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I just got my series 2 replaced 2 weeks ago today for the 3rd time after multiple issues with the watch rebooting and not turning on. Since the end of February, I had to repeatedly take in my watch having to send out my series 2 to their repair division 3 times. They kept telling me it was probably a software issue until the watch didn't turn on anymore. This would explain why I'm now on a free series 3 thanks to the endless amount of resets and visits to the apple store over the last month and a half
Out of curiosity, which market are you in? Did they replace it with a new (retail) series 3?
 
This happened to my Watch 2 Nike version, the whole screen popped off.
I took it to the Apple store and they said it would be sent away to be repaired for free because the battery had swollen.
A few days letter I got an email from Apple support saying I would have to pay to have it repaired! The watch was only about 3 months old. Thankfully I complained to support with the online chat and they finally agreed to repair it for free seeing as it wasn't my fault.
 
They’re NOT open about this.

I would say your statement is partially false. Apple is not necessarily open about it, but they don’t hide the fact either if a concern is Raised from a customer regarding the swollen battery if they make an appointment. Which The Genius will diagnose the issue and send the watch off for repair based if its confirmed.

This isn’t necessarily public knowledge, as the only people that know about it are the ones that frequent sites like MR.

Right, I already stated this. Apple doesn’t advertise it, it’s through tech sites, or directly disclosing the issue to a customer who is experiencing the swollen battery issue.


Most of the time the geniuses will act dumb when you mention something like this repair program. Happened to me on more than one occasion.

I can’t speak to your experiences, but I would say it depends on the training of the Geniuses handling the situation. If a customer raises the issue about a swollen battery Apple Watch, they should be knowledgeable and acknowledge the problem with the proper solution. But then again, every Apple Store might vary with experience.
 
Seriously, where are Apple getting all these dodgy batteries. Screen pops off on the Apple Watch. The iPhone is slowed down to a snail.

Considering the cost, they should be decent! Seems they are using any old cheapie battery made in China.
 
Why are you here? I’ve had every phone, iPad and watch and zero issues. Are your friends all special? L
Think you prove the OP point... zero problems... either you're full of crap or just ignoring the ones you've had... or your devices are still in the box.
 
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Timex keeps on ticking.

My 20+ year old $45 Timex Iron Man is still functioning on its second or third battery.

Can you even change the battery in an Apple Watch?

Apple the Jack of All Trades...
 
Why was this never an issue with the little button batteries used in older digital and quartz watches? Seems we’re regressing on reliability and longevity, as with pretty much everything these days.

Those button batteries have rigid metal cases so if there were any pressure-buildup in them it would take a lot to actually deform them. Same goes for Lithium-Ion cells in steel casings (like 18650).

The batteries in the Apple Watch (and Smartphones and MacBooks) are basically vaccum-packed in plastic bags so the slightest buildup of gases inside will cause the battery to swell and put pressure on its surroundings.
 
Think you prove the OP point... zero problems... either you're full of crap or just ignoring the ones you've had... or your devices are still in the box.
So 20+ devices and if I’ve had zero issues I’m an outlier? Please...
 



Apple will repair select Apple Watch Series 2 models that do not power on or have a swollen battery free of charge as part of a new service policy.

apple-watch-expanded-battery.jpg

An original Apple Watch with an expanded battery via Apple Support Communities

"Apple has determined that under certain conditions, some Apple Watch Series 2 devices may not power on or they may experience an expanded battery," wrote Apple, in an internal document distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers on Friday and subsequently obtained by MacRumors.

"Apple will service eligible devices free of charge," according to the document, numbered SN4534 in Apple's internal GSX portal. "Apple will authorize coverage for eligible devices for three years after the original date of purchase."

The policy was issued in at least the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, so it is likely a worldwide initiative where service providers are available.

A swollen battery can prevent an Apple Watch from powering on or cause the display to burst open. Photos of the issue have been shared by customers in the Apple Support Communities and MacRumors forums in recent months, but the majority of the incidents are first-generation models released in 2015.

