AWU bug that time travels 6 minutes while screen is dim.
byu/yahlover inAppleWatch
Apple Watch Ultra users are experiencing a peculiar bug that’s causing their always-on displays to show incorrect times, sometimes jumping several minutes into the future. The issue appears to be tied to watchOS 26 and seems most prevalent when water lock mode is activated.
Reddit user yahlover documented the problem three days ago, sharing a video showing their watch face displaying a time six minutes ahead while in dim AOD mode. “I’m on watchOS 26 and started noticing this a couple weeks ago while in the shower,” they explained. The user wasn’t initially sure if water lock mode triggered the glitch or if it was random, but they’d only noticed it happening during showers.
The problem isn’t isolated. Another thread emerged a day earlier from user My_Man_Tyrone, who noticed their AOD showing the wrong time “reliably in the same spot every time.” What makes this bug particularly strange is that the incorrect time only appears on the always-on display. When users tap the screen to wake the watch fully, the correct time returns.
User radicallygalactic managed to reproduce the issue consistently on their Ultra 2 through specific steps: enabling water lock, keeping the watch face in AOD mode (not active), and then submerging the watch deep enough to get water into the sensor holes near the crown. “Congrats, you are now a time traveller,” they joked.
It’s possible that the bug might be affecting other models too. One commenter reported experiencing it on a Series 7, while another mentioned their Series 9 having the same problem. However, a Series 10 owner couldn’t reproduce the issue, suggesting it might affect certain models more than others.
Most affected users report the time jumping anywhere from six to seven minutes ahead. Interestingly, as one user pointed out, “being inaccurate by a few minutes ahead is better than behind.” Several users noted the problem resolves immediately once water lock mode is disabled.
Apple has yet to publicly acknowledge the problem or announce a fix. So the best thing for users to do is to submit feedback through Apple’s official channels to help expedite a resolution.
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Dwayne Cubbins
1346 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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