PSA: New Apple Watch Owners Have to Return Entire Device for Ill-Fitting Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop

[NervousFish2]

well if it’s delivered late October and it doesn’t fit, the replacement could be December? Probably better at the back of the line now, than being put at the back in October?

Good point. I just cancelled the order and re-ordered. This pushes me back at least three weeks. But I called Apple and asked them was there anything they can do. They can't change the shipping date. Kindly enough, however, they upgraded the shipping speed from the standard 5-day shipping to overnight. So, that's something at least.

 

[PickUrPoison]

That seems quite plausible to me.

As for myself, using the credit card method to be sure I'd printed the right size, its pretty clear I'm on the border between Size 8 and 9.

So, I've now canceled my size 9 order and ordered the size 8... but the upshot is my delivery day has now been knocked back a month!

Yikes, a month? That sucks, and is bound to cause them lost sales; not everyone has your patience!

Apple should have had sufficient stock before launching. And this returning the watch requirement is unnecessary.

Where’s a supply chain genius when you need one? 🙂

 

[PickUrPoison]

Man, just did not see this coming. Sure this will make them hemorrhage cash with all these returns/refurbs.

If by hemorrhage cash you mean, makes absolutely no difference since it’s buried in the noise and was anticipated in advance anyway, then yes!

 

[rp2011]

Well, I just Noticed Amazon already has knockoffs for sale. 2 for $9.00 by one seller and another offering them for $24,

 

[iPhone26]

I just went to the Apple store to exchange a solo loop that was too big for me, they were able to exchange it for a smaller size. I ordered a size 7 online and ended up getting a size 4 that fit perfectly on me. They were very friendly and helpful.

 

[iSayuSay]

Well this bound to happen with anything that's fixed? Apple just make it worse with their horrible PDF layout that tends to oversize your wrist?

 

[GinoGelato]

Why would you order something like a solo loop strap when you already know that according to their guide neither size 7 nor 8 fits? Why? Just order a regular band with velcro... cheeze...

 

[Rogifan]

I just went to the Apple store to exchange a solo loop that was too big for me, they were able to exchange it for a smaller size. I ordered a size 7 online and ended up getting a size 4 that fit perfectly on me. They were very friendly and helpful.

Was it just a band you ordered or a new Watch?

Well, I just Noticed Amazon already has knockoffs for sale. 2 for $9.00 by one seller and another offering them for $24,

Apple’s bands are overpriced but I have yet to find a 3rd party band that is as good.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I’m sure this has probably already been said (thread is too long to go through all 14 pages) but for the solo loop at least, if you’re between sizes I was smack dab between 6 & 7 at 165mm) go for the smaller option. The band is stretchy so the smaller size is really comfy for me. I absolutely love it. So comfortable. Snug but not tight at all. And the watch doesn’t move around (barely). The bigger size was really loose for me. I tried them both in person at an Apple Store.

When are the bands going on sale by themselves? Wouldn't it be 'better' to just buy another band, and sell/gift the included band? What doesn't make sense to me is that the band costs, what? $50.00? So you order the wrong size band, you carp about having to return the while thing and having to wait for the 'kit' with the right size band. Just buy another band? Buy an off brand band to fill the time? I don't understand the idea that Apple has to keep all sizes in stock NOW just because people can't figure out what band they actually need. I understand the 'it's a kit' line from Apple. Breaking out the band means they have a used item. They can't sell it as new