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Apple May Replace Some Original Apple Watch Models in Need of Repair With Series 1 Models

Thursday July 20, 2017 1:42 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple today informed retail store employees and Apple Authorized Service Providers that some original first-generation Apple Watch models that require repairs can be replaced with Series 1 Apple Watch models.

The substitutions are limited to aluminum Apple Watch models in Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold, and are only available in some countries, which were not specified in Apple's directive.
In some countries, Apple Watch Aluminum (1st generation) parts (in all colors) may be substituted with Apple Watch Aluminum (Series 1) parts. The parts substitution should now be working properly in MobileGenius and Repair Central.
Apple Watch Series 1 models, which were introduced alongside the Series 2 Apple Watch in September of 2016, are nearly identical to original Apple Watch models, with the exception of the processor. In Series 1 Apple Watch models, there's an upgraded dual-core S1P chip, which is similar to the S2 chip in the Series 2 but without GPS capabilities.

Original Apple Watch models are no longer covered by Apple's one-year warranty, but customers who purchased AppleCare for their watches are still eligible for no-cost repairs of manufacturing issues for two years from the date of purchase.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5
Tag: GSX
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
[ 146 comments ]


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Mlrollin91
24 months ago

A little unrelated, but I feel like there haven't been any Apple Watch Series 3 rumors in a long time. Are those still coming this autumn or is Apple really on an 18 month cycle?

I believe it will be an 18month cycle. A watch a year seems like a lot.
Rating: 10 Votes
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djcerla
24 months ago
Hmmmm... my 42mm series 0.... still works... perfectly...

(vigorously slams watch with gum hammer)
Rating: 9 Votes
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BornAgainMac
24 months ago
Gold watch owners would be upset. That would be a huge downgrade for them.
Rating: 6 Votes
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yanki01
24 months ago
just as I was about to smash my 42mm SS...I saw its only the sport model.
Rating: 6 Votes
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Mlrollin91
24 months ago

Has anyone with a S0 Stainless Steel had their watches replaced with S1 Aluminium?

Quite frankly I would be distraught if mine was replaced with an Aluminium considering the premium I paid with the matching link bracelet.

Is that unreasonable?

Why would an SS be replaced with a Sport? Even the article states it only applies to Aluminum models.

"Apple Watch Aluminum (1st generation) parts (in all colors) may be substituted with Apple Watch Aluminum (Series 1) parts."
Rating: 5 Votes
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StudyFlo
24 months ago
Mine was replaced just a month ago with a Series 1. Very nice! :)
Rating: 3 Votes
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MVallee
24 months ago
This just happened to me. Downloaded the WatchOS 4 Beta onto my Space Grey 42mm Apple Watch Sport and I wanted to downgrade. I'm out of warranty and didn't buy AppleCare but Apple said to mail it in and they would downgrade it for me at no charge. They mailed me back a new Series 1 instead. Nice upgrade. It's noticeably faster.
Rating: 3 Votes
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Alhagar
24 months ago

May be a stupid question, but how do I tell if the watch I receive back from Apple is an original launch day one or a series 1?
Had to send my launch day watch in due to the back lid popping off and received a message today that I can pick up my replacement watch...

It will say “series 1” on the back
Rating: 2 Votes
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jent
24 months ago

The only thing I want is the ability to connect to a WiFi network without an iPhone with you.

The Apple Watch syncs with your iPhone's list of wifi network passwords and will auto-connect to any wireless network that your iPhone has connected to in the past. Put your iPhone in Airplane Mode and wait for a push notification to arrive on your Apple Watch to test this.
Rating: 2 Votes
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btrach144
24 months ago

A little unrelated, but I feel like there haven't been any Apple Watch Series 3 rumors in a long time. Are those still coming this autumn or is Apple really on an 18 month cycle?

My *guess is that Apple is really on a 18 month cycle. Who knows though, it took Apple a couple of generations to a regular cycle with the iPad.
Rating: 2 Votes

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