Apple Now Offering Free Repairs of 42mm Apple Watch Series 2 Models With Swollen Batteries

[MacRumors]

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.

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

 

[apolloa]

Oh this isn’t good.... I thought this was an issue exclusive to the Series 0? I guess not... I hope my Series 1 isn’t affected.
Pretty poor design if this issue affects multiple versions.

 

[DempaX]

Great Apple is standing by their growing market dominance in the wearable tech. On a similar note, I just got a series 0 way-out-of-warranty replaced free of charge when it would not charge after being offline for months. (It looped between white and red apple logo when trying to charge)

 

[adrianom89]

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

 

[BaltimoreMediaBlog]

I had the same problem with a swollen battery with my iPhone 5s that wouldn't keep a charge and Apple made me pay the $79, then ruined the phone, sent it back with most of my apps disabled by not sending it back with the same IOS. Go figure.

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!

 

[Sevanw]

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.

 

[44267547]

I had the same problem with a swollen battery with my iPhone 5s that wouldn't keep a charge and Apple made me pay the $79, then ruined the phone, sent it back with most of my apps disabled by not sending it back with the same IOS. Go figure.

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!

Which has absolutely nothing to contribute to the article topic. On a positive side, Apple extending the free repairs regarding the swollen batteries on the Series 2 demonstrates they at least acknowledge the issue. Good luck with your lawsuit.

 

[currentinterest]

Wife had this happen to her out of warranty Series 0. Apple fixed it at no charge. Interestingly, she was told the Watch was designed with an understanding that this might happen such that an expanding battery would simply pop off the display of the watch causing no damage. Pretty clever if true.

 

[5105973]

I have a gold out of warranty watch that refuses to power on. Reading these posts of people managing to get similar watches serviced makes me wonder if it's worth giving it a shot at a repair. I have moved on to a series 3 LTE Nike and series 2 Nike sport but I certainly would not mind having tj at gold one working again.

 

[WatchFromAfar]

Great Apple is standing by their growing market dominance in the wearable tech. On a similar note, I just got a series 0 way-out-of-warranty replaced free of charge when it would not charge after being offline for months. (It looped between white and red apple logo when trying to charge)

By "standing by their growing market dominance in the wearable tech" do you mean replacing items that have failed in the consumer market to such an extent they need replacing by the manufacturer (Apple)?

 

[racerhomie]

Thanks Apple.

 

[AngstyKylo]

Happened to mine, thankfully they replaced it as it was less than 6 months. Was lucky I was near an Apple store in London. Wouldn't like to be in a city without a genius bar and this happen after 12 months.

 

[Tech198]

Seems there are escalation in Apple programs issues.

So, now that makes Apple and Samsung equal.. At least Apple is offering this free.

 

[MacFan23]

He's the usual Apple diehard that will never let you know when one of his Apple devices has an issue.

Aren't 60% of the posts on MacRumors just issues people have with Apple?

 

[Hustler1337]

Where are all those Samsung trolls at?

Also, why is Apple not being so public about this repair program? Seems like they don't want to repair these or want to keep it on the low for publicity purposes.

 

[macintoshmac]

"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."

So far, the odd ones are the ones that seem to be standing fine. Wonder what improvements they bring to series 4 in terms of battery thermals.

 

[44267547]

Also, why is Apple not being so public about this repair program? Seems like they don't want to repair these or want to keep it on the low for publicity purposes.

What do you want them to do exactly? Apple is open about this repair policy in store, online chat or over the phone. If the customer has an issue with the watch, they very may well visit sites like these or contact Apple directly to find out more anyways, which would be explained to them. Other tech sites have reported Battery replacement concerns from Apple in the past from issued memo’s.

Also, I highly doubt an expanding Apple Watch Battery would reach a major publicity level, this isn’t on a level that Samsung’s Note 7 was in comparison.

 

[nt5672]

Seems pretty poor that Apple cannot design a device where the battery does not swell when it gets old. I've had several laptops that have done that and have or nearly have ruined the hardware.

 

[CarpalMac]

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.

This is just SO true. It is the same for many BMW owners in my experience, of which I was one.

About 10 years ago they were having huge issues with their vanos variable valve timing. It plagued many of their engines including the E46 M3. Mine went, making it clatter like a diesel. My friends Alpina Z4 had to have it fixed/replaced twice in two years. Funnily though, it was hardly ever uttered or talked about. All very hush-hush...

Back on topic: After all the mocking of Samsung on here, seems battery issues aren't completely beneath Apple.

 

[simonmet]

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.

Built-in batteries with no easy user or third-party replacement options are bad for customers.

 

[Khedron]

Why was this never an issue with the little button batteries used in older digital and quartz watches?

Because they weren't rechargeable

 

[Westside guy]

My Series 1, which I’ve had since they launched, has been fine in this regard.

My wife’s Series 2, which she got a few months ago, recently had its screen crack while on the charger overnight. I still need to take it in...

 

[mi7chy]

Swiss and other quality lifetime watches have nothing to worry about afterall since they don't compete with disposable watches. Even Garmin sport watches have better quality.

 

[macfacts]

Alternative title: Apple admits to manufacturing defects in 42mm series 2 Apple watches.

 

[tech3475]

What do you want them to do exactly? Apple is open about this repair policy in store, online chat or over the phone. If the customer has an issue with the watch, they very may well visit sites like these or contact Apple directly to find out more anyways, which would be explained to them. Other tech sites have reported Battery replacement concerns from Apple in the past from issued memo’s.

Also, I highly doubt an expanding Apple Watch Battery would reach a major publicity level, this isn’t on a level that Samsung’s Note 7 was in comparison.

They could possibly send emails to registered accounts.

I only knew about staingate repairs because I read news sites, otherwise I would have written it off without knowing about said repair I was a week away from not qualifying for.

There are likely those who think that because they're out of the normal warranty they're SOL.