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Vertical line on Apple Watch Series 4.. :(

W

WilliamG

macrumors G4
Original poster
Mar 29, 2008
10,046
3,959
Seattle
Just picked up my 44mm stainless Apple Watch Series 4. Has anyone else noticed a vertical line running the length of the screen top to bottom. It's only noticeable on grey-ish backgrounds, and some may still consider it pretty subtle.

The easiest test for me was to bring up the built-in Flashlight, and the grey background (before it gets bright) was easy for me to see it. It's just off center of the screen for me, running top to bottom. It's annoying on some of my wallpapers, too, if they're a little grey. I tried to get a photo, but it's not happening...

Anyway, just wondering if I got unlucky, or if this is common...

*edit*

As was helpfully suggested in this thread - it’s easiest to see it while scrolling around the Maps app map itself.
 
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WilliamG said:
Just picked up my 42mm stainless Apple Watch Series 4. Has anyone else noticed a vertical line running the length of the screen top to bottom. It's only noticeable on grey-ish backgrounds, and some may still consider it pretty subtle.

The easiest test for me was to bring up the built-in Flashlight, and the grey background (before it gets bright) was easy for me to see it. It's just off center of the screen for me, running top to bottom. It's annoying on some of my wallpapers, too, if they're a little grey. I tried to get a photo, but it's not happening...

Anyway, just wondering if I got unlucky, or if this is common...
Click to expand...

Just checked and I have the exact same thing on mine that I picked up today lol. I wonder if its a software issue since its in the same exact spot?
 
WilliamG said:
I don’t think I’m bothered enough to exchange it, especially since one out of one responders have said they have the EXACT same thing. It’s just...weird...
Click to expand...

Same here, I honestly would not have even seen it if it wasn’t for this post. Hopefully it goes away with an update.
 
WilliamG said:
Just picked up my 42mm stainless Apple Watch Series 4. Has anyone else noticed a vertical line running the length of the screen top to bottom. It's only noticeable on grey-ish backgrounds, and some may still consider it pretty subtle.

The easiest test for me was to bring up the built-in Flashlight, and the grey background (before it gets bright) was easy for me to see it. It's just off center of the screen for me, running top to bottom. It's annoying on some of my wallpapers, too, if they're a little grey. I tried to get a photo, but it's not happening...

Anyway, just wondering if I got unlucky, or if this is common...
Click to expand...


ok I can kinda see it on the grey background before the white kicks in. doesn't happen on the white screen and doesn't get captured in a screen shot. its so faint, I would never have noticed it unless you pointed it out and I was looking for it. tried to capture it in a live photograph, but its way too faint.
 
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dictoresno said:
ok I can kinda see it on the grey background before the white kicks in. doesn't happen on the white screen and doesn't get captured in a screen shot. its so faint, I would never have noticed it unless you pointed it out and I was looking for it. tried to capture it in a live photograph, but its way too faint.
Click to expand...

I’m going to guess the 44 screen is more prone to it. Or it’s a software bug. Either way, it’s odd. Thanks for checking and chiming in.
 
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WilliamG said:
I’m going to guess the 44 screen is more prone to it. Or it’s a software bug. Either way, it’s odd. Thanks for checking and chiming in.
Click to expand...

Hi Guys,

I saw this thread and just wanted to say that I have the exact same issue with my 44mm SS Apple Watch. I took mine back to the Apple Store and they replaced it only to find that the line was there on that one too... very odd.
 
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Craigus91 said:
Hi Guys,

I saw this thread and just wanted to say that I have the exact same issue with my 44mm SS Apple Watch. I took mine back to the Apple Store and they replaced it only to find that the line was there on that one too... very odd.
Click to expand...

I feel like its worth waiting a few months for them to sort out all of these issues before getting a replacement. Mine has the line and backlight bleed but I feel like that is fairly common at the moment. My hope is that in a few months these issues will be resolved.
 
