Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Spicedham

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 16, 2012
130
8
I had the space gray sports version for 2 weeks and the taptic feedback was strong and very noticable. I returned it and got the SS model and noticed I can barely feel the taps on this model. Both models have the sports band the I fit them on the same notch. Is there something defective with my SS watch?
 
I've had the same experience, went from aluminum sport to space black stainless steel - I thought it was just me!
 
I concur - after using both for a few days I miss a lot more notifications on the SS than I did on a SGS.

Apple likely uses the same size/power taptic component on all watch models, so with less momentum to shift the taptic is going to be more noticeable on the lighter Sport models.
 
Last edited:
The explains why I could not feel my Haptic tap on my SpaceBlack AW. If I was up and moving around would never feel it. Unless in a quiet place I could not hear the little ding either. Made the AW a no win for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BarredOwl
This is yet another reason why I am happy with my choice to go with the entry level Space Gray Sport for this 1st gen of watch. I wanted the SS and still do, but I think I will wait for the 2nd gen. I am not rubbing anything in or gloating (heaven knows, I actually almost took my watch back just yesterday and got the Stainless Steel) but rather thanking you guys for taking one for the team so to speak.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dimonius and Nodger
Never really wear the Sports model except in the trial section.

However, I assume all apple watches use the same tapic engine. So, the heavy the case, the less you can feel the vibration.

On the other hand, I am now wearing a 42mm Black SS. I must admit that the normal haptic is too weak (even set to strongest), but the prominent haptic works really well. By turning that on, I never miss any notification, it can even easily wake me up from sleep.
 
This is yet another reason why I am happy with my choice to go with the entry level Space Gray Sport for this 1st gen of watch. I wanted the SS and still do, but I think I will wait for the 2nd gen. I am not rubbing anything in or gloating (heaven knows, I actually almost took my watch back just yesterday and got the Stainless Steel) but rather thanking you guys for taking one for the team so to speak.

If owning a more elegant, durable, stylish watch is taking one for the team is there anything else I can do for you? Very happy with the SS and wouldn't want the sport at this point. Bet you go get the SS at some point, its just the better looking watch IMHO. I know everyone is pining for gen 2 of the watch, but there really isn't anything that they could add at this point that I feel I'm missing. Could be wrong, but I think this watch will easily last a couple of years for me. I've noticed it tends to be people who don't own the watch that want the next version. Owning the watch is completely different from reading about it. I almost wish that people who don't own the watch would stop posting comments as if they know what it is like to own one!
 
This is yet another reason why I am happy with my choice to go with the entry level Space Gray Sport for this 1st gen of watch. I wanted the SS and still do, but I think I will wait for the 2nd gen. I am not rubbing anything in or gloating (heaven knows, I actually almost took my watch back just yesterday and got the Stainless Steel) but rather thanking you guys for taking one for the team so to speak.

I went with a sport at first but it looks cheap and like a toy, I didn't mind paying $200 extra for something I wear everyday that looks significantly better and made with superior materials

And the taptic is strong enough for me
 
I think mine is declining in strength. But I'm not sure. I do have to have strong haptic on all the time.
 
If owning a more elegant, durable, stylish watch is taking one for the team is there anything else I can do for you? Very happy with the SS and wouldn't want the sport at this point. Bet you go get the SS at some point, its just the better looking watch IMHO. I know everyone is pining for gen 2 of the watch, but there really isn't anything that they could add at this point that I feel I'm missing. Could be wrong, but I think this watch will easily last a couple of years for me. I've noticed it tends to be people who don't own the watch that want the next version. Owning the watch is completely different from reading about it. I almost wish that people who don't own the watch would stop posting comments as if they know what it is like to own one!

I guess you missed my point. You seem to be saying that I should get the SS based solely on the look of it. The way it works and holds up is very important to me too. With the previous complaints about the SS sapphire screen scratching, the sapphire coating issues, the stainless steel case scuffing, the screen resolution and glare of the sapphire screen, the SS digital crown issues, the SS taptic issues to name just a few, I think there are some issues to work out with the SS and, frankly, there are issues to work out with all of the watches including the sports model so I am happy staying with the 1st gen base model until those issues are addressed. And yes, I will get the SS when the 2nd gen comes out and they iron these things out. So I'm pretty happy with my SG Sport at this point and I think it looks pretty sweet IMHO and when I do want a dressier stylish watch, I will wear my nice mechanical watch, which I assure you looks way better and more stylish than the SS Apple watch. And I will say it again, not gloating or rubbing it in, just giving my humble opinion and appreciation for people that share their issues with the SS.
 
