Apple Watch Bands With Magnets May Cause Interference With Compass on Series 5 Models

New to Apple Watch Series 5 models is a built-in compass that allows users to see which way they are facing, complete with a new Compass app that displays heading, incline, latitude, longitude, and current elevation.

In fine print on its website, however, Apple has indicated that Apple Watch bands with magnets "may cause interference" with the compass. This includes the Milanese Loop, Modern Buckle, and Leather Loop. Sport Bands, Sport Loops, Link Bracelets, Nike, and Hermès bands do not contain magnets.

Magnetic interference can affect any compass, so this is not an Apple Watch issue, but something to keep note of while choosing a band.

Update: Apple has published a support document with more information:

The presence of magnets can affect the accuracy of any compass sensor. Apple's Leather Loop, Milanese Loop, and earlier Sport Loop watch bands use magnets or magnetic material that might interfere with the Apple Watch compass. The compass isn't affected by Sport Loop bands introduced in September 2019, or any version of the Sport Band.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9

Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

Top Rated Comments

benshive

53 months ago

"Man, Apple sucks under Tim Cook. Why couldn't they just change the laws of physics to make this work with all bands. Their days of innovation are obviously over"
- someone here, probably

Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)

2010mini

Still having a really hard time thinking of a time that I'd EVER need a compass

Comes in very handy if you travel a lot.
[doublepost=1568650377][/doublepost]

So one of the two selling points of series 5 is potentially not useable by people if you have the wrong band.

You’re wearing it wrong?

So Apple is bad because cannot change the laws of physics?

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Unity451

You're not living then.

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

dannyyankou

No one needs a compass

“I don’t need a compass” ≠ “no one needs a compass”
[doublepost=1568649912][/doublepost]So I guess Apple won’t be able to use stories in one of their inspiring videos about people getting lost and using their Apple Watch’s compass to take them to safety.

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Doctor Q

I use it when I emerge from a subway station, to make sure I know which way I'm facing. Unless the stars are out, in which case I can go by the positions of the constellations.

macduke

Magnetism is magnetism. What do you want from them? The Apple Watch isn't located far from the band. The magnet on the band needs to be very strong so it stays on the wrist. Most people aren't going to be wearing these fancier bands when they're hiking anyway. I know I always put on a sport band or loop.

Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments