A recent feature from a popular news source has shed light on a curious trend: people are choosing to wear their Apple Watches on their ankles rather than their wrists. Here’s why:
- Better Fit for Small Wrists: Some individuals have very small wrists, leading the Apple Watch to sit too loosely. This can affect the accuracy of heart rate monitoring.
- Tattoo Interference: For those with tattoos on their wrists, the ink can sometimes disrupt the heart rate sensor’s function. Apple has noted in its support documents that tattoos might “block light” needed for measuring heart rates, leading to less reliable data.
- Step Counting Accuracy: There’s a belief among some users that wearing the Apple Watch on the ankle might yield more accurate step counts than on the wrist.
- Skin Conditions: People with skin sensitivities or conditions might find wearing the watch on the ankle more comfortable.
- Professional Restrictions: Certain medical professionals, for instance, might not be allowed to have anything on their wrists while on duty.
While Apple has not officially responded to this trend, its documentation clearly states that the heart rate and calorie tracking features are designed for wrist use. There’s no mention of ankle use in their guides, suggesting that this practice goes beyond what’s officially tested or recommended by Apple. However, the company hasn’t discouraged it either.
This trend reflects how users adapt technology to fit their unique needs and lifestyles, showing that even high-tech gadgets like the Apple Watch can be used in unconventional ways.