--- description: Apple's hotly anticipated smart watch might have broken new ground, if not for a few stray arm hairs. title: Apple Watch Had Hairy Wrist Issue, WSJ Reports image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltd968cbad77533dd6/69877f90e20a8717f4a8524b/455044596.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Business](/section/business/) ## Business Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Tech](/tag/time-section-tech/) ## Tech Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # Apple Watch Reportedly Had a Problem With Hairy Wrists  by [Dan Kedmey](/author/dan-kedmey/)  ## Dan Kedmey Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Feb 17, 2015 2:28 PM CUT  Apple CEO Tim Cook announces the Apple Watch at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts on September 9, 2014 in Cupertino, California. Apple CEO Tim Cook announces the Apple Watch at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts on September 9, 2014 in Cupertino, California.Justin Sullivan—Getty Images  by [Dan Kedmey](/author/dan-kedmey/)  ## Dan Kedmey Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Feb 17, 2015 2:28 PM CUT Apple has reportedly scaled back ambitions to embed cutting edge health sensors in its smart watch, as stray arm hairs and dry skin confounded the readings for some wearers. Insiders at the company [told](http://www.wsj.com/articles/challenge-of-apple-watch-defining-its-purpose-1424133615 "undefined") the Wall Street _Journal_ that the company shelved a sensor that would have monitored heart rates using electrocardiogram technology. The sensor reportedly produced less than reliable readings when placed against hairy or dry skin, or if the wearer strapped it too tightly against the wrist. Engineers also struggled to get a reliable reading of stress levels by gauging sweat on the skin. Apple Watch is slated for an April release, marking the first time that Apple will attempt to create an entirely new category of electronic devices since the 2010 release of the iPad. The device maker has [reportedly](http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2015/02/17/apple-orders-more-than-5-million-watches-for-initial-run/ "undefined") ordered upwards of 5 to 6 million units in anticipation of the release date, according to parts suppliers in Asia. [Read more at the Wall Street _Journal._](http://www.wsj.com/articles/challenge-of-apple-watch-defining-its-purpose-1424133615 "undefined") ### See How the Apple Watch Might Look if Reimagined by Fashion's Top Designers  An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Chanel. Finz Lo—Highsnobiety  An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Alexander Wang. Finz Lo—Highsnobiety  An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Maison Martin Margiela. Finz Lo—Highsnobiety  An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Givenchy. Finz Lo—Highsnobiety  An artist's concept of an Apple Watch by Louis Vuitton. 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