#TattooGate—Uh-oh, The Apple Watch Doesn't Seem To Work Too Well On Inked Skin
When the iPhone 6 came out there was Bendgate and now, with the release of the Apple Watch, there's #TattooGate.Apple have admitted that their new wearable doesn't work so well on inked skin, which can mess up the watch's sensors.
Here what the company have said, "Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance. The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings.
If you’re not able to get a consistent reading because of any of these factors, you can connect your Apple Watch wirelessly to external heart rate monitors such as Bluetooth chest straps."
The problem came to light afterReddit user guinne55fan noted a few days ago that he was having problems using the watch on his tattooed wrist. He writes, "My hand isn't tattooed and the Watch stayed unlocked. Once I put it back on the area that is tattooed with black ink the watch would automatically lock again. Just wanted to give anyone a heads up about this issue because I don't see it mentioned anywhere in Apple's support documents."
He then says he reported the issue to Apple who said they're reporting it to engineering and he should hear back within a week.
Naturally the news made its way to Twitter, where users decided to have some fun with it. As is their way.
Apparently wrist tattoos interfere with the Apple Watch. No one was more upset by this than Sleeve Jobs. #TattooGate
Heard the #AppleWatch is affected by tattoos. Next logical question: is it affected by beards or flannel shirts? #TattooGate #hipster
Apple watch doesnt work on wrist tats..Good thing I was dumb enough to get a wrist tat but not dumb enough to buy an Apple watch #TattooGate