AppleCare+ for scratches

[macjoshua]

Does AppleCare+ cover scratches? I bought a series 10, and discovered that the Ion X glass is basically as durable as butter - gently bumped it against a door frame, and now there's an annoying scuff on the edge of the screen.

Would they consider that just cosmetic? If so, do I need to accidentally smash the watch to get it replaced?

 

[Apple_Robert]

AC+ doesn’t cover cosmetic scratches.

 

[macjoshua]

AC+ doesn’t cover cosmetic scratches.

Ok, guess my watch is going to have to accidentally meet a hammer. 😅

 

[russell_314]

Does AppleCare+ cover scratches? I bought a series 10, and discovered that the Ion X glass is basically as durable as butter - gently bumped it against a door frame, and now there's an annoying scuff on the edge of the screen.

Would they consider that just cosmetic? If so, do I need to accidentally smash the watch to get it replaced?

Technically it doesn’t, but I’ve heard people having their watches replaced for this. Maybe consider getting the titanium version that has a more durable watch face?

Ok, guess my watch is going to have to meet a hammer. 😅

As this would be fraud and slightly illegal, I would avoid it if possible. Of course, do what you think you can get away with I guess 🤷‍♂️😂

 

[macjoshua]

Technically it doesn’t, but I’ve heard people having their watches replaced for this. Maybe consider getting the titanium version that has a more durable watch face?


As this would be fraud and slightly illegal, I would avoid it if possible. Of course, do what you think you can get away with I guess 🤷‍♂️😂

I wish I’d bought the titanium, but I also don’t think a watch is ever worth that much money.

The scuff annoys me enough that I don’t even wear the watch anymore, so at the moment, it’s a $500 paperweight.

 

[russell_314]

I wish I’d bought the titanium, but I also don’t think a watch is ever worth that much money.

The scuff annoys me enough that I don’t even wear the watch anymore, so at the moment, it’s a $500 paperweight.

When you think of how much it is worth I wouldn’t call the Apple Watch a watch. It’s like calling the iPhone or any smartphone a phone. It’s something that takes place of a watch, but does many different things.

I personally wouldn’t buy the more expensive versions of Apple watches just because I know they will not last very long so I don’t want to spend a bunch of money on something I’m going to keep at the most for five years. It seems wasteful for me.

Another option is to use a screen protector. i’m not crazy about screen protectors for the Apple Watch but if scratches bother you, this is an easy and cheap fix.

Maybe because I grew up wearing Timex watches with plastic faces that got scratched badly but still worked perfectly it doesn’t bother me. Scratches on my car would definitely bother me but some people don’t care if their car is all scratched up so I understand where you’re coming from.

 

[azhava]

It's cosmetic and doesn't affect the functionality of the watch, AC+ won't cover it.

...Another option is to use a screen protector. i’m not crazy about screen protectors for the Apple Watch but if scratches bother you, this is an easy and cheap fix...

The Ion-X screens scratch so easily. I put a minor scratch in the screen of my aluminum AW8 almost immediately after I got it. So tiny it's barely even noticeable, but I knew there would be a lot more to come if I didn't do something about it. I put on one of the snap-on plastic cases/screen protectors and have used it ever since - I've actually broken the screens on 2 or 3 of them over the past 2 years, but they're cheap and easy to replace, and my watch's screen is still perfect other than that original first tiny scratch.

 

[macjoshua]

The Ion-X screens scratch so easily. I put a minor scratch in the screen of my aluminum AW8 almost immediately after I got it. So tiny it's barely even noticeable, but I knew there would be a lot more to come if I didn't do something about it. I put on one of the snap-on plastic cases/screen protectors and have used it ever since - I've actually broken the screens on 2 or 3 of them over the past 2 years, but they're cheap and easy to replace, and my watch's screen is still perfect other than that original first tiny scratch.

I’m still within my return window, so I’m considering returning it and forgetting the whole debacle.

