Apple Watch reportedly hit by faulty Taptic Engine, slows rollout

By Trevor Mogg April 30, 2015

apple watch costs 85 to manufacture ifixit feature — iFixit

Ordered an Apple Watch? If so, that long wait you may be experiencing looks as if it could be down to a technical problem that’s caused Apple to scrap some completed devices and switch suppliers in an attempt to resolve the issue.

The problem concerns the smartwatch’s “Taptic Engine,” essentially a vibration motor that alerts wearers to incoming messages and the like. According to the Wall Street Journal, some of the motors have been failing in reliability tests, forcing Apple to suspend operations with AAC Technologies Holdings, one of the two Asia-based suppliers of the component. Of course, this means extra work for the remaining supplier, Japan-owned Nidec, which will need some time to ramp up production.

Importantly, there’s no talk of any kind of Apple Watch recall as it’s thought all the faulty devices were caught before they were shipped.

According to Apple’s website, most orders won’t be dispatched until June, by which time its production line should once again be operating at full capacity.

The Apple Watch’s Taptic Engine, which is a key part of the device’s feature set, alerts wearers to incoming information with a gentle tap-like sensation on the back of the wrist. The technology also lets you send your hearbeat to another wearer, a feature Apple has made much of since announcing the Watch last year.

The Cupertino company started displaying the Watch in stores on April 10 and began shipping them on April 24. Customers can buy Apple’s debut wearable online or at select boutique stores, though the issue with the Watch’s Taptic Engine means those ordering the device will likely have to wait a little longer than originally expected.

The Apple Watch, which costs from $350 to $17,000 depending on the model, is the company’s first entry into a new product category since the iPad helped launch the mainstream tablet market in 2010. It’s hard to know just how well the Watch is selling, though some analysts suggest there’s been strong demand among early adopters.

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Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

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To recall, the Apple Watch Series 3 was unveiled in 2017. It packs the S3 chipset and is the oldest watch in the lineup to support the latest WatchOS 8. But the computing system is quite old to support new software updates. In reference to that, multiple users have reported how difficult it is to update the Apple Watch Series 3 with every new software version. Along with the hardware, the design has also become dated, with the Series 3 being the last Apple Watch to feature large bezels around the display.

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Apple Watch Series 6

The combination of the Apple Watch Series 6 and WatchOS 8 software is powerful. The last generation Apple Watch comes with a variety of useful features that can help in your daily life -- if you know how to use them. We offer a list of our favorite tips and tricks for getting the most out of the Series 6 in conjunction with WatchOS 8.
Zoom in and out using the Digital Crown
The Apple Watch Series 6 lets you zoom in or zoom out to have a closer look at the contents of your watch face. To use it, open Settings and scroll down to Accessibility. Tap to open it, and you’ll see the Zoom control, which is off by default. Toggle the switch on to launch Zoom and then double-tap on the screen using two fingers to enable size adjustments with the Digital Crown. You can also use the settings to specify the maximum amount of zoom you want. To zoom out, double-tap on the screen using two fingers and it will return the screen to normal viewing.
Ring your iPhone
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Use your watch as a camera remote
Open the Camera Remote app on your Apple Watch 6 to automatically launch the Camera app on your iPhone. Then tap the shutter button on your watch or use the timer to snap a picture.
Use the always-on display more effectively
The Apple Watch Series 6 has an always-on display, which allows it to show useful alerts and data without the need to activate or unlock. With Series 6, the always-on display is much brighter than previous models and incorporates direct control capabilities. You can tap for basic features -- complications, notification center, and Control Center without unlocking the watch.
Activate Siri with wrist motion
Do you give Siri commands via the Apple Watch? The Series 6 has a super-handy intuitive feature for this -- simply lift your wrist at any time and say your Siri command -- no need to say “Hey Siri” first. The wrist motion automatically lets Siri know it’s all right to start listening, without unlocking the watch, so you can give immediate commands or ask quick questions.
Track blood oxygen levels
For the Series 6, Apple redesigned the way it measures certain health indicators and added the ability to measure your blood oxygen levels (or Sp02 data). You can find this option in the Health app under Respiratory information, or you can visit the dedicated Blood Oxygen app within the WatchOS. Your Watch also monitors background blood oxygen levels several times a day, which allows you to check how much oxygen your body is getting over time. While this shouldn’t be used to diagnose any specific condition, it can offer insight into overall respiratory health, which your doctor may be interested in checking, alongside other testing.
Use the improved altimeter
Apple redesigned the altimeter in the Series 6 to track your elevation and provide real-time elevation changes via a more powerful, accurate sensor. The tool is much more useful to hikers, climbers, skiers, and even surveyors for tracking real-time elevation changes, even if it’s just a foot or two of difference.
Control universal volume with the Digital Crown
Digital Crown is the fancy name for the large rotating dial on the side of the watch that you use to go to the home screen. On the Series 6, any time you are in Now Playing mode for any kind of audio, you can twist the crown to control the volume.
Theater mode controls screen brightness
If you are ever in a location where you need to lower the light or noise from your Apple Watch, the Control Panel now includes a Theater Mode option that enables your watch's silent mode. Activate it to keep the screen dark regardless of alerts or notifications. If your Apple Watch suddenly starts making noise or disrupting a meeting, just cover it with your palm. The Watch will sense this and automatically stop this action, leaving you to carry on in peace.
Wash your hands with confidence
Hand washing has become a critical health protector, and the Apple Watch Series 6, combined with the WatchOS 8, can play an important role. It uses the array of sensors to detect when you are washing your hands -- listening for running water and hand movements, for example -- that initiate a hidden 20-second timer for your handwashing action. If you stop before the 20 seconds are up, the watch sends a quick vibration to signal you to keep going. The 20-second goal is a guideline both the WHO and the CDC agree on.

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Apple Watch Series 7 in a pocket.

The Apple Watch has seen enormous success. In fact, it’s the most popular item in Apple’s quickly expanding Wearables, Home, and Accessories division, which also includes Apple AirPods.

Since the Apple Watch was released in 2015, the smartwatch has gone through a number of makeovers and gained several new features. People love the Apple Watch for its durability, water resistance, and fitness-tracking abilities. Early versions of the watch could measure your activity levels, heart rate, and several other health metrics. Later versions even come with tools like ECGs (electrocardiograms) that can tell you when your heartbeat is abnormal and oximeters that can measure your blood oxygen levels.