Apple has confirmed reports of issues that tattooed wearers of the Apple Watch are experiencing when wearing the device on tattooed wrists, via an update to a support page related to heart-rate functionality.
Apple Support, via 9to5Mac:
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.
Earlier this week, Apple Watch users on Reddit began posting conflicting reports, on their experiences with tattoos and the Watch. Some users reported no problems using the Apple Watch with their tattooed wrists, while others reported erratic readings, or none at all.
The issues seem to be mostly affecting users with tattoos that include solid areas of deeper colored inks, such as black and red.
Apple doesn’t yet have a solution to the issue, other than suggesting those experiencing issues should connect the Apple Watch wirelessly to external heart-rate monitors, such as Bluetooth chest straps. Apple also mentions skin perfusion and rhythmic movements as two other factors that can affect the heart rate sensor on the Apple Watch.
We’ll keep you posted on any further developments on the issue.
