10
Loading video...
By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A viral video of a heavily tattooed man undergoing a procedure to ensure his Apple Watch functions properly has sparked widespread interest online. The man decided to have part of his tattoo sleeve removed in the shape of a watch face, allowing the device to read his biometrics accurately.
Read more: Apple Cash: How to Use It to Send and Receive Money
Newsweek spoke to Maryam Khatibi, the laser specialist who shared the clip on TikTok (@hwclinicbrugge), which has amassed more than 3.5 million views. She said: "The problem with the watch is that it does not recognize the wrist because the ink particles interfere with the sensors."
Read More on On the Internet
...
Apple's website says that tattoos can significantly impact the performance of the Apple Watch's heart-rate sensor. The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings. "Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance," the website adds.
Read more: Is the Apple Card Worth It?
Other factors can also affect the sensor's accuracy, including skin perfusion, which is the amount of blood flow through the skin. This varies significantly from person to person and can be influenced by environmental conditions. For example, exercising in the cold might reduce skin perfusion, preventing the sensor from getting a reading.
The heart-rate sensor also performs better during rhythmic activities, such as running or cycling, compared to irregular movements like tennis or boxing. For users unable to get consistent readings, Apple recommends connecting the watch wirelessly to external heart-rate monitors, such as Bluetooth chest straps.
"The client wishes to stay anonymous, but he had four sessions to remove the tattoo," Khatibi told Newsweek. The procedure cost 380 euros, around $418.
The video has sparked a range of reactions online, with many users sharing their own experiences with similar issues.
One viewer commented: "Both my arms are blacked out, and my Apple Watch doesn't work at all. I eventually got sick of having to enter the password every time."
Another user posted: "I noticed that since I got a tattoo, my Apple Watch kept locking."
However, not all viewers have experienced issues. Some reported no problems using their Apple Watch, despite having tattoos on their wrists. "Very strange, I have tattoos on both wrists and my Apple Watch works perfectly fine," one user shared.
Another added: "I have a full sleeve down to my fingertips and wear my Apple Watch on that same arm with zero problems."
If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on Newsweek's "What Should I Do? section.
Update 6/28/24, 2:54 a.m. ET: This article was updated with a new headline.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines