Apple Support just told me I need to return the entire watch to return the band

[MareLuce]

BF bought a new Apple Watch 7 but doesn't like the band. (the blue striped sport loop that ships with the blue case Apple Watch).

I phoned Apple Support to see if how to return just the band. I swear I saw a thread a couple days ago here that YES it is possible.
(but forum Search just linked me to 2015 threads)

Apple Support person said: No, you have to return the whole watch.
She said she just checked yesterday for someone else, and that's the current policy.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Apple Support person is wrong. You can return to the store. It was policy a year or two ago and then Apple changed course.

 

[playaproved]

Try your local store. I was able to exchange bands yesterday. She told me they had a briefing on it in their morning meeting. She even encouraged me to bring my wife’s watch in to exchange the band when it comes in.

 

[H-B0mb]

I collected my watch from an apple store today. They allowed me to switch the band

 

[Robdmb]

Switch for the same style in a different size or for a totally different style band?

 

[MareLuce]

Switch for the same style in a different size or for a totally different style band?

Exactly - great question.

He wants to return the sport loop and buy a solo loop.

 

[Skunkape123]

I went to my apple store today and was able to swap an abyss blue sport loop that came with my watch for a black solo loop, no questions asked. It definitely can be done easily As far as I could see.

 

[J Ham]

I was able to get a rep to help me swap band sizes via mail. He said I was his first customer to request it but he was helpful enough to look into it. It took him about 20 minutes though. I mentioned they did it last year and he was determined to figure it out once he knew that.

 

[smoking monkey]

I couldn't be arsed returning the band. I got a solo loop but had no idea what size I needed. It was the cheapest variant so I just ordered it. I wanted a sports loop but the one I wanted wouldn't allow me to order, so I'll just get one from Amazon for a 10th of the price that works 90% as well as the Apple one. More than likely from the same factory.

It's good that you can go to a store to replace it, but if a store is inconvenient that's a bit of a hassle. It would cost me more in gas/parking/time than to just order the sports loop I want off Amazon.

EDIT: Does a 42mm AWS3 band work for the 45mm S7? If assume it won't??? IF yes, then bonus. If not I have to order one from amazon. The rubber bands ain't comfortable.

 

[Cotypubby]

EDIT: Does a 42mm AWS3 band work for the 45mm S7? If assume it won't???

Yes. The 42/44/45 bands are all compatible with each other as are the 38/40/41.

 

[H-B0mb]

Switch for the same style in a different size or for a totally different style band?

Good point.

changed mine for the same style, different colour

 

[MrGimper]

I believe the rules are (from reading through several posts and my own experiences)...

• If you bought a pre-packaged watch/band bundle, you cannot return/swap the included band, you have to process the whole bundle. This includes the blue alu watch with the abysss blue/moss green band I believe you are referring to. This also included my SS with milanese loop
• If you use the Style Gallery and pick a customised watch and band combo, you CAN return/swap the band as they are considered 2 items.

That's what I believe to be the case.