Eligibility is limited to any 42mm-sized Apple Watch Series 2 models, including Sport, Edition, Hermès, and Nike+ variants, pending a visual-mechanical inspection, according to a companion document numbered OP1977. The warranty status of the Apple Watch does not affect coverage, the document states.

This new policy does not apply to the original Apple Watch, Series 1 and Series 3 models, or any 38mm model. A few years ago, however, Apple enacted a similar policy for original Apple Watch models with swollen or expanded batteries that offers free repairs within three years of the original date of purchase.

Affected customers can visit the Contact Apple Support page, select Apple Watch -> Battery, Power, and Charging -> Bring in for Repair to schedule an appointment with the Genius Bar at an Apple Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. There are also options to contact Apple advisors by phone or online chat. Battery replacements are completed at an off-site Apple Repair Center.

Apple advises customers inquiring about a refund for a previous Apple Watch Series 2 battery replacement to contact its support advisors.

Apple has not announced this policy publicly as it does with some of its other repair programs, but MacRumors has verified the internal document's authenticity with multiple sources. However, outside of our control, some Apple employees advise customers that no such policy exists. In these cases, our only advice is to keep trying or escalate the case to a senior advisor if possible.

Article Link: Apple Now Offering Free Repairs of 42mm Apple Watch Series 2 Models With Swollen Batteries
Still rocking the 1st Apple Watch and no issues here. The only thing i want is the water resistance. I will wait a year or two longer to see what Apple does for updates.
 
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I just had my series 0 replaced with a series 1 last weekend. It was about 3 weeks short of the 3 year extended battery program expiring. They didn't ask any questions and a new watch was at my door in 3 days. I was very surprised.
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I had the swollen battery issue with my Apple Watch Series 0 back a few months ago. Calling in they said there was no program but reading the forums I kept seeing people where getting them replaced. I took it into the Apple Store, which I really didn't want to do as it was around the holidays and it took a week to get an appointment, and they said they would send it off to be examined. Within a few days I got a shipping notice and they sent me a Watch Series 1 as a replacement for free.
Same thing happened to me. I called and did the chat and they said no program existed. Took it into the store because of what I had read online and they replaced mine for free.
 
I just took my First Gen in for a swollen battery. I was told it would be replaced but the paperwork said repair. Do they repair these or replace them with a new model? I would be concerned about repairing it as a faulty batter could lead to a fire if it is charging.
 
You are correct in that I did not know it is an oled screen - but can it do what an Apple Watch does: maps / stock prices / answer calls / etc.? If not....

It's compatible with iOS and android, on the website it shows you can make calls with it amongst other features, but I don't think it's as feature rich as an Apple watch, it can't be since it's not made by Apple.
It's also not an Arm device, got an intel CPU inside.
 
I recently experienced a similar issue with a first generation Apple Watch.

The watch had only been used sporadically for the past few years, but I really started using it several weeks ago. About two weeks ago I noticed the front face felt like it was wiggling a bit, and the taptic feedback felt "off". I then noticed that the front was starting to separate from the body of the watch. After doing some research, I discovered that there was a known issue where some of the watches' batteries were expanding. I had encountered a similar issue on an old iPhone 3GS several years ago where the battery ballooned into a pillow shape.

I made an appointment at an Apple Store to have the watch inspected to see if it was a battery issue or if it was something else such as the adhesive coming loose. After explaining the situation to the Apple employee, he did a quick check and confirmed that it was most likely the battery issue. He sent in the old watch and I was sent a replacement several days later at no cost.

I've very pleased that Apple is fixing these problems. With so many horror stories out there, it is nice to have a good story.
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I just took my First Gen in for a swollen battery. I was told it would be replaced but the paperwork said repair. Do they repair these or replace them with a new model? I would be concerned about repairing it as a faulty batter could lead to a fire if it is charging.

My guess is that they will just send you a replacement, but they might still repair the original watch.
 
