Apple Watch users have recently encountered a peculiar issue – an unexpected flickering or pulsing display when the Always On mode is enabled.
Although the specific models experiencing this problem haven’t been specified, reports suggest that the newly launched Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, running watchOS 10 and beyond, are primarily affected.
Investigation in progress
An internal service memo, disclosed to Apple Authorized Service Provider confirms that Apple is actively investigating this issue. The memo, circulated on a recent Tuesday, also highlights another related problem where complications on the watch face may temporarily turn pink, a situation noted by several Apple Watch owners.
Disgruntled users have taken to various Apple-focused forums, vividly describing the issue as a noticeable “jitter” or an intermittent “flicker.” This significant feedback emphasizes the urgency of swiftly addressing this issue for affected customers.
Apple’s advice
In response, Apple has advised service providers not to accept affected watches for repairs. Instead, they are instructed to inform customers to ensure their Apple Watch’s software is kept up-to-date.
This guidance implies that Apple is actively working on a solution, possibly through an upcoming release like watchOS 10.1, which might see a public rollout as early as next week.
Temporary solution
For users currently grappling with this issue, a temporary workaround is available. By navigating to Settings on the Apple Watch, selecting Display & Brightness, and then deactivating Always On, users can temporarily alleviate the problem.
The Always On feature, initially introduced with the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019, dims the display when not in use and activates it upon raising the device. It’s also compatible with the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2, though not with the more budget-friendly Apple Watch SE.
Potential impacts
This unexpected display glitch highlights the complexities of integrating new features, even for a tech giant like Apple. While such issues may arise, the company’s proactive stance in investigating and addressing them underscores their commitment to providing a seamless user experience.
When dealing with such advanced tech devices, occasional hiccups are inevitable. Apple’s dedication to swiftly resolving such concerns, exemplified by their prompt response to display flickering in Always On Apple Watches, reiterates their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
Recent instances, such as the swift resolution of heating concerns with the new iPhone 15 Pro, showcase Apple’s determination to address issues promptly and ensure the highest quality products for their users.
Hence, to make a reminder, if your Apple Watch is also affected by the issue, make sure not to worry since while no official timeline has been provided, industry insiders speculate that a resolution may be included in the forthcoming watchOS 10.1 update. Apple’s track record of timely updates and patches instills confidence in users that a solution is on the horizon.
Meanwhile, if you are curious about other issues that Apple has been grappling with lately, you might wish to check out our articles on how iOS 17.1 Beta 3 is here with many fixes, including radiation levels for iPhone 12, Apple was working on a fix for the iPhone 15 overheating issue, and how Samsung got the message and joined Google’s side against Apple.
Featured image credit: Simon Daoudi on Unsplash