Skip to main content

Apple issues fix for ‘ghost touch’ problem on older Apple Watches

The World Time watch face showing on the Apple Watch SE 2.
Apple Watch Series 8 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The so-called “ghost touch” issue affecting the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is apparently impacting some older models, too.

Recommended Videos

The issue, which sees the Apple Watch performing functions without the user touching the display, came to light in February. Last month, Apple issued an update for the two newer devices, but it said nothing at the time about older Apple Watches.

Fast-forward to April 10 and a reliable tipster has said that Apple is now investigating the ghost touch issue for the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8, and also the Ultra 1. For now, to resolve the issue on these older devices — at least temporarily — users should force restart the watch by holding both buttons at the same time for 10 seconds. They should also ensure that the device is loaded with the latest updates.

It’s possible that in the coming weeks, Apple will roll out an update for the older Apple Watches to finally put to bed the troubling ghost touch issue.

Some Apple Watch owners have been reporting extra letters suddenly appearing when tapping out messages, or even being locked out of their smartwatch while trying to tap in the passcode. Accidental phone calls have also been happening as a result of the ghost touches.

It’s not clear what has been causing the problem, though a report in March suggested it could have something to do with the touchscreen being triggered by static from clothes. Following Apple’s update for the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in March, the display apparently became a bit less sensitive.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Apple Watch sales are still falling, but the reasons are clear
A person wearing the titanium Apple Watch Series 10.

While the Apple Watch has proved popular since the first one dropped in 2015, the tech giant’s smartwatch has seen declining sales more recently.

According to new data from Counterpoint Research, Apple’s smartwatch shipments declined a not insignificant 19% year-on-year in 2024, with the device brand experiencing declines in all regions except India. 

Read more
Apple Watch SE 3: Everything you need to know
Apple Watch SE 2 with protective case and generic Alpine Loop-style strap.

The Apple Watch is one of the most sought-after wearables on the market, but it can cost a pretty penny. Just as the now-defunct iPhone SE lineup offered an affordable alternative to iPhones, the Apple Watch SE is a more budget-friendly alternative to the main Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE 3 is on its way, and it's poised to shake up the wearable market in some exciting ways.

Of course, all of this information is gathered through rumors and leaks. Apple isn't one to spill details ahead of time, so what we're presenting here could change before launch. That said, if the Apple Watch SE 3 is anything like the Apple Watch SE 2, we're excited to get our hands on it.

Read more
Apple just dropped a new watch band and wallpapers for Pride 2025
Apple Pride 2025 collection.

Apple just announced its "2025 Pride Collection," which includes a new Sport Band for Apple Watch, a dynamic watch face, and a dynamic wallpaper that will be available for iOS and iPadOS. The watch band is available to order from today and the watch face/wallpapers will drop in upcoming software updates.

Apple has been releasing special edition watch bands for Pride Month for almost a decade now, each with a different take on the rainbow/multicolored design. This year's is pretty straightforward, making use of bold stripes of color just like actual pride flags.

Read more