I have a friend that had this issue but never mentioned it until his girlfriend just casually mentioned it when we were all out for lunch. The look on his face for being "outted" was priceless. He's the usual Apple diehard that will never let you know when one of his Apple devices has an issue. It Never surprises me anytime I run into an Apple users like this, that try to hide defects or any kind of problem they're having with their Apple device. I just don't understand this need to be so protective of this company. Lol.

We do not discuss it with outsiders.


So when going to an Apple Store and seeing all the customers sitting at the genius bar talking about issues they are having with their products, is that some kind of safe haven for them?

"Hi, my name is Bob and my Apple product has a problem"
"Hi Bob"

It's not exactly like those Apple Store geniuses are just sitting around with nothing to do. And some of those busy stores could certainly use more genius staffing. Does Apple purposely keep genius staffing low because to increase staffing level would be admitting that they have more issues than they want people to know?
 
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I dunno. I was thrilled when Apple replaced my wife's 38mm and my 42mm series 0 (stainless) watches for free a few months ago. (Mine was replaced with a series 2 stainless...)

I mean, if things fail, and Apple replaces them for free, I think that's a good thing.

But yes, had I not gone into the Apple Store (a block from work) asking about re-attaching the screen, I wouldn't have known...
 
Thank you for posting this article! I had gone on 4/1 due to bulging screen / decreased battery life on my series 2 stainless steel and told me it would cost $250 to replace the watch!

They are now replacing it for free!
 
The usual suspects are scrambling to give apple a pass, “must lower the bar for apple”.


You "think" only apple batteries swell?

sigh


I started building computers in the 80’s and have had tons of rechargeable devices. A lot of Nokia phones in their heyday, motorola startacs and edge phones. Small tools. Laptops. I have seen none of them with problems like apple has in recent years. Name one line of rechargeable items that has had problems with bulging batteries like these watches.
 
The usual suspects are scrambling to give apple a pass, “must lower the bar for apple”.





I started building computers in the 80’s and have had tons of rechargeable devices. A lot of Nokia phones in their heyday, motorola startacs and edge phones. Small tools. Laptops. I have seen none of them with problems like apple has in recent years. Name one line of rechargeable items that has had problems with bulging batteries like these watches.


It's a huge problem with all lithium batteries. There is nothing different about Apple's batteries. This is an issue with a wide range of phones and laptops. There are countless sources for examples of lines that have these same problems. Here's just one link regarding Samsung phones. Would have been better if you had researched the issue first. What I said is 100% accurate.


https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-S-Phones/S7-Edge-swollen-battery/td-p/45228/page/5
 
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It's a huge problem with all lithium batteries. There is nothing different about Apple's batteries. This is an issue with a wide range of phones and laptops. There are countless sources for examples of lines that have these same problems. Here's just one link regarding Samsung phones. Would have been better if you had researched the issue first. What I said is 100% accurate.


https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-S-Phones/S7-Edge-swollen-battery/td-p/45228/page/5


You can blather and claim it’s all lithium ion’s all you want but that’s pure bs, It is not nor has never been as widespread as apple’s problems. I didn’t say it has never happened, apple has far more problems.
 
You can blather and claim it’s all lithium ion’s all you want but that’s pure bs, It is not nor has never been as widespread as apple’s problems. I didn’t say it has never happened, apple has far more problems.


If you have some evidence to support your theory, I would be glad to look at it. What, exactly to you "think" is different about Apple's batteries. Again, please research before you reply and try to insult. It's not blather, it's a fact.
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You can blather and claim it’s all lithium ion’s all you want but that’s pure bs, It is not nor has never been as widespread as apple’s problems. I didn’t say it has never happened, apple has far more problems.


What you said was, and I quote " I have seen none of them with problems"

Now you have.
 
Th
If you have some evidence to support your theory, I would be glad to look at it. What, exactly to you "think" is different about Apple's batteries. Again, please research before you reply and try to insult. It's not blather, it's a fact.
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What you said was, and I quote " I have seen none of them with problems"

Now you have.
There must then be plenty of instances with other smart watches from Samsung and others with this issue.
 
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