Phantom Vibrations after Watch OS 26.2 Update

I am getting phantom vibrations on my Apple Watch Ultra 3 after updating to Apple Watch OS 26.2. Did not have any issues on OS 26.1. Anyone else having this? What is the fix? I just updated today and wish I haven’t as I don’t think I can wear the watch to sleep until there is a fix. Happens randomly but multiple times per hour.


(on a related note the Outlook App is no longer functioning on OS 26.2 either)

Apple Watch Ultra 3, watchOS 26

Posted on Dec 14, 2025 9:50 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 15, 2025 12:20 AM

Did you already try to force restart your iPhone and Apple Watch?

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

To force restart your watch, press and hold the Digital Crown and the Side button together for about 10sec, until the Apple logo comes back again.


This might also help to get the Outlook App working again.

If it does not, you can make Apple Techs aware of the issue by using the Feedback link:

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

16 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 15, 2025 12:20 AM in response to yosuke16

Did you already try to force restart your iPhone and Apple Watch?

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

To force restart your watch, press and hold the Digital Crown and the Side button together for about 10sec, until the Apple logo comes back again.


This might also help to get the Outlook App working again.

If it does not, you can make Apple Techs aware of the issue by using the Feedback link:

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Dec 15, 2025 2:30 PM in response to Mudmeup

Thanks. I've done exactly what you suggest, but when I do this I don't see Outlook as an option for complications on the watch face I use. It's not the end of the world as I use the Outlook Calendar complication to show what's next and the native iOS calendar seems to have access to my outlook calendar.


Either way, either getting rid of outlook all together or reinstalling in your suggested manner seems to take care of the phantom vibrations.

Dec 15, 2025 9:31 PM in response to Mudmeup

Hi Thanks. Yes, I was able to add Outlook but it still did not show up under list of complications. I was able to force that with a hard reboot. However, I just noticed a phantom haptic notification…and what do you know, Outlook is again not functioning. I deleted the Outlook app again from the watch and all is better…but I do want Outlook functioning for meeting alerts (my Org restricts access to only certain apps).

Dec 15, 2025 8:16 AM in response to yosuke16

I'm experiencing the exact same issue with my watch since updating to 26.2. Ghost vibrations and Outlook is not working.


I've reset my watch back to factory twice. I've rebooted iPhone and Watch, several times.


I'm not able to install other applications, Google Calendar, MyChart...etc. Just keeps spinning.


Yes, I have rebooted several times, all devices.

Dec 15, 2025 11:26 PM in response to yosuke16

Getting the same issue since Watch OS 26.2 update. Notifications set to display when wrist down but nothing appears. Occasionally a WhatsApp one will appear, but not always. Outlook complication not working, have it set to show Up Next but just get an envelope icon.


The really frustrating thing is the watch pings and vibrates multiple times an hour, even when off wrist and in Sleep. No idea if it’s related to a notification or not, I check straight afterwards and can’t see anything. Getting to the point where it’s so distracting I’m going to need to stop wearing it.


Needs an urgent fix

Dec 16, 2025 5:17 AM in response to Mudmeup

During my troubleshooting with the Ghost Vibration and Application Issues since the 26.2 update, I'm noticing my watch is losing connection with my phone.  If I go to my Bluetooth Settings, my watch is not connected. 

I will try to reconnect and it's telling me to make sure it's on and in range. 


Repairing my watch will work for a while then will disconnect again.


It appears Bluetooth either from the iPhone or Watch is causing the issues with the Ghost Vibration and Application Issues since the OS 26.2 update.


Check your Bluetooth settings on your phone and see if your watch is connected. Try to connect it and let me know your results.


I have posted this issue in another forum and reported it to Apple Support.

Phantom Vibrations after Watch OS 26.2 Update

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