Apple Watch Getting Hand Washing Feature With 20-Second Countdown and Haptic Feedback

by

No more having to hum the "happy birthday" song to yourself twice, as the Apple Watch features a new hand washing feature in watchOS 7.

hand washing watchos 7 screenshot
Using its motion sensors and microphone, the Apple Watch automatically detects hand washing and starts a 20‑second timer, which is how long the CDC and many other health organizations recommend washing your hands. If your Apple Watch detects that you've stopped washing your hands early, it will encourage you to continue for the full 20 seconds.

In addition, the Apple Watch can remind you to wash your hands when you get home.

watchOS 7 is available in beta for registered Apple developers today, with a public beta to follow next month. The software update will be released to all users with an Apple Watch Series 3 or newer in the fall.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 6
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)
Related Forums: Apple Watch, Apple, Inc and Tech Industry

Top Rated Comments

EricNau Avatar
EricNau
15 months ago
Can it also sound an audible alarm when a wearer doesn't wash their hands?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
artfossil Avatar
artfossil
15 months ago

lol. Really? This is something we need? Have we become that stupid and helpless that we need technology to help us wash our hands?
For me, the answer is "yes."

I needed technology to remind me to stand. Standing once every hour is beneficial to my health. Washing my hands and washing them for long enough is critical for my health. I'll be grateful to have a reminder.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BornAgainMac Avatar
BornAgainMac
15 months ago
I wish there was a way to wash hands quicker to accomplish the same level of clean. Maybe switch to ARM.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
Kylo83
15 months ago
Such a silly feature
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
QCassidy352 Avatar
QCassidy352
15 months ago
lol. Really? This is something we need? Have we become that stupid and helpless that we need technology to help us wash our hands?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iCole Avatar
iCole
15 months ago
Stop counting for yourself. Just buy a 500 dollar accessory to do it for you.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

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