 

[macjoshua]

AppleCare+ is kind of worthless unless you're willing to completely destroy your watch.

 

[CalMin]

AppleCare+ is kind of worthless unless you're willing to completely destroy your watch.

Well, it is meant to assure a working watch not a cosmetically perfect watch.

With that said, I wonder how many people Apply “extra“ damage in order to get a replacement for a scratched device through AppleCare+?

 

[MrGimper]

Well, it is meant to assure a working watch not a cosmetically perfect watch.

With that said, I wonder how many people Apply “extra“ damage in order to get a replacement for a scratched device through AppleCare+?

Doesn't need extra damage, just get an Express Replacement for an "intermittent" issue.

 

[marinersaptcomplex]

Through some very polite persuasion, and politely reminding the Genius Bar person (do they still call them that?) that I have paid over $300 in monthly AC+ costs to date, he agreed to do a screen replacement for some deeper scratches on my 13 Pro.

I did also point out the the deeper scratches affected how the "white" pixels appeared on the screen, so there was technically "damage".

 

[azhava]

AppleCare+ is kind of worthless unless you're willing to completely destroy your watch.

If they replaced watches for every frantic OCD case that comes in with a microscopic scratch on their watch face or casing, they'd go broke in the first month. 😂

 

[macjoshua]

If they replaced watches for every frantic OCD case that comes in with a microscopic scratch on their watch face or casing, they'd go broke in the first month. 😂

That’s understandable. Just wish they didn’t sell such fragile junk.

 

[Howard2k]

That’s understandable. Just wish they didn’t sell such fragile junk.

Maybe you could take care of your stuff and accept some personal responsibility? I had a couple of aluminium watches and didn't have challenges. Or if you're not going to be careful then spend the money on a watch with a stronger glass.

It would be nice if we could get the Ultra for the price of the bottom end S10, of course, but that's not the reality that we live in.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

If Apple cared (pun intended) about "accidental" screen cracks they wouldn't cover them. The deductible pretty much ensures they are breaking even or pretty close to it. They know what they're doing.

Accidental screen crack, express replacement, move on with your life. You could have done it already with the amount of time taken to post.

 

[macjoshua]

I’m out of the return period, I was mistaken. So, back to my series 6 (which has no scratches) until I decide what to do with the 10 - either have a convenient major accident with it, or just keep it in a drawer and use it as a trade in for an Ultra, whenever they decide to give that model a real upgrade.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

I’m out of the return period, I was mistaken. So, back to my series 6 (which has no scratches) until I decide what to do with the 10 - either have a convenient major accident with it, or just keep it in a drawer and use it as a trade in for an Ultra, whenever they decide to give that model a real upgrade.

Why not put it up for sale on the forum marketplace or somewhere else? You'll most likely get more than trading it in.

 

[deeddawg]

I wish I’d bought the titanium, but I also don’t think a watch is ever worth that much money.

The scuff annoys me enough that I don’t even wear the watch anymore, so at the moment, it’s a $500 paperweight.

Seems to me a $750 device which I use all day every day is a much more productive use of my money than a $500 paperweight.

But I guess if you use it for so little that you're fine not wearing it at all, just go buy a Timex or Casio or whatever.

That’s understandable. Just wish they didn’t sell such fragile junk.

Many people here go years with their aluminum body watches and no damage or issues, so they're good.

If you're one who tends to smack your watch into stuff (like me ) then consider paying the extra for the more durable version that's better suited to your usage. Since switching to stainless steel (or titanium) my watches have survived my klutziness without visible damage.

 

[ndouglas]

I’m out of the return period, I was mistaken. So, back to my series 6 (which has no scratches) until I decide what to do with the 10 - either have a convenient major accident with it, or just keep it in a drawer and use it as a trade in for an Ultra, whenever they decide to give that model a real upgrade.

