Apple Watch Ultra Display Too Dim in Low Light, Say Some Users

[MacRumors]

The Apple Watch Ultra display is too difficult to read in low light conditions, report some users, an ambient light sensor issue that is likely linked to Apple's watchOS 10 software update last month.

There are multiple complaints from MacRumors readers (1, 2), Reddit users (1, 2, 3, 4), and Apple Community users who say that they are unable to read information on the Apple Watch Ultra display in dark environments because the screen is too dim, suggesting the device's ambient light sensor has not been properly calibrated to increase brightness to an adequate level.

Launched last month, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 pushes the maximum screen brightness to 3,000 nits, making it the brightest Apple Watch ever, according to Apple. The display is also capable of reducing brightness to as low as 1 nits.

Some Ultra 2 owners have pinned the blame on this new hardware specification, however the recent uptick in reports also includes users of the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, suggesting it is an issue with Apple's watchOS 10 software update, which was released in September.

Users say the issue is particularly pronounced when quickly moving from a bright room to a dark area, and when the Wayfinder and Ultra Modular watch face is set to Night mode, which puts a red filter on the display. Legibility issues persist despite manual adjustments to the brightness level in the watch's Settings. Both Ultra and Ultra 2 owners say the problem is evident on models updated with watchOS 10.0.1 and the latest watchOS 10.0.2 update.

• Apple Watch Ultra: How to Activate Night Mode

Apple is reportedly aware of the issue, so hopefully a future software update will remedy the situation. Have you experienced difficulty reading information on the Apple Watch Ultra's screen in low light? Let us know in the comments.

(Thanks, Joshua!)

Article Link: Apple Watch Ultra Display Too Dim in Low Light, Say Some Users

 

[DamoTheBrave]

I totally agree with this. It’s too dark for me to make out at night and I’d really like them to fix it.

 

[mystery hill]

It’s an ultra low light display.

 

[darthbane2k]

Goes down to 1 nit at night which was the point. I think the solution should be that it only drops this low if the watch is in sleep focus. In general low light conditions the display needs to be brighter.

 

[klasma]

This should really be user-configurable, because one size (brightness curve) does not fit all.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I haven't had any issues with it being too dim personally

 

[ktd]

Same issue on the Series 9 as well.

 

[GuruZac]

Not too dim for me. But I have noticed the new Modular Ultra face in Night Mode is much more orange than Night Mode on the Wayfinder face.

 

[rsnhakan]

No. Mine is symmetric and completely flush.

Also under bright light conditions?

 

[akerr]

I'm sure this is because human eyes take longer to adjust to dark conditions than a screen takes to dim. Is it still dim after 30 minutes in the dark? Do you have vision problems? The solution is an option to increase the brightness - increasing it for everyone would be a shame for those than can make use of the increased range.

 

[michaelbirdart]

I'm sure this is because human eyes take longer to adjust to dark conditions than a screen takes to dim. Is it still dim after 30 minutes in the dark? Do you have vision problems? The solution is an option to increase the brightness - increasing it for everyone would be a shame for those than can make use of the increased range.

Given that their marketing rationale for the utility of the ultra dim display was that it wouldn't be obtrusive in movie theaters, one would expect eyes to be adjusted to the screen and therefore the watch would be readable regardless. My eyes have the opposite issue in that they do not acclimate to bright lights quickly (particularly fluorescents), and given my preference for darker lighting, my Ultra 2 is simply too dim in the dark.

Your premise that it would be unfortunate if they increased the brightness and therefor deprived (presumably) you and others of the option of its current setting is somewhat paradoxical. Those of us who are having trouble with it would suggest that maybe three stops for "brightness" is perhaps inadequate and that a greater degree of personalization from a smart watch isn't too much to ask.

 

[Rychiar]

Why is this article just about the ultra 2? The series 9 is just as bad. I was excited about having a brighter always on display coming from a series 5 and now I can barely see my screen in a dark room unless all the colors are white and even then it’s dim

 

[Rychiar]

I'm sure this is because human eyes take longer to adjust to dark conditions than a screen takes to dim. Is it still dim after 30 minutes in the dark? Do you have vision problems? The solution is an option to increase the brightness - increasing it for everyone would be a shame for those than can make use of the increased range.

It was fine the way it was in the dark . It was never too bright for me and I have light sensitivity issues

 

[spazzcat]

Why is this article just about the ultra 2? The series 9 is just as bad. I was excited about having a brighter always on display coming from a series 5 and now I can barely see my screen in a dark room unless all the colors are white and even then it’s dim

Because it's only an issue when it goes into night mode with the red display.

 

[Kingrusso]

Big mess from Apple this year, I am having also issue with apple watch not detecting my wrist because I have a tattoo. Had garmin and other sport trackers/watches, never had an issue until I got ultra. Even the previous gen of apple watch were not bad as ultra..

 

[citysnaps]

I totally agree with this. It’s too dark for me to make out at night and I’d really like them to fix it.

If you'd really like that to happen, write a thoughtful letter to Craig Federighi expressing your views.

 

[Chazak]

Same issue on the Series 9 as well.

Not sure how it could be the same considering a very different exterior and manufacturing design of the case.

 

[MrSkoTA]

“unable to read information on the Apple Watch Ultra display in dark environments because the screen is too dim”

Yup!

 

[Evolving Mind]

I can confirm this as well, went from a series 7 to Ultra 2 and watch OS 10. You cannot read anything, also always on display gets to dark and does not adjust properly in bright environment. You cannot glance at your watch an see the time, that's a bummer.

 

[pcd213]

Because it's only an issue when it goes into night mode with the red display.

Untrue.

 

[jclardy]

Users say the issue is particularly pronounced when quickly moving from a bright room to a dark area, and when the Wayfinder and Ultra Modular watch face is set to Night mode, which puts a red filter on the display.

Not to discount this issue...but do people know how eyes work? If you move from a bright room to a dark room, you aren't going to see dim lights for a few seconds/minutes as your eyes acclimate to the new brightness levels. I also suspect people could be looking at max brightness iPhones or a TV in dark rooms, then looking at a 1/2 nit watch display.

Just don't want these people to force apple to ruin my 2 nit night mode which is one of my favorite ultra features.

Add an accessibility setting to force a minimum brightness level, problem solved.

 

[Oscar_440]

It seems that Apple has done a great job unveiling the iPhone 15 and ultra2... come on 🤦🏼🤦🏼

 

[MarkNewton2023]

I noticed more dimming on my Apple Watch Ultra 2 in low light. Hopefully, it will be fixed on next updates.

 

[Dan From Canada]

It's probably great for people doing astrophotography where their eyes adjust to the minute night light.

 

[orbital~debris]

Found the same problem on my Series 9 ⌚️ yesterday. It was noticeable enough that I went into Settings and increased the brightness to the third notch (which only helped slightly).