Tag: Apple Watch Bands

Apple has reassured consumers that its Apple Watch bands are “safe to wear,” following a lawsuit claiming some bands contain harmful “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS.

Apple’s Statement:

Apple Watch bands are completely safe for everyone to wear. We conduct our own tests and also involve independent labs to check our materials thoroughly, including those used in our watch bands.

Apple also mentioned that they go beyond what the law requires to ensure their products and manufacturing processes are free from dangerous chemicals.

Phasing Out PFAS:

Despite confirming the safety of current bands, Apple is actively working to eliminate PFAS from all its products. In a statement from November 2022, Apple outlined their plan:

We began by looking at the most common PFAS used in our products – fluoropolymers. Although our tests show these are safe for users, we’re expanding our efforts to include all manufacturing stages. We aim to eliminate all PFAS, understanding it’s a complex process that needs careful consideration to find effective, safe alternatives.

This transition will take time as we catalog PFAS use, develop new materials that perform just as well, and ensure these alternatives are not harmful themselves.

The Lawsuit:

The lawsuit references a study which found high levels of PFAS in some smartwatch bands, suggesting these chemicals could be absorbed through the skin leading to health issues. This study included brands like Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google, though it didn’t name specific bands.

When asked about which specific Apple Watch bands might contain PFAS, Apple did not provide an immediate response. The lawsuit aims to include anyone in the U.S. who bought a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, or Ocean Band for an Apple Watch.

The case awaits a judicial decision on whether it can proceed as a class action.

A lawsuit filed in a California court this week targets Apple, alleging that the company did not tell customers about dangerous chemicals in some of their Apple Watch bands.

The lawsuit suggests that Apple promotes the watch as good for health and fitness, but fails to mention that certain bands might be harmful. According to the legal document, a study recently found high levels of substances called “forever chemicals” or PFAS in some smartwatch bands. These chemicals can soak into the skin and might cause health issues over time.

PFAS are used in synthetic rubber to prevent the bands from getting dirty or discolored by sweat or grime.

Although the study didn’t name specific brands, it tested bands from companies like Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google. The lawsuit points out that among these, some expensive bands, including those from Apple, had significant amounts of PFAS. The lawsuit is aimed at anyone in the U.S. who bought a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, or Ocean Band for their Apple Watch.

Apple has not yet commented on these allegations. A judge will decide if this lawsuit can move forward.

This situation highlights the importance of transparency in product materials, especially when items are marketed for health and daily use. Consumers deserve to know what they’re wearing, particularly when it’s something as close to the body as a smartwatch band.