Light Leaks Normal on Apple Watch? (Photos Included)

[HappyDude20]

I’ve noticed that there is constant light leaking from the perimeter of my Apple Watch screen. When viewing any watch face in the dark the leak is uneven, I’d say 75% of the perimeter leaks.

However in the dark and with flashlight mode on its at 100% and pretty obvious. If I use the red flashlight it leaks red. Wondering if this is expected, common, or if Apple would remedy this?

 

[Sedulous]

Not sure how that is possible. The OLED panel itself emits light and there is no backlight layer. I guess a small percentage of light may be refracting back through the glass and back down through the curved edge.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Sorry, but what exactly am I looking here at?

 

[HappyDude20]

Sorry. I wondered if this would be lost in translation with the photos. The outline of the watch screen, what looks like to just be the outline is actually light bleeding through almost all around. The perimeter is indeed light leaking out. I’ve made an appointment with Best Buy an authorized Apple seller so I’m hoping they take it in.other have stated it’s only a matter of time till the screen comes off and I’m still under warranty so wanna take care of this.

Sorry, but what exactly am I looking here at?

 

[Mr.Blacky]

For me it just looks like the light from the screen gets reflected.

 

[HappyDude20]

For me it just looks like the light from the screen gets reflected.

In the Pitch dark, in person, The light around the perimeter is almost as bright as the screen itself.

 

[Sedulous]

In the Pitch dark, in person, The light around the perimeter is almost as bright as the screen itself.

Yeah, I do not see that with either the S4 or S5 watches I have.

 

[Julien]

In the Pitch dark, in person, The light around the perimeter is almost as bright as the screen itself.

If you are using the Flashlight why are you looking at the screen since there is nothing to see? You should have the Watch facing what you are trying to illuminate and light reflecting off the angled screen is inconsequential.

Also as pointed out the Apple Watch uses OLED and NOT backlight LCD. OLED only illuminates the pixels that are being driven and all the rest are 100% completely black. So there is no such thing as backlight bleed from an OLED panel.

 

[HappyDude20]

If you are using the Flashlight why are you looking at the screen since there is nothing to see? You should have the Watch facing what you are trying to illuminate and light reflecting off the angled screen is inconsequential.

Jesus there’s always one.

There is an issue that needs addressing and am seeking guidance in this thread. Not whatever it is you’re mentioning.

 

[Sedulous]

Jesus there’s always one.

There is an issue that needs addressing and am seeking guidance in this thread. Not whatever it is you’re mentioning.

What you are seeing is light reflecting off the beveled glass. I see no light leakage on my S5 but the same ring of light reflecting off the beveled glass.

 

[HappyDude20]

What you are seeing is light reflecting off the beveled glass. I see no light leakage on my S5 but the same ring of light reflecting off the beveled glass.

So you’re suggesting that is normal? The Apple Store employee told me to make an appointment and to expect to drop off my AW. Appointment is this Sunday.

 

[Sedulous]

So you’re suggesting that is normal? The Apple Store employee told me to make an appointment and to expect to drop off my AW. Appointment is this Sunday.

It is not light coming through. It is light reflecting of the beveled glass. Go ahead and have Apple check it but be prepared to be told exactly the same.

 

[perezr10]

I gotta say. It just looks like a reflection off of the bevel to me too.

Usually when people talk about light leakage, isn’t it in relation to LCD screens? LCDs have a backlight behind the pixels and sometimes there is leakage through to the front. The Apple Watch is an AMOLED screen. There is no backlight.

 

[Secubia]

My Series 3 did that for about a week before the screen popped off.. Turned out to be a swollen battery and I got a refurb replacement watch even though it was out of warranty. So in my opinion, yes, definitely go have it checked.

 

[dsdevries]

My Series 3 did that for about a week before the screen popped off.. Turned out to be a swollen battery and I got a refurb replacement watch even though it was out of warranty. So in my opinion, yes, definitely go have it checked.

My Series 3 also has it. It's still watertight, no battery issues or bulging. Maybe you just noticed a week before the screen popped off by coincidence and there is a correlation but no causality.

@HappyDude20 Did apple get back to you on this?