Apple Intelligence now features Image Playground, Genmoji, Writing Tools enhancements, seamless support for ChatGPT, and visual intelligence.

Apple Intelligence has also begun language expansion with localized English support for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. Learn more >

You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

User profile for user: M-d-archbold22
M-d-archbold22 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Nickel allergy

I bought my Apple Watch in December and can only wear it for a few days at a time before my wrist breaks out into an awful itchy, sore rash. I asked at the time of purchase what the back was made from and I was assured it was aluminium/stainless steel. I asked this because I have quite a severe nickel allergy. It has got to the point now where I can’t wear my watch at all, despite paying a contract for it every month. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Apple Watch Series 3, 4

Posted on Feb 7, 2019 10:46 PM

Reply
8 replies
User profile for user: tegriffi
tegriffi
User level: Level 1
8 points

Feb 15, 2019 7:45 PM in response to M-d-archbold22

Yeah I had that problem too. I called up Apple and they current to not use hypoallergenic materials in any of their watches or bands. No matter what you buy, stainless steel, and therefore nickel will be touching your skin. They recommended I just return the watch, which I did.


its weird - I have stainless steel earring and wear stainless steel rings on my fingers and I don’t have this issue. Must be a different grade of stainless steel.


Seeing as how and estimated 10-20% of the population has a nickel allergy, I’m surprised they don’t try to use a different material.


I hope they find a different material to use soon. I miss my watch! :(

Reply
User profile for user: Branta_uk
Branta_uk
User level: Level 7
32,666 points

Feb 16, 2019 12:10 PM in response to M-d-archbold22

Apple uses one of the 316 grades of marine grade stainless, which will contain nickel just like most other grades of stainless steel. I’m surprised you didn’t pick up on this before purchase if you have a known nickel sensitivity. If it is any help, there should not be any measurable trace of nickel in the outer casing of the aluminum watches - at least not in the parts likely to contact your skin.

Reply

Nickel allergy

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up