Apple Watches And Tattoos Reportedly Don't Mix
By Edward Cardenas
SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Got ink? Then you may want to think twice about the new Apple Watch, which has a number of features for users to enjoy - but reportedly not for those with tattoos.
A user on Reddit posted a thread Tuesday saying they had purchased a 42mm stainless steel Apple Watch which would lock up and not send notifications while wearing it on their wrist. When the user placed the watch against their hand, it worked.
The user then put it back on their wrist, which is tattooed with black ink, and the watch would lock again.
Other Apple Watch owners joined the conversation, with some stating they had experienced similar issues with the device not working.
According to a post by CNN Money, the Apple Watch uses rapidly flashing green and infrared light at skin. This light is absorbed or reflected by red blood which is used to calculate heart rate.
But red, solid-colored tattoos absorb the green light and reflect red light, according to the post. Black tattoos absorb both green and red light which can also affect the watch sensor.
Apple did not respond to requests for comment in the story or post.