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Apple Watch Will Have Extended 45-Day Refund Period Tied to Heart Health Features
While the Apple Watch typically has a 14-day return policy, Apple will honor refund requests related to upcoming heart health features for up to 45 days after purchase, according to an internal document distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers in the United States.
The document, obtained by MacRumors, states that Apple Stores will refer these requests to Apple Support, so customers will need to contact Apple by phone, email, or online chat to initiate a refund beyond the usual two-week period.
Heart health features include the upcoming ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 models and irregular heart rhythm notifications on Apple Watch Series 1 through Series 4 models. A separate Apple document obtained by MacRumors indicates that the ECG app, and likely the notifications, will be enabled in watchOS 5.1.2.
Apple Stores are not required to inspect the Apple Watch if a customer has a heart health-related refund request greater than 14 days after purchase, so it sounds like as long as a customer mentions the ECG app or irregular heart rhythm notifications as the reason for the return, Apple will honor it up to 45 days.
Apple's document does not provide any further details, so it's unclear why this policy exists. While the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications are regulated features, the extended refund policy is not mandated by the FDA, according to a spokesperson for the agency. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
Perhaps this is simply more time for customers to try out the heart-related features. Apple cautions that the ECG app is "not intended to be a diagnostic device or to replace traditional methods of diagnosis," and "should not be used to monitor or track disease state or change medication without first talking to a doctor."
To take an ECG reading from the Apple Watch, users will need to place a finger on the Digital Crown while wearing the watch. The reading is completed in 30 seconds, allowing users to determine whether their hearts are beating in a regular pattern or if there are signs of atrial fibrillation.
ECG and other heart data will be collected in the Health app on a paired iPhone 5s or newer running iOS 12.1.1 or later.
The document, obtained by MacRumors, states that Apple Stores will refer these requests to Apple Support, so customers will need to contact Apple by phone, email, or online chat to initiate a refund beyond the usual two-week period.
Heart health features include the upcoming ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 models and irregular heart rhythm notifications on Apple Watch Series 1 through Series 4 models. A separate Apple document obtained by MacRumors indicates that the ECG app, and likely the notifications, will be enabled in watchOS 5.1.2.
Apple Stores are not required to inspect the Apple Watch if a customer has a heart health-related refund request greater than 14 days after purchase, so it sounds like as long as a customer mentions the ECG app or irregular heart rhythm notifications as the reason for the return, Apple will honor it up to 45 days.
Apple's document does not provide any further details, so it's unclear why this policy exists. While the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications are regulated features, the extended refund policy is not mandated by the FDA, according to a spokesperson for the agency. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.
Perhaps this is simply more time for customers to try out the heart-related features. Apple cautions that the ECG app is "not intended to be a diagnostic device or to replace traditional methods of diagnosis," and "should not be used to monitor or track disease state or change medication without first talking to a doctor."
To take an ECG reading from the Apple Watch, users will need to place a finger on the Digital Crown while wearing the watch. The reading is completed in 30 seconds, allowing users to determine whether their hearts are beating in a regular pattern or if there are signs of atrial fibrillation.
ECG and other heart data will be collected in the Health app on a paired iPhone 5s or newer running iOS 12.1.1 or later.
Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5
Tag: ECG
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
[ 69 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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12 weeks ago
Oh, thank God! I've been using an early version of the upcoming WatchOS update, and it hasn't been able to detect even one of my hearts… :(
12 weeks ago
The 45 days should begin after 5.1.2 is released. I was not able to see if it worked during all this time.
12 weeks ago
Maybe they expect it not to work very well?
I don't think so because the device received FDA approvals, so it had to be tested and shown to be accurate.
12 weeks ago
Agree with some previous posts...This return policy should apply to those of us who purchased a series 4 before the ECG app was active...we didn't have the opportunity to test this feature out for 45 days. If I had known this, I would have delyed my purchase. If the app doesn't work to our liking or is not accurate then we early adopers are stuck!
12 weeks ago
Also, the 45 day return policy should only apply to new Series 4 watches purchased on or after the release of iOS 5.1.2.
The only reason I traded in my 3 was because of the new ECG feature. Apple is not keeping its promise if it cannot deliver. They should take back every watch if they are not able to do what they showed in the demo. Also, why are you negotiating on their behalf. The battery life on the 4 is really bad. My 3 would give me 2 1/2 days with 10-20% left. Series 4 gives a day less.
12 weeks ago
FDA approval just means the Apple Watch has been tested and found not to cause heart attacks
That’s incorrect. It HAS NOT received FDA “approval”.
Next time you bring up a point, please share more info. It has been widely reported that the Apple Watch was approved by FDA.
"The watch has two electrocardiogram, or EKG, apps that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and supported by the American Heart Association."
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/new-apple-watch-has-heart-monitor-fda-approves-n908976
Apple said during the event it received "clearance" from the FDA. So, I looked it up... Apparently there is a difference between approvals and clearance. I am sure many others are under the impression that the Apple Watch had FDA approvals as the language is not as clear, so it's nice to know more about this... Verge explains it well.
https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/13/17855006/apple-watch-series-4-ekg-fda-approved-vs-cleared-meaning-safe
Since Apple Watch is Class II device, it doesn't receive "approvals" as FDA does not approve any Class I or II devices. It issues a clearance which does not require as stringent of a test. There are additional nuances to the process involving FDA's review of the Apple Watch. It's an interesting read and I would recommend it.
So, it's not an "approved" device (and could never one) but it has received "clearance" from the FDA. Next time, please add some context to your comments. I don't mind being corrected.
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