More Apple Watch owners with wrist tattoos are reporting problems using the device. The light sensors that enable the Watch to determine if it’s being worn apparently get confused by tattooed skin.
The problem — let’s call it “Tattoogate” — is possibly the result of metallic pigments used for the inking process, although nobody knows for sure. While the glitch affects only a small number of users, it’s definitely mauling the buzz of some frustrated Apple Watch early adopters.
Cult of Mac reader Michael Lovell spoke with us about his disappointing experiences with the Apple Watch, and even sent in a video demonstrating the problem. Check it out below!
“I noticed since Friday that the wrist activation/passcode would need to be entered every time the Watch would wake,” Lovell told Cult of Mac. “So I’ve had to leave that off to make the Watch usable.”
Michael also reported using the Workout app during a run — only to have it pause every few seconds. “I called Apple Support who seemed to think it was a faulty sensor, [and] said they will replace the Watch.”
Shortly after speaking with Apple Support, however, he tried the device on his other (non-tattooed) wrist, and discovered the Apple Watch works perfectly fine.
“I only bought the Watch because of the workout capability,” he said, “[It’s a] big disappointment if this isn’t fixed.”
The reason for the fault is Apple Watch’s wrist-detection technology, which uses light sensors on the back of the device. The Watch’s heart rate tracker also works by flashing infrared or green LED lights, which allow the device to detect blood flow.
So far, Apple hasn’t responded to our requests for comment on the topic, but we’ll update this post if and when we hear. The number of Apple Watch owners with tattooed wrists is very much a minority, but judging from the comments we received for yesterday’s report on the subject, this problem is definitely affecting a number of Cult of Mac readers.
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
12 responses to “Video shows Apple Watch ‘Tattoogate’ in action”
I don’t see this as being an issue that Apple has to fix. It is the type of ink that tattoo artists use and have been using for decades. It basically is like putting a Faraday cage between the watch and your skin.
I agree totally. There is no fix that Apple has to do.
I think the guy that imbedded magnets to use his iPod as a wrist watch is probably rethinking his dumb idea. :-)
Absolutely agree shouldn’t be apples problem to fix this, but with that said they should have at least researched this a little more clearly before going into full scale development.
Cause now they got a potential uprising of tattooed people with the apple watch.
It’s not “tattoo-gate” and whoever came up with that should be beaten.
Well, that’ll teach em.
The real question is – Why does he have a password on his watch? :D
STOP WITH THE FUCKING GATE SHIT.
Dont blame Apple for your Tattoo choices.
“Video shows Apple Watch ‘Tattoogate’ in action”
(yawn)
People with tattoos down to their wrists don’t get to do hand-modeling for diamonds or nail polish. Suppose the advertising industry needs to change to respond?
Good for Apple if they can easily and inexpensively make the Apple Watch work with tattooed wrists. But if not… too bad for the idiots who permanently paint their skin. In this case, “they chose unwisely.”
another reason not to get a tattoo.
Apple could care less. There are enough isheep out there to buy whatever snake oil they peddle. On the other side of things, why in the world would apple want these people to use their products anyway. Tattoos down your arms are disgusting. I’m sure they are aiming this at “sophisticated” users
Disappointing that this wasn’t researched or isn’t mentioned in advance. I think people with tattoos on their wrists have reason to be upset if they weren’t given any indication that there would be problems. If there’s nothing to be done, those people deserve to be able to return their devices if basic functions aren’t usable.