Repair parts are temporarily constrained for 42mm models of the Apple Watch Series 1 and first-generation Apple Watch, nicknamed Series 0, according to an internal document distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers today.
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If a customer initiates a repair order for one of those Apple Watch models, Apple has permitted Apple Authorized Service Providers to offer a 42mm Apple Watch Series 2 as a substitute starting February through April according to the document, obtained by MacRumors from multiple proven sources.
The document does not mention Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, or 38mm models of any kind as qualifying, nor does it specify if the parts constraint is limited to aluminum, stainless steel, or other finishes. No further information is provided.
The document was distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers in the United States and other countries, and it was likely sent to Apple Stores as well, in which case the Genius Bar would follow the same guidelines. We have elected not to share a screenshot of the document to protect our sources.
Visit the Get Support page on Apple.com to initiate an Apple Watch repair.
Top Rated Comments
Apple products used to be built to last. For instance, in my office, I still have a 2006 MacBook and a 2009 MacBook Pro in regular use. I also have a 1999 Apple Cinema display hooked up to a 2011 MacBook Air as a main machine. All have been taken well care of and look as good as new. And while they don't perform like the latest, greatest, they hardly feel old. We also use a 2007 second-generation Apple Wireless Keyboard, two 2009 third-generation keyboards, and a 2009 Magic Mouse, all of which are perfect.
Maybe those products don't qualify as "gadgets," but they do go to show that tech hardware can remain relevant long after Apple has officially listed it as "obsolete."
At this point I was willing to pay $79 for a new battery.
Chatted with apple support to ask about the $79 battery offer for out of warranty repairs and they referred me to their supervisor without me asking. Received a scheduled phone callan hour later and they offered to send a one time replacement since they replace batteries for the series 0.
We’ll see what I get in the mail a couple weeks from now...