Apple Watch: Firm says heart rate monitor bug is an intentional feature

Change likely made in order to preserve battery life

Apple has said that a suspected heart rate monitor bug in the Apple Watch, discovered after the release of Watch OS 1.0.1, is intentional.

Since installing Watch OS 1.0.1, the first software update for the Apple Watch, users have taken to Apple's support forums to complain the wearable's heart rate sensor has been acting off, and is no longer taking readings every 10 minutes.

"After I updated my Watch to 1.0.1, the heart rate monitor no longer monitors my heart rate in the background. It only monitors my heart rate when I ask it to take a reading. This is really, really annoying," one Apple Watch user moaned.

Another added: "Yes, same issue here. It has stopped taking my HR every 10 minutes since the OS update."

Apple has finally spoken out about the issue, but perhaps hasn't given the answer that users were hoping for. Instead, the firm has said that this change is intentional, and likely one that is here to say.

The firm updated its support website to read: "You can check your heart rate any time using the Heart Rate Glance. And when you're using the Workout app, Apple Watch measures your heart rate continuously during the workout. This information, as well as other data it collects, helps Apple Watch estimate how many calories you've burned.

"In addition, Apple Watch attempts to measure your heart rate every 10 minutes, but won't record it when you're in motion or your arm is moving. Apple Watch stores all your heart rate measurements in the Health app."

While not mentioned, reports claim that Apple likely changed the functionality of the heart rate tracker on the Apple Watch as a way to extend the battery life of the device.

This isn't the only criticism that the Apple Watch has so-far received. Earlier this month the wearable was slammed by security experts for its lack of an iPhone-style kill switch, making the device an easy target for thieves.

"Unlike the iPhone, if someone steals your Apple Watch, they can easily reset the device (bypass the passcode), and pair it with a new iPhone logged in to a different iCloud account," said the security experts.

"In other words, it's totally feasible to steal an Apple Watch and set it up on a different device as if you just purchased it from an Apple Store.

"It's not a security problem from a user data standpoint, but it is a security issue from a device theft standpoint. The fact that the Apple Watch lacks Activation Lock is an encouragement to thieves."