Concerns Emerge Overheating in Popular Children’s Smartwatch
Smartwatches have permeated the market, ranging from premium devices such as the Apple Watch and Pixel Watch 4 to budget-friendly alternatives that often exceed expectations.
Among these are children’s smartwatches by companies like Gabb, which cater specifically to a younger demographic.
While issues of security and safety are frequently discussed, the potential risks tied to smartwatch batteries have historically flown under the radar—much like the controversies surrounding Samsung’s smartphones in previous years.
Recently, alarming reports surfaced in February 2026 regarding a children’s smartwatch manufactured by Gabb, which was found to overheat and inflict severe damage shortly after initial use.
According to a report from ABC 4 in Utah, a mother named Monique Davis experienced significant issues with the device shortly after its purchase.
Despite her repeated outreach to Gabb for assistance regarding the device’s excessive heat generation, Davis alleges that the company merely shuffled her between customer service representatives without providing any meaningful resolution.
Ultimately, the smartwatch malfunctioned, leading to catastrophic damage to both its front and rear casings. It was only when her son attempted to use the device to call his mother that he discovered its inoperability.
Growing Alarm Over Device Safety
Upon observing what seemed to be burn marks on the smartwatch, Davis took it outside, only to witness the screen shattering completely.
Her son expressed surprise, citing the multitude of problems the family had encountered with the device and mentioning that several friends owned similar watches from Gabb.
In a bid to raise awareness among other parents, Davis shared images of the damaged device on social media, which quickly garnered widespread attention.
Following the online post, Gabb reached out to her, offering an apology and proposing a replacement for both the unit and the charger. However, Davis opted to decline this offer.
Notably, evidence suggests that Gabb may have had prior awareness of the overheating issue; discussions on the official Gabb forum have highlighted this problematic phenomenon as far back as 2024.
Additionally, various online resources provide guidance for users grappling with overheating concerns regarding their Gabb devices.
The incidence of smartwatch overheating is more prevalent than one might assume, affecting various brands, including Fitbit.
The U.S. Fire Administration advises that any electronic device exhibiting excessive heat should be promptly disconnected and relocated away from flammable materials, followed by immediate contact with the manufacturer for guidance.
Source link: Bgr.com.
