Apple is working on a fix for a touch-related bug affecting some of its latest smartwatches, according to a leaked memo sent to its authorized service providers. The memo, which was revealed by a Twitter user named @StellaFudge and verified by MacRumors, states that some customers may complain that their Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 models are registering false or ghost touches on their displays. This means that the screen may respond to inputs that the user did not make, resulting in erratic behavior, unwanted phone calls, or passcode lockouts.
The memo instructs technicians not to replace any affected Apple Watch units, as the issue is likely to be resolved by a software update. Apple advises customers to keep their devices updated to the latest version of watchOS, and to perform a force restart if they encounter the touch problem. A force restart can be done by pressing and holding the Digital Crown and the side button together for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
Apple has not announced when the software update will be available, or how widespread the issue is. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models were launched in September 2023, and feature new designs, larger screens, faster processors, and improved health features. However, some users have also reported other issues with the devices, such as battery drain, overheating, and connectivity problems. Apple has not officially acknowledged these issues, but some of them may also be fixed by future software updates.