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

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.

applewatchrepairprogramcrack
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.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Popular Stories

m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
iPhone 16e Bottom Crop

Apple Reportedly Unveiling a New iPhone Next Week

Tuesday February 10, 2026 1:51 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report said the iPhone 17e will be announced in a press release on the Apple Newsroom website, so do not expect an event for this device specifically. The iPhone 17e will be a spec-bumped successor to the iPhone 16e. Rumors claim the device will have four key...
Apple Logo Black

Apple Acquires New Database App

Wednesday February 11, 2026 6:44 am PST by
Apple acquired Canadian graph database company Kuzu last year, it has emerged. The acquisition, spotted by AppleInsider, was completed in October 2025 for an undisclosed sum. The company's website was subsequently taken down and its Github repository was archived, as is commonplace for Apple acquisitions. Kuzu was "an embedded graph database built for query speed, scalability, and easy of ...

Top Rated Comments

BigBoy2018 Avatar
84 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 Avatar
84 months ago
"very rare circumstances" lol I worked at a London flagship and we saw this all the time
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
84 months ago
The issue is about as rare as a medium-rare steak at a fine steakhouse.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
84 months ago
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)
84 months ago
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.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ElectricPotato Avatar
84 months ago
This is why you aren’t a designer.
His main point is good design involves being fit for purpose. That should not be controversial.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)