In a recently updated support document, Apple has advised customers not to include any bands or accessories when mailing in their Apple Watch to the company for repair, as they apparently will not be returned upon completion of servicing.
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AppleInsider spotted the new wording:
Your Apple Watch band and any other accessories that you send won't be returned, so please remove them before sending your Apple Watch in for service.
Learn how to remove your band. If you have a Link Bracelet band, remember to separate the links before you remove the band.
The support document previously said that customers "don't need" to send in their Apple Watch band or other accessories.
AppleInsider reported that Apple's prior approach was to bundle together any bands or accessories sent alongside an Apple Watch and return them when possible. It is unclear what prompted this to change.
Top Rated Comments
I've sent in a couple watches dating back to v2 for replacement/repair. Instructions always seemed pretty clear to send just the watch, no straps. Also kind of self-critiquing when they send the box to ship it in and it's custom made for just the watch enclosure.
I don't know; it was a pretty tight fit, but I managed to get my strap in the box after cutting it up.Exactly. I thought this was clear from the instructions. You never send in accessories
Apple didn't even send back the pieces. :(
Exactly. I thought this was clear from the instructions. You never send in accessoriesI've sent in a couple watches dating back to v2 for replacement/repair. Instructions always seemed pretty clear to send just the watch, no straps. Also kind of self-critiquing when they send the box to ship it in and it's custom made for just the watch enclosure.
Likely, a large percentage of "repairs" are refurbished replacements that will just be fulfilled from a different warehouse. Also, reducing extra steps in packaging, package sizes and variations, risk of loss/damage, etc. And especially for today's pandemic age, less contact with items touched by another human being (sweat and stuff on/in the bands).Why wouldn’t they return it?