Apple watch 6 too dim to see in sunlight.

I have this exact problem on my Apple watch 6 since a few months (not sure when it started). I tried all the suggestions found here. It does not help.

Could be a watchOS update that caused it, since we both started to have that problem around the same time (Spring 2024). Very annoying issue.

My battery health is at 92%.

When indoor, brightness is perfect.

The problem is only under bright light, e.g. under the sun. It gets very dark.

Not sure it luminosity goes down, or it remains the same, but because of the sun, it seems darker.

Could it be a problem with the sensor that detects outside brightness?

I don't know for sure if it is available on your Series 6, but look for a Watch app setting under Accessibility, Minimum Brightness. This setting was introduced recently so if it is not there it would be worth checking your software is fully up to date (WatchOS v10.4 today, 10.5 expected soon).

When I was teaching photography similar type issues came up all the time. I’m familiar with candelas per meter squared and what the brightness level equates to. The screen brightness of 1000 cd/m2 is not very bright in exposure terms for photography. An example would be the average sunset has the luminosity of your screen a full brightness.

So, why don’t you pursue your theory that the screen is malfunctioning. Apple Support can do remote diagnostics. You can also make an appointment for the Genius Bar at an Apple Retail Store. You can reach Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple

Support Options - Apple

On your Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown to show all apps, then select Settings > Display & Brightness. See if you can improve things there. Or if it tis easier, look in the Watch app on the paired iPhone, again it will be Display & Brightness. Both options change the same settings so you only need to look in one place!

I don't remember any problems with display brightness on Apple Watch Series 6, so it is likely the link is pure coincidence between a software update and your reported loss of brightness.

I think it might be worth trying a forced reset on your Apple Watch just to eliminate any potential software issues. Press and hold both the Side Button and the Digital Crown (about 10 seconds) until the Apple Logo appears, then release and let the watch restart. It's a long shot, but easy to try.

Apart from that, are you seeing automatic dimming in low level / dark ambient light? In other words, do you see the display dim or brighten automatically? Check whether the light sensing is working correctly and rule out a failed sensor.

I think it’s partially dependent on human physiology and the brightness of the sun in your location, air quality (smog or lack there of) and how bright the screen is at maximum.

I live in Florida, near the gulf coast beaches and the sun is very bright year round and we have pretty clean air because of the constant sea and gulf breezes. These conditions combine to produce some pretty bright outdoor light, especially if you’re at the white sand beach is reflecting that light all over. I could never really see my Series 5 Watch which has a brightness of 1000 cd/m2. Only when the Series 9 was introduced did the screen improve to 2000 cd/m2. Ultra 1 also has 2000 cd/m2 and the Ultra 3 is best in class at 3000 cd/m2. The Ultra solved my issues, and I can easily see the screen in full daylight at the beach and it serves me well. Screen brightness was probably my major reason for upgrading from my Series 5.

Human physiology also plays a factor as some people have cataracts and other medical conditions that affect their eyesight and perception of light levels and screen brightness.

In full daylight our eyes constrict and the eye lets in less light (to protect the eye from harmful bright light, UV etc.) thus producing what the viewer perceives as a darker screen.

Thanks for the technical info on that feature.

I did not have that problems in the years before. I am a runner and would have noticed this luminosity problem if it was present before this spring. Since recently, the problem is constant.

Worked for me. Thanks

I went to the apple store and the test confirmed that the light sensor on the watch is broken. Out of extended warranty, the repair/replacement cost being so expensive, I will wait for the watch 10.