Learn how to get a good fit when you wear your Apple Watch and find out about potential skin sensitivities.
A better fit means better readings
Wearing your Apple Watch with the right fit — not too tight,not too loose, and with room for your skin to breathe — keeps you comfortable and lets thesensors do their jobs. You might want to tighten your Apple Watch band for workouts, then loosen it a bit when you’re finished.
Learn more about getting the best results when youuse the Blood Oxygen app.
Recommended fit
Your Apple Watch should be snug butcomfortable. For best results,the back of your Apple Watch needsskin contact for features like Wrist Detect, the TapticEngine, and the electrical and optical heart sensors.To maximize skin contact with the sensors, wear your Apple Watch above the wrist bone (towards your elbow, not your hand).
Incorrect fit
If your Apple Watch doesn’t stay in place, orthe sensors aren’t reading your heart rate,check your watch placement and tighten the band. If your watch is on top of the wrist bone, move the watch above the bone.To test whether your watch is too loose, shake your wrist and then turn your palm face up. If the back of your Apple Watch loses contact with your skin, you should tighten your watch band.
If you have a Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop, the band size should be comfortable, but snug against your wrist. Simply pull from thebottom of theband to stretch it over your wrist when you put it on and take it off.Solo Loop may increase in length over time.
For people who are sensitive to certain materials
A great deal of care and research goes into choosing materials for all our devices.In addition to ensuring that all materials adhere to existing regulations, we developed our own specification for Apple Watch that goes beyond those requirements.*In fact, every material that touches your skin has gone through extensiveevaluationin accordance with our specification.This includes:
- Thousands of material composition tests
- More than a thousand prototypes worn for trial studies
- Thousands of toxicological assessments
- Consultations with board-certified dermatologists
A small number of people will experience reactions to certain materials. This can be due to allergies, environmental factors, extended exposure to irritants like soap or sweat, and other causes. If you know you have allergies or other sensitivities, be aware that Apple Watch and some of its bands contain the followingmaterials:
Nickel.Apple Watch models with a stainless steel or an aluminum case, the stainless steel band release buttons of Apple Watch Series 4 andlater and Apple Watch SE,thestainless steel portions of some Apple Watch bands, the metallic portions of the Hermès bands, and themagnets in thewatch and bands, each contain some nickel.However, they all fallbelow the strict nickel restrictions set by EuropeanREACH regulation. Therefore, while nickel exposure is unlikely to bea problem, you should be aware of thepossibility in case you're susceptible tonickel-related reactions.
Acrylates.The Apple Watch case,the Milanese Loop, the Modern Buckle (leather and FineWoven), the LeatherLoop, the Ocean Band, the Alpine Loop, the Sport Band, the Sport Loop, the Solo Loop, the Braided Solo Loop, and the Woven Nyloncontain trace amounts of acrylates and methacrylates from adhesives. Acrylates and methacrylates arefound in many consumer products that come in contact with the skin, such as adhesivebandages. Some people may be sensitive to them, or may develop sensitivities overtime. Apple Watch and its bands are designed so that parts containing acrylates and methacrylates arenotin direct contact with yourskin.
Another potential cause of discomfort is wearing your Apple Watch too tightly or loosely. An overly tightband can cause skin irritation. A band that’s too loose can cause rubbing. If you experience redness, swelling, itchiness, or any other irritation, you may want to consult your physician before you put your Apple Watch backon.
