Some Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 owners are reporting redness, itching or a burning sensation beneath the watch’s rear sensor area. The reports do not establish a widespread hardware defect, and no common cause has been confirmed.
One Ultra 4 owner described developing a visible rash after several days of use. Other Series 12 and Ultra 4 users have posted similar experiences, while many commenters point to fit, trapped moisture or band material as possible factors.
The new watches use revised health-sensing hardware, including a larger ECG electrode surface and a different arrangement of photodiodes and LEDs. There is no evidence showing that those changes caused the reported irritation, so linking the symptoms directly to the sensors would be premature.
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Apple recommends a clean, dry and comfortable fit
Apple’s wearing guidance says a band that is too tight or too loose can cause discomfort. The company recommends keeping the watch, band and skin clean and dry, particularly after workouts or exposure to sweat, soap, sunscreen and lotion.
Users experiencing redness, swelling, itching or another reaction should remove the watch. Apple advises consulting a physician before wearing it again when irritation occurs.
The Mac Observer’s guide to Apple Watch skin irritation covers cleaning, band fit and material considerations. Persistent pain, blistering or heat should be treated as a medical or hardware concern rather than a normal adjustment period.
Individual reactions can have different causes, so community reports should not be used to diagnose another wearer’s symptoms or condition.
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