Apple Launches Watch Screen Replacement Program

Apple announced Friday that it will replace the displays on aluminum models of the Apple Watch Series 2 and 3 for free.

“Apple has determined that, under very rare circumstances, a crack may form along the rounded edge of the screen in aluminum models of an Apple Watch Series 2 or Series 3,” the Apple Support website announced. “The crack may begin on one side and then may continue around the screen. Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will replace the screen on eligible Apple Watch units that exhibit this type of crack, free of charge.”

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Reading between the lines there, it’s pretty obvious that this time of damage is, in fact, not particularly rare and that Apple is offering this screen replacement program because the alternative—a class action lawsuit—would be more expensive. Regardless, this is good news for anyone suffering from this problem, now or in the future.

Impacted Apple Watch models include Apple Watch Series 2, Nike + Series 2, Series 3 (GPS), Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), Nike + Series 3 (GPS), and Nike + Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) that were sold between September 2016 and September 2019. No other Apple Watch models are part of this program.

This program is available worldwide. Apple notes that the repair will not extend your standard warranty coverage.

If you are experiencing this issue, Apple says that you should find an Apple Authorized Service Provider, make an appointment at an Apple retail store, or contact Apple Support to arrange mail-in service. In each case, repairs will be made at an Apple Repair Center and your Apple Watch will be returned to you in about 5 business days.

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Conversation 9 comments

  • Tony Barrett

    01 September, 2019 - 5:06 am

    <p>I'm always very skeptical with these announcements. While it sounds good for anyone who has a damaged screen on one of these watches, Apple don't do these types of things for nothing. It's highly likely that this is also being done to re-enforce customer loyalty and keep these people in the ecosystem – which is pretty much the core of everything Apple do. Keep the customers happy, and they'll keep coming back for more – and more – and more.</p>

    • steenmachine

      01 September, 2019 - 9:05 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#454468">In reply to ghostrider:</a></em></blockquote><p>“re-enforce customer loyalty.. keep these people in the ecosystem…Keep the customers happy, and they'll keep coming back for more – and more – and more”</p><p><br></p><p>Which is the goal of every service-centered business. Yet you are skeptical. </p>

    • BrianEricFord

      01 September, 2019 - 4:41 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#454468">In reply to ghostrider:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Apple is doing right by their customers … because they want to keep their customers?</p><p><br></p><p>I guess Sherlock Holmes is alive and well.</p>

    • Jeffsters

      07 September, 2019 - 10:13 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#454468">In reply to ghostrider:</a></em></blockquote><p>Wow…now it all makes sense! </p>

  • wright_is

    Premium Member
    01 September, 2019 - 5:24 am

    <p>Could it be the stress on the glass in combination with the aluminium heating up and cooling down (thus expanding and contracting) at a higher rate than the glass can cope with?</p><p>That, at least, was my initial thought.</p>

  • chaad_losan

    01 September, 2019 - 4:56 pm

    <p>Or you can just not buy one in the first place.</p>

    • Jeffsters

      07 September, 2019 - 10:12 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#454712">In reply to chaad_losan:</a></em></blockquote><p>You mean like you could just not comment on a product you don’t own? Maybe take up a healthy hobby?</p>

  • RonV42

    Premium Member
    01 September, 2019 - 8:19 pm

    <p>I was waiting for the "You are wearing it wrong". I guess I was wrong :-)</p>

    • Cain69

      01 September, 2019 - 11:02 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#454802"><em>In reply to RonV42:</em></a></blockquote><p>2 was released <strong>three</strong> years ago and 3 was released <strong>two</strong> years ago… I am sure the users were told they are doing something wrong. The cracks are not a defect – they are a feature. </p>

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