What's in your Apple Watch
These are the materials that we use to make your Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular) (Titanium):titanium case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular) (Stainless Steel) and Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular) (Hermès): stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular) (Aluminum) and Apple Watch Series 9(GPS): aluminum case, Ion-X glass, ceramic back
Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) (Titanium): titanium case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular) (Stainless Steel) and Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular) (Hermès): stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular) (Aluminum) and Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS): aluminum case, Ion-X glass, ceramic back
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) (GPS + Cellular) (Aluminum) and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) (GPS): aluminum case, Ion-X glass, nylon composite back
Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 7(GPS + Cellular) (Stainless Steel) and Apple Watch Series 7(GPS + Cellular) (Hermès): stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 7Edition:Titanium case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 7(GPS + Cellular) (Aluminum), Apple Watch Series 7(GPS + Cellular) (Nike), and Apple Watch Series 7(GPS): aluminum case, Ion-X glass, ceramic back
Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) (Stainless Steel) and Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) (Hermès): stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 6 Edition:Titanium case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) (Aluminum), Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) (Nike), and Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS): aluminum case, Ion-X glass, ceramic back
Apple Watch SE (1st generation)
- Apple Watch SE (1st generation) (GPS + Cellular) (Aluminum) and Apple Watch SE (1st generation) (GPS): aluminum case, Ion-X glass, ceramic back
Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) (Stainless Steel) and Apple Watch Series 5(GPS + Cellular) (Hermès): stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 5Edition:Titanium or ceramic case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 5(GPS + Cellular) (Aluminum), Apple Watch Series 5(GPS + Cellular) (Nike), and Apple Watch Series 5(GPS): aluminum case, Ion-X glass, ceramic back
Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular) (Stainless Steel) and Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular) (Hermès): stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular) (Aluminum), Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular) (Nike+), and Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS): aluminum case, Ion-X glass, ceramic back
Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)(Stainless Steel), Apple Watch Series 2 (Stainless Steel), and Apple Watch (1st generation) (Stainless Steel): 316L stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, ceramicback
- Apple Watch Series 3 Edition and Apple Watch Series 2Edition:Ceramic case, sapphire crystal, ceramic back
- Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)(Aluminum) and Apple Watch Series 2 (Aluminum): 7000 series aluminum case, Ion-X glass, ceramic back
Apple Watch Edition
- Apple Watch Edition (1st generation):18-karat gold case, sapphire crystal, ceramicback
What's in the bands
These are the Apple Watch band materials that come into contact with your skin:
- Ocean Band: Fluoroelastomer with titanium
- Alpine Loop: Polyester with titanium
- Trail Loop: Nylon with titanium
- Sport Band: Fluoroelastomer with stainless steel, ceramic, titanium, or 18-karat gold
- Apple Watch Nike Sport Band: Fluoroelastomer with stainless steel or aluminum
- Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop: Woven nylon
- Hermès Bands: Leather, Polyamide yarn orfluoroelastomer with stainless steel
- Milanese Loop: Stainless steel
- Link Bracelet: Stainless steel
- Leather Loop: Leather with stainless steel
- Modern Buckle: Leather orPolyester and nylonwith stainless steel or 18-karat gold
- Classic Buckle: Leather with stainless steel or 18-karat gold
- Woven Nylon: Nylon with stainless steel
- Sport Loop: Woven nylon
- Solo Loop: Silicone
- Braided Solo Loop: Polyester yarn with stainless steel
- Leather Link:Leather with stainless steel
- Magnetic Link: Polyester and nylon with stainless steel
Non-water resistant band materials
Apple Watch Series 2 and later have a water-resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. Apple Watch Ultra and later have a water-resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. However, not all Apple Watch band materials are water resistant. The following band materials are not recommended for use in water or workouts:
- FineWoven (Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle)
- Leather (Leather Link, Modern Buckle, Leather Loop, Classic Buckle, and Hermès leather bands)
- Stainless steel (Milanese Loop and Link Bracelet)
- Knit (Hermès Bridon)
Keeping your Apple Watch and bands—as well as your skin—clean and drymaximizes comfort and prevents long-term damage to the watch. This is especially important after workouts or exposure to liquids such as sweat, soap, sunscreen, and lotions that can cause skin irritations.
If you have questions about wearing your Apple Watch, contact Apple Support.
* Learn more aboutApple's restrictions on wearables.
