“If you have a first-generation Apple Watch with a separated back cover, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair it free of charge, according to an internal service policy obtained by MacRumors,” Joe Rossignol reports for MacRumors.
“Apple recently extended the service policy’s coverage period to up to three years after the original purchase date,” Rossignol reports. “If you bought an Apple Watch in April 2015, for example, it is eligible for a free repair until April 2018. ‘Apple has determined that under certain conditions on some Apple Watch (1st generation) devices the back cover may separate from the watch case. Apple will service eligible devices free of charge. Apple will authorize coverage for three (3) years from the date of purchase.'”
Rossignol reports, “The service policy has been in effect since last year and applies to any first-generation Apple Watch, including Sport, Edition, and Hermès models, even if the device’s limited one-year warranty or extended AppleCare coverage has elapsed.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Yet another reason why Apple’s customer satisfaction is so high.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
Quietly like, “Hey, psst don’t tell anyone but we’ve extended our warranty”?
Because, idk about yous hack bloggers but I’ve already read the news from three sources already, you fricking idiot 🤓
Very nice Apple. You’ve done stuff like this time and time again. I don’t know of any other company that does stuff like this.
I wonder how those who purchased AppleCare are effected?
Well apparently that didn’t apply to the front glass falling out. Took my first gen in (no AppleCare because I have not needed it in my 25 plus years of apple products) and they wont fix it. Watch still works. Just need to find an affordable way to re-adhere the glass
Given the extended warranty for the back cover. Sometimes you just need to push a little harder. Ask for the manager at the Apple Store and explain the situation. If that does not work, then politely request contact information to elevate your repair issue to the next level. Sometimes all it takes is politely letting them know that you are not going away and that you strongly believe that Apple needs to stand behind its products.
You can also try using contact links on Apple.com. But I would focus on the Apple Store and the manager before taking that route.
In my opinion, the front glass should not fall out. That is the whole point of gluing something together – to seal it up and secure everything semi-permanently. The good news is that Apple generally does a good job of backing its products – sometimes it takes some time and pressure, but Apple generally does the right thing in the end.
…then I suggest doing a little research on the adhesive that Apple uses to secure the display on the Apple Watch. I would guess that it is some type of adhesive/sealant. If you end up trying something on your own (which would be a last resort), then stay away from common silicone adhesive/sealants because they release acetic acid as they cure, and that would be trapped inside your watch. A better alternative would be an electronics grade caulk. But, again, this would be a last resort, and I would be greatly surprised if Apple failed to step up and just bond the display back on for free with an apology for the product failure and your troubles.
Considering it was an over $300 watch (minimum) it is not exactly spectacular that they might repair an item they sold that is falling apart.
Apple’s extended warranty is worth it for peace of mind. Granted Apple’s products don’t fail easily but when it does Apple looks after you especially if you have the warranty.
I have several examples where Apple have gone above and beyond when I have had an issue. Replacing malfunctioning iPhones without question is a good example but the best was when I had gone into the store to buy a replacement power supply. Even though it was clearly damaged by misuse, the sales rep directed me to a genius who replaced the unit for free. Recently, I took my 1st gen rMBP in for battery replacement and they also changed out the display due to a lamination issue. This on a 4 year old machine.
So basically I just received +1 additional year to my soon to be ending AppleCare+ 2 year covered AW. No problems so far. Nice!