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'World's First Swim App' on Apple Watch Put to the Test in New Video

I've been swimming with my Apple Watch for about a month now and so far so good. Since it's IP rated for 3 meters/30 minutes, I try to limit my swimming to around 30 minutes.

The watch was clearly designed to withstand water. I think the unknown factor is its long term durability. For that reason, I got AppleCare Plus.
 
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Karma*Police said:
I've been swimming with my Apple Watch for about a month now and so far so good. Since it's IP rated for 3 meters/30 minutes, I try to limit my swimming to around 30 minutes. The watch was clearly designed to withstand water. I think the unknown factor is its long term durability. For that reason, I got AppleCare Plus.
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Karma*Police said:
I've been swimming with my Apple Watch for about a month now and so far so good. Since it's IP rated for 3 meters/30 minutes, I try to limit my swimming to around 30 minutes. The watch was clearly designed to withstand water. I think the unknown factor is its long term durability. For that reason, I got AppleCare Plus.
Click to expand...
 
Very awesome! And it can still detect heart rate? I'll be awaiting to ensure there are no longterm damage/effect to swimming with it, but if it seems ok I'll probably start swimming with mine and selecting "other" for workout.

73b said:
My only complaint I have about the Apple Watch is that the sport model is not really durable enough for a lot of sports. I'm nervous to wear my watch to the beach or during any sport where I might be hitting the ground too hard. Of course, I can't take it swimming either. Apple could design a much more durable watch that is completely waterproof and still looks good. I don't know why "sport" for them just means cheaper and lighter.
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Not sure why you are nervous. I've found the watch to be quite durable. Even if it gets a few scuffs, who cares? This is a watch. It's meant to be worn and thrown around. I've worn it while playing sand volleyball and it did fine. If anything, I'll consider any damage to be adding "character" to my watch. If I can swim without any concerns then that'll be the perfect cherry on top.
 
Well, THIS App available would make me (as a former swimmer) run into an Apple Store, grab the watch (or an i-employee to bring me one) and throw that money into the fruity greedy throat...

...Well, if I didn't already.
 
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Good video. I agree with those who said Apple should make the watch waterproof.

As to heart rate monitoring on the watch, how accurate is it, especially in water? Chest straps are more accurate but not always practical.
 
manu chao said:
The skin does squat for your capacitance (try using a capacitance screen with a thick piece of leather, it won't work). Capacitance screens work because our body is 70% water. Under water the screen suddenly sees 100% water on the whole screen (yes the screen could then recognise if an object with only 70% water is brought to the screen, but (a) I don't think the logic behind the screens is programmed for this case and (b) the difference between 100% and 70% is smaller than that between 0% (air) and 70% (finger)). Note how already a little bit of water on a capacitance screen screws things up (eg, using a trackpad with a few drops of water on it).
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SgtPepper12 said:
I really don't know any details about how the technology really works and what it really relies on, but I'd assume two problems: The difference is a lot smaller than usually (humans are mostly water) and the capacitance is not constant. I assume it is very different in salt water than in your bath tub. But I don't know a lot about the technology, as I said. Maybe someone else can clear this up.
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A 30% difference is still quite a lot (but that's not to say the capacitance will be 30% different - the fact that a touch screen doesn't detect leather doesn't mean leather has the same capacitance as air, just that it's not what the screen's calibrated for, ie the same as living skin). Given how good modern touch screens are I wouldn't be surprised to see one that can do this in the next couple of years.
 
When full apps are allowed to run on the watch, apps like this would be much more useful. I look forward to the possibility (hopefully apple allows them)

mazz0 said:
What I'd like to know is why can't they make touch screens work underwater? They work on different in capacitance, right? Surely there's a difference between water and human skin in water - can't they just calibrate it to detect that?
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I wonder if force touch would be a good option for underwater use. Force touch combined with the digital crown could potentially make for a suitable underwater experience. But of course it would add an extra layer of complexity.
 
