nothing new for the Apple Watch
One Apple Watch Series 3 owner reported a first-degree burn on the Apple forums back in 2019. | Image by Apple
The original Apple Watch, along with the second and third generations, was plagued by similar issues, ranging from skin irritation to second-degree burns.
One Apple Watch Series 3 owner reported a first-degree burn on the Apple forums back in 2019. The post is still active, and the pictures look suspiciously similar to the recent Apple Watch Series 12 case.
Apple says it's sweat, soap, and wearing the watch too tight
Apple says such skin reactions can be caused by sweat, wearing the watch too tight (or too loose, for that matter), or other chemical irritants like soap or shampoo getting under the Apple Watch.
Some models contain trace amounts of nickel, which is a skin irritant, but the amounts are low and well within EU limits.
Apple advises any Apple Watch owner who experiences redness, swelling, itchiness, or other irritation to consult a dermatologist or a physician before putting the watch back on.
Have you experienced any skin irritation from your smartwatch?
4 Votes
Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 have new sensors
Apple Watch 12 Series and Ultra 4 feature larger electrode surface and new green LEDs. | Image by Apple
One of the biggest upgrades Apple brought to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 is a redesigned sensor array. The ECG electrode surface is larger on these new models, and the photodiodes are also larger, positioned in a ring-shaped arrangement.
These new models can measure heart rate and other metrics every five seconds, and it's unclear whether this could result in heat surges and subsequently cause skin damage.
Not limited to Apple Watch devices
This burn mark is directly under the watch sensor of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. | Image by Reddit
The issue is relatively common and not limited to Apple Watch devices. In most cases, it's contact dermatitis, not a real burn.
The most common suggestion across these threads is to clean the watch and give your skin a rest. Some users even report switching the wrist they wear their smartwatch on.
Have you experienced any skin irritation from your smartwatch?
Read more about other strange smartwatch injuries here:
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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