Apple Launches Screen Replacement Program for Aluminum Series 2 and Series 3 Apple Watch Models

Friday August 30, 2019 4:14 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today announced the launch of a new screen replacement program for Series 2 and Series 3 Apple Watch models, due to cracking issues.

Apple says that "under very rare circumstances" a crack can form along the rounded edge of the screen in aluminum Series 2 and Series 3 ‌Apple Watch‌ models, starting on one side of the screen and then continuing around it.

Customers with an eligible ‌Apple Watch‌ model can have their ‌Apple Watch‌ screen replaced free of charge from Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider if it is exhibiting this kind of crack. Affected customers can contact Apple support for a mail-in repair, visit an AASP, or visit an Apple retail store.

All Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 3 models in aluminum are included in the repair program, with a list available in Apple's support document.

Apple says that the new program covers eligible aluminum ‌Apple Watch Series 2‌ and Series 3 models for three years after the first retail sale of the unit or one year from the start date of the program, whichever is longer.

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Top Rated Comments

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BigBoy2018

11 months ago

Jony Ive, though he created some really cool designs, has a history of consumer products littered with flaws that developed once his 'art' was used in the real world. Going back to the G4 cube, which developed cracks in its polycarbonate shell soon after its release.

Before that, the white iBooks developed cracks around the edges of the laptop.

Fast forward to the 'innovative' design of the butterfly keyboard (which turned out to be horribly flawed) and several problems in between.

I've said it before, but to me, a great designer makes stuff that not only looks cool, but also holds up in the world against wear, tear, weather, and human use. Jony Ive's designs too often failed the second part of that equation.

Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)

ijordano

"very rare circumstances" lol I worked at a London flagship and we saw this all the time

Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)

BootsWalking

The issue is about as rare as a medium-rare steak at a fine steakhouse.

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)

makitango

I wonder why the stainless steel models aren’t mentioned.

That‘s because they have sapphire glass also on the front side.

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

megazlo

I went to Apple Store with exact same problem one week ago. They said me repair will cost $229 + tax. I declined. Watch stop working after this. Thank God I decided to wait until series 5 and not bought a new one. Created appointment with Genius bar on the next week.