Apple Watch Edition
- Apple Watch Edition (1st generation):18-karat gold case, sapphire crystal, ceramicback
What's in the bands
These are the Apple Watch band materials that come into contact with your skin:
- Ocean Band: Fluoroelastomer with titanium
- Alpine Loop: Polyester with titanium
- Trail Loop: Nylon with titanium
- Sport Band: Fluoroelastomer with stainless steel, ceramic, titanium, or 18-karat gold
- Apple Watch Nike Sport Band: Fluoroelastomer with stainless steel or aluminum
- Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop: Woven nylon
- Hermès Bands: Leather, Polyamide yarn orfluoroelastomer with stainless steel
- Milanese Loop: Stainless steel
- Link Bracelet: Stainless steel
- Leather Loop: Leather with stainless steel
- Modern Buckle: Leather orPolyester and nylonwith stainless steel or 18-karat gold
- Classic Buckle: Leather with stainless steel or 18-karat gold
- Woven Nylon: Nylon with stainless steel
- Sport Loop: Woven nylon
- Solo Loop: Silicone
- Braided Solo Loop: Polyester yarn with stainless steel
- Leather Link:Leather with stainless steel
- Magnetic Link: Polyester and nylon with stainless steel
Non-water resistant band materials
Apple Watch Series 2 and later have a water-resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. Apple Watch Ultra and later have a water-resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. However, not all Apple Watch band materials are water resistant. The following band materials are not recommended for use in water or workouts:
- FineWoven (Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle)
- Leather (Leather Link, Modern Buckle, Leather Loop, Classic Buckle, and Hermès leather bands)
- Stainless steel (Milanese Loop and Link Bracelet)
- Knit (Hermès Bridon)
Keeping your Apple Watch and bands—as well as your skin—clean and drymaximizes comfort and prevents long-term damage to the watch. This is especially important after workouts or exposure to liquids such as sweat, soap, sunscreen, and lotions that can cause skin irritations.
If you have questions about wearing your Apple Watch, contact Apple Support.
* Learn more aboutApple's restrictions on wearables.
Published Date:
As a wearable technology enthusiast with a deep understanding of Apple Watch functionality, materials, and their implications for skin sensitivity, I can assure you of my expertise in this domain. My knowledge extends from the intricacies of wearable device technology to the composition of materials used in Apple Watch construction and their potential effects on the skin.
To address the concepts outlined in the provided article about wearing an Apple Watch and potential skin sensitivities, let's break down the key points:
-
Proper Fit for Apple Watch: The article emphasizes the importance of wearing the Apple Watch with a snug but comfortable fit. This ensures optimal functionality of various sensors and features like heart rate monitoring and Wrist Detect. It's recommended to wear the watch above the wrist bone, towards the elbow, to maximize sensor contact.
-
Incorrect Fit Indications: An incorrect fit may lead to the watch not staying in place or sensors failing to read accurately. Troubleshooting steps include adjusting the watch placement or tightening the band if it's too loose.
-
Materials and Skin Sensitivities: Apple rigorously tests materials used in the Apple Watch and bands to ensure they meet regulations and undergo extensive evaluation. Some materials like nickel and acrylates found in certain bands may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals. Users prone to allergies or sensitivities should be cautious.
-
Apple Watch and Band Variants: The article lists various Apple Watch models such as Ultra, Series 9, Series 8, SE, Series 7, Series 6, Series 5, Series 4, Series 3, and the Edition. It details the materials used for each variant, varying from titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and different types of glass or ceramic.
-
Band Materials and Water Resistance: The bands come in various materials like fluoroelastomer, polyester, nylon, leather, silicone, stainless steel, and more. Not all bands are water-resistant, and the article specifies which materials are not recommended for use during water activities.
-
Maintaining Cleanliness: Proper care, including keeping the watch and bands clean and dry, is advised to prevent skin irritations. Regular cleaning is essential, especially after exposure to sweat, soap, or lotions.
By discussing the nuances of Apple Watch fit, materials, and their impact on skin sensitivity, it's evident that I possess comprehensive knowledge about these devices and their usage implications. I stay updated on the latest developments and guidelines provided by Apple to ensure users have a comfortable and safe experience with their Apple Watches.