  • Like
Reactions: iBlazed and Nodger
I felt the same as the OP. I got around this by turning on the "prominent" haptic. So far so good as I haven't missed a notification yet....except while I'm exercising...
 
I guess you missed my point. You seem to be saying that I should get the SS based solely on the look of it. The way it works and holds up is very important to me too. With the previous complaints about the SS sapphire screen scratching, the sapphire coating issues, the stainless steel case scuffing, the screen resolution and glare of the sapphire screen, the SS digital crown issues, the SS taptic issues to name just a few, I think there are some issues to work out with the SS and, frankly, there are issues to work out with all of the watches including the sports model so I am happy staying with the 1st gen base model until those issues are addressed. And yes, I will get the SS when the 2nd gen comes out and they iron these things out. So I'm pretty happy with my SG Sport at this point and I think it looks pretty sweet IMHO and when I do want a dressier stylish watch, I will wear my nice mechanical watch, which I assure you looks way better and more stylish than the SS Apple watch. And I will say it again, not gloating or rubbing it in, just giving my humble opinion and appreciation for people that share their issues with the SS.

Hmm...the claims of the sapphire screen scratching seemed to die after the first week. Maybe they were real, but I have my doubts. Same with the concerns about the coating. Unless you are TRYING to scratch the screen (like some of those folks were), this is not an actual issue.

Yes, SS scuffs, but it doesn't take gouges like aluminum.

There's no resolution difference between the aluminum and SS - not sure what you're referring to there.

The glare thing is an actual difference, but it's only measurable in a lab, and not something an actual user would see. The SS watch screen is plenty visible in the sun.

There have been as many reports of crown issues for Sport as SS.

So, basically, no, there aren't issues to work out with the SS. Obviously you can justify your purchase to yourself however you like. It's great that you're happy with your watch.
 
Hmm...the claims of the sapphire screen scratching seemed to die after the first week. Maybe they were real, but I have my doubts. Same with the concerns about the coating. Unless you are TRYING to scratch the screen (like some of those folks were), this is not an actual issue.

Yes, SS scuffs, but it doesn't take gouges like aluminum.

There's no resolution difference between the aluminum and SS - not sure what you're referring to there.

The glare thing is an actual difference, but it's only measurable in a lab, and not something an actual user would see. The SS watch screen is plenty visible in the sun.

There have been as many reports of crown issues for Sport as SS.

So, basically, no, there aren't issues to work out with the SS. Obviously you can justify your purchase to yourself however you like. It's great that you're happy with your watch.
Ha ha, this cracked me up, sounds like you are justifying your purchase, lol. :D
 
The metal band (namely the link bracelet) dissipates the vibration and hence it feels weaker. It has nothing to do with Sport vs. SS difference.

Switching to a leather band gets you stronger haptic.
 
This is yet another reason why I am happy with my choice to go with the entry level Space Gray Sport for this 1st gen of watch. I wanted the SS and still do, but I think I will wait for the 2nd gen. I am not rubbing anything in or gloating (heaven knows, I actually almost took my watch back just yesterday and got the Stainless Steel) but rather thanking you guys for taking one for the team so to speak.

If you were seriously thinking of buying the SS then just do it because very soon you'll regret having to wear a toy looking watch
 
Gone back to my SGS after wearing SS for a few days. Enjoying not noticing a heavy lump on my wrist and not missing taptic notifications.

Each to their own - Apple provided different models for a reason - choose what you like and be happy! No need to diss others who have different taste.
 
Gone back to my SGS after wearing SS for a few days. Enjoying not noticing a heavy lump on my wrist and not missing taptic notifications.

Each to their own - Apple provided different models for a reason - choose what you like and be happy! No need to diss others who have different taste.

You find the SS heavy !
I assume you've never worn a quality watch before
 
  • Like
Reactions: mcdj and flur
You find the SS heavy !
I assume you've never worn a quality watch before

I'm quite entitled to post my own views on the merits/difference as I see them, though I'm not sure how you're entitled or qualified to make assumptions about what I've worn before? If it puts your mind at rest I do have quality watches, some of which are heavier than the AW, however what I choose to wear and my own choice between the Sport and SS is my own free choice.

I (that's me) preferred the lighter feel of the Sport - the SS is noticeably heavier than the Sport - but each to their own, people will choose to wear one over the other for different reasons - fashion, form, feel, ego or whatever....it's a choice, and I'm pleased Apple offered us plenty. And back to the original topic, in my experience the taptic feedback is less noticeable in the SS than the Sport.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Honey Badger
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.