Wow, you have a series 6 with no scratches!?! Hard to believe since I had the S7 and unfortunately it collected plenty of scratches over 3 years, very small but still. and since you scratched the 10 so quickly (no judgment, I did too). : - / The new single hairline scratch on my S10 bothers me, it is disappointing they scratch so easily. I don’t even know when or how it happened.
Oh well, sorry to hear that OP, good luck with dealing with it, but yeah as others said they aren’t going to accept a return for that. It is tempting for me to get the $800 ones that supposedly scratch less, but it’s just too much $$ for something that gets obsolete or severely degraded, speed and battery wise, after a few years.

 

[cubodado]

I had a watch that was functioning but severely scratched and they replaced it with AC+ and its accidental replacement fee. My wife's watch has some scratch but not so severe, didn't try to replace it yet.
But terms may vary from country to country.

 

[macjoshua]

But I guess if you use it for so little that you're fine not wearing it at all, just go buy a Timex or Casio or whatever.

I have an older Apple Watch that I’ve been wearing.

 

[deeddawg]

Wow, you have a series 6 with no scratches!?! [...] It is tempting for me to get the $800 ones that supposedly scratch less, but it’s just too much $$ for something that gets obsolete or severely degraded, speed and battery wise, after a few years.

My space black titanium S6 was pristine when traded in against my S10 (slate titanium).

As for keeping a watch two or three or four years -- S4 & S5 had same CPU. Then S6, S7, and S8 had the same. New CPU in S9 which the S10 is also using. And really, the S6 (which I had until recently) wasn't noticeably slower than the S9/S10 models.

Battery is easily addressed -- if under AC+ and it drops below 80% capacity you get it replaced. If not under AC+ you just pay $99 for a battery replacement. I had my S6's battery replaced under AC+ somewhere in its third year.

So yes, the higher end models cost a bit more - +$300 if you have no need for cellular, or +$200 if you do use cellular (+$20 for 46mm) -- and that difference will be more impactful to some than to others. For me, it's been well worth the added expense to have the peace of mind of the better durability -- particularly since I found myself more eager to replace dinged aluminum models than pristine stainless or titanium models.

Each to their own of course. Do what's right for you. Mostly I write this for others consideration/benefit, not to convince you to do anything different.

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[ndouglas]

My space black titanium S6 was pristine when traded in against my S10 (slate titanium).

As for keeping a watch two or three or four years -- S4 & S5 had same CPU. Then S6, S7, and S8 had the same. New CPU in S9 which the S10 is also using. And really, the S6 (which I had until recently) wasn't noticeably slower than the S9/S10 models.

Battery is easily addressed -- if under AC+ and it drops below 80% capacity you get it replaced. If not under AC+ you just pay $99 for a battery replacement. I had my S6's battery replaced under AC+ somewhere in its third year.

…

Good points, and thanks for the links/resources. Reading this along with other posts, it does make me more likely to consider the titanium in the future. … but it’s hard to stomach the price, especially when I think if I’m going to do that, might as well get the Ultra one. (which I dislike the bulkiness and look vs. s10 but the larger battery would be great.)

The crummy battery life was the biggest impediment to using it (S7) without lots of hassle, having to charge it at least 2x a day since I use it for sleep tracking. So I certainly didn’t _need_ to upgrade just 2-3 weeks ago, and I could have got 1-2 more years out of it, but it seemed semi-worth it for about $350 after tax and after $100 for the S7 trade-in. Everyone’s finances and battery experience are different, of course…

At the Apple Store several months back, I tried to tell them basically what you wrote about the $99 battery replace and the staff refused, saying their diagnostics claimed it was okay… battery health being at 83%. And I was paying Apple care at the time, which made their rejection more disappointing.

Oh well, at the end of the day, it’s a useful tool and also an expensive luxury item. Having got used to the features I will probably always prefer to have one than not, but it’s a hard decision to know when to upgrade, which model, etc.
And I remain mostly glad to have moved on from using Fitbits, which have their pros but the cons are very bad, mostly how lousy build quality they are, to where they break down every 1-2 years.