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I did swim in my Apple Watch two times. They work fine, I stopped doing it because it didn't fill my green circle. Does this mean I broke warranty and Apple will detect this somehow and won't service my Watch?
 
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So... if Apple approved that app, does it mean they would potentially repair a watch with water damage?
ElctrcJellyfish said:
This is fantastic. I want the waterproofed Apple Watch so much.
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I had an old can of boot/shoe waterproof spray. Works marvellously...

IMPORTANT: I will not be held responsible if you fail to see the "humor" in this and actually try it.
 
OK, here's a hypothetical: say I do wear it swimming, and just wanted to get the calories/heartrate added to my daily move, so it counts for my exercise total. If this guy is saying the heart rate sensor actually works in the water, then plausibly I could just use the "Other" setting in the workout app, correct? I wonder how close to accurate the calorie burn measure would be? Even if not precise, so long as it wasn't wildly incorrect, it would still be better than not having that workout count at all...

If the damn thing is as waterproof as all these tests seem to be suggesting, I see no point in taking it off when I swim. I already wear it in the shower pretty much every day.
 
NervousFish2 said:
... If the damn thing is as waterproof as all these tests seem to be suggesting, I see no point in taking it off when I swim. I already wear it in the shower pretty much every day.
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This is why - Apple:

"Submerging Apple Watch is not recommended. Apple Watch has a water resistance rating of IPX7 under IEC standard 60529. The leather bands are not water resistant. Water resistance is not a permanent condition and Apple Watch cannot be rechecked or resealed for water resistance. The following may affect the water resistance of Apple Watch and should be avoided:

Dropping Apple Watch or subjecting it to other impacts.

Submerging Apple Watch in water for long periods of time.

Swimming or bathing with Apple Watch. ... "​
 
73b said:
My only complaint I have about the Apple Watch is that the sport model is not really durable enough for a lot of sports. I'm nervous to wear my watch to the beach or during any sport where I might be hitting the ground too hard. Of course, I can't take it swimming either. Apple could design a much more durable watch that is completely waterproof and still looks good. I don't know why "sport" for them just means cheaper and lighter.
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Get one of those durable Apple Watch straps.
 
Karma*Police said:
I've been swimming with my Apple Watch for about a month now and so far so good. Since it's IP rated for 3 meters/30 minutes, I try to limit my swimming to around 30 minutes.

The watch was clearly designed to withstand water. I think the unknown factor is its long term durability. For that reason, I got AppleCare Plus.
Click to expand...

Do you know of any links/blogs where people have been tracking similar usage, over time? I'd be very interested to get beyond these abstract debates and read more about real world experience. Plus, a big question: Anyone heard of any reports of a watch actually breaking from swimming?!!
 
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This is the only thing holding me from considering an AppleWatch. Waterproof.

I am an avid swimmer and surfer and I want to be able to track these activities. This app is a great step.
I hope Apple can make it waterproof for maybe 10 to 20m in the future version. It's not much to ask for.
 
73b said:
My only complaint I have about the Apple Watch is that the sport model is not really durable enough for a lot of sports. I'm nervous to wear my watch to the beach or during any sport where I might be hitting the ground too hard. Of course, I can't take it swimming either. Apple could design a much more durable watch that is completely waterproof and still looks good. I don't know why "sport" for them just means cheaper and lighter.
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er, what makes you believe the Sport cant handle you falling to the sand during volleyball? the SoC inside is encased in resin...
 
73b said:
My only complaint I have about the Apple Watch is that the sport model is not really durable enough for a lot of sports. I'm nervous to wear my watch to the beach or during any sport where I might be hitting the ground too hard. Of course, I can't take it swimming either. Apple could design a much more durable watch that is completely waterproof and still looks good. I don't know why "sport" for them just means cheaper and lighter.
Click to expand...