Kaloyan said:
I feel like its worth waiting a few months for them to sort out all of these issues before getting a replacement. Mine has the line and backlight bleed but I feel like that is fairly common at the moment. My hope is that in a few months these issues will be resolved.
Click to expand...

I’m not sure about all these ‘issues’ that you’re referring to, because there are millions of Apple Watches that are sold that we don’t know the quantitative data of how many people actually affected or even noticing the uneven display, etc. I can honestly give you my own take on my Space Black 44 mm is perfect the whole way around. The reason you hear about the worst issues, is that people are more vocal on forums like this, but we don’t know everybody else’s experience for those who don’t frequent a tech site.
 
Relentless Power said:
I’m not sure about all these ‘issues’ that you’re referring to, because there are millions of Apple Watches that are sold that we don’t know the quantitative data of how many people actually affected or even noticing the uneven display, etc. I can honestly give you my own take on my Space Black 44 mm is perfect the whole way around. The reason you hear about the worst issues, is that people are more vocal on forums like this, but we don’t know everybody else’s experience for those who don’t frequent a tech site.
Click to expand...

Yeah that is true, it is hard to know how many watches have issues overall. I am mostly referring to threads on Reddit about the backlight bleed and people commenting on here. The fact that the previous poster exchanged their watch for a new one which had the same issue leads me to believe it might be somewhat common. That is why I said what I said. I am aware that there are also tons of flawless watches out there as well lol.
 
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Craigus91 said:
Hi Guys,

I saw this thread and just wanted to say that I have the exact same issue with my 44mm SS Apple Watch. I took mine back to the Apple Store and they replaced it only to find that the line was there on that one too... very odd.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I’m fairly convinced they all have the same issue at this point. For those that say they don’t have it, I’m guessing they just don’t see it. I showed it to my neighbor and he thought I was mad - and he didn’t see it. So it goes.

Thanks for chiming in.

For the record, my wife’s 40mm does not have this issue, so it looks like it’s just the 44mm that’s subject to this anomaly.
 
I’ve tried to get a photo of it and it’s VERY hard. On the Flashlight app it’s only really visible before full brightness kicks in. And you have to really be looking for it.

I just wish I understood why it’s happening?
 
WilliamG said:
I’ve tried to get a photo of it and it’s VERY hard. On the Flashlight app it’s only really visible before full brightness kicks in. And you have to really be looking for it.

I just wish I understood why it’s happening?
Click to expand...


Try apple maps app on the watch and move around to empty space. The vertical line shoud be more visible.
[doublepost=1539915377][/doublepost]I am glad to see this thread cos I have the same issue on my apple watch s4 nike+ 44mm. The 2nd exchange unit has same vertical line....
 
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Macmaxmax said:
Try apple maps app on the watch and move around to empty space. The vertical line shoud be more visible.
[doublepost=1539915377][/doublepost]I am glad to see this thread cos I have the same issue on my apple watch s4 nike+ 44mm. The 2nd exchange unit has same vertical line....
Click to expand...

Yep in Maps it’s really easy to see inside my house right now. Outside in the sun I doubt I’d be able to see it.

Just so bizarre!
[doublepost=1539917204][/doublepost]Got a photo that if you know what you’re looking for you can see it. Just to the right of center, top to bottom. It's extremely faint in this picture, and much more easy to see in person.
 

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After reading what you guys are experiencing I feel a bit of comfort in the fact that I’m not alone. The steps you’ve taken to recreate the issue are exactly the same as what I had to do and it’s still incredibly faint like you say. Out of interest has anyone tried 5.1 beta to see if it’s present there as well? If not I’ll give it a try on mine
 
Craigus91 said:
After reading what you guys are experiencing I feel a bit of comfort in the fact that I’m not alone. The steps you’ve taken to recreate the issue are exactly the same as what I had to do and it’s still incredibly faint like you say. Out of interest has anyone tried 5.1 beta to see if it’s present there as well? If not I’ll give it a try on mine
Click to expand...
Haven’t been brave enough yet to jump on the beta train for the Watch. Didn’t stop me with the XS Max though :D
 
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