If you have a first-generation Apple Watch with a separated back cover, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair it free of charge, according to an internal service policy obtained by MacRumors.
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Apple recently extended the service policy's coverage period to up to three years after the original purchase date. If you bought an Apple Watch in April 2015, for example, it is eligible for a free repair until April 2018.
Apple has determined that under certain conditions on some Apple Watch (1st generation) devices the back cover may separate from the watch case. Apple will service eligible devices free of charge. Apple will authorize coverage for three (3) years from the date of purchase.
The service policy has been in effect since last year and applies to any first-generation Apple Watch, including Sport, Edition, and Hermès models, even if the device's limited one-year warranty or extended AppleCare coverage has elapsed.
Affected customers can call an Apple Store and schedule a Genius Bar appointment, or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider, to initiate the repair process. Or, customers can call Apple Support to arrange shipment of the damaged Apple Watch to an Apple Repair Center in a postage paid box.
Apple advises customers inquiring about a refund for a previous Apple Watch back cover repair to contact Apple Support.
Several users have shared pictures of their first-generation Apple Watch with the back cover falling off on the Apple Support Communities, MacRumors discussion forums, Twitter, and elsewhere on the web. In many cases, the back cover detaches when the Apple Watch is removed from its magnetic charger.
Daring Fireball's John Gruber, for example, shared a picture of his wife's stainless steel Apple Watch with a detached back cover last October. He said the Apple Watch, purchased in May 2015, was providing erratic workout readings before coming apart after it was taken off of its magnetic charger.
I sure hope Apple uses better glue for their cars than they do for their watches. pic.twitter.com/JkIThwC5B7 — John Gruber (@gruber) October 3, 2016
Apple appears to have fixed the issue with its newer Series 1 and Series 2 models, perhaps by using a stronger adhesive.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Why would they use better glue if you are gonna buy it anyways?
Nice attempt at snark. Because excellent customer service is a major reason we stay loyal.Why would they use better glue if you are gonna buy it anyways?
To save themselves money on these repairs?BTW, I've been swimming with my Nike Series 2 Sport. It's awesome! I think by the end of summer I'm going to have back the fit figure I lost to middle age and donuts. :p
Same experience here. Had an out of warranty iPhone with an intermittent home button. It was replaced on the spot.
Two months after AppleCare+ ran out on my iPad Air, I accidentally smashed the screen. Took it in, said, "well, this is totally my fault, and my coverage has expired, so what are my options?" - they replaced it for the cost it would have been had it still been under AppleCare+, $50. I like Apple's service.Had a friend accidentally drop his older iPhone 5 into a toilet, which caused it to fail. He went to an Apple store, explained what happened, and the phone was replaced on the spot.