FWIW Mr. Fieri, I wear mine every time I go mountain and road biking. It's survived a couple downpours, a hailstorm, and two crashes. Both of these involved me flying out of the saddle, landing on my left arm in the dirt, and skidding to a stop. The watch and band were covered in dirt, but all that was left after a good cleaning was a microscopic little mark above the screen. I've been pleasantly surprised with the durability.
 
NervousFish2 said:
Do you know of any links/blogs where people have been tracking similar usage, over time? I'd be very interested to get beyond these abstract debates and read more about real world experience. Plus, a big question: Anyone heard of any reports of a watch actually breaking from swimming?!!
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No, I've come across a few first impressions but nothing documenting its long term usage in water. Maybe I'll start one, lol.

Overall, it works well. I have the 42mm SS w/BSB and both still look great. The HR sensor is not the most accurate but I've found that you can get more accurate readings if you keep your arm still for a little while... 10 seconds or so. I also keep the band very tight so the sensor is always in contact with my skin.

I do give it a quick wash after each swim and dry it with a towel. I use plain water and gently rub the chemicals off with my fingers; no soap or detergent. I also try to keep the water temperature on the cool side (similar to the pool water temp) so the gasket isn't constantly expanding/contracting.

I've not heard of anyone's watch breaking from swimming.
 
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One of the biggest reasons I didn't even consider buying Gen1. I'm not a big swimmer when it comes to my fitness regimen, but I anticipate I'd be wearing an AW all the time - at the pool, water park, etc. I don't need 100 meters, but at least give me 50. If you're dropping over $300 on a watch, it ought to be waterproof. Especially one with 'Sport' in the name.
 
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Karma*Police said:
I've been swimming with my Apple Watch for about a month now and so far so good. Since it's IP rated for 3 meters/30 minutes, I try to limit my swimming to around 30 minutes.

The watch was clearly designed to withstand water. I think the unknown factor is its long term durability. For that reason, I got AppleCare Plus.
Click to expand...

As a regular swimmer, I'd love to see them make a swim proof product that could withstand the water. While this is an impressive application, I don't see long term swimming being viable. 200m is not far at all and likely didn't take the swimmer more than a few minutes if he's experienced. I've had enough problems for regular watches "designed" for swimming... Let alone touch pads and other devices with the sole purpose of being submerged.

Up until this demonstration I've had no interest in the Apple Watch, but a lap counter is an awesome feature to have while swimming. It's easy to forget where you stand if you stop paying attention.
 
Karma*Police said:
I've been swimming with my Apple Watch for about a month now and so far so good. Since it's IP rated for 3 meters/30 minutes, I try to limit my swimming to around 30 minutes.

The watch was clearly designed to withstand water. I think the unknown factor is its long term durability. For that reason, I got AppleCare Plus.
Click to expand...
It's great you're enjoying your watch, but you're living on borrowed time regarding the water resistance. That's not a consequence of the Apple watch. It's just a fact of life regarding water resistance with any watch. Water resistance is not a permanent condition. Some watches can be resealed. Unfortunately, the Apple watch is not in that category. Apple is pretty clear about that. The more you swim, the more you affect the water resistance. When the WR starts to fail, you will see condensation under the face or worse, in the sensor. Rice will be your best friend. Restraint from swimming with the watch will be your 2nd best friend. I imagine v2 will be at least as water resistant as a Pebble (5ATM or 50 meters and approved for swimming). Till then, everyone swimming with their watch should have a full understanding of the consequences.
 
Seriously why? I mean if your going to own this device I'm pretty sure you can compromise in exchange for its other great features and take the damn thing off before a swim. Yes it would be great for Apple to develop this more 'officially' for those accidents where you do go for a drink but in the end its not a deal breaker for the majority.
 
I'll stick with my Garmin for the pool, and leave the AW in the locker, swim app and waterproofed to 50m. It's not the prettiest watch but does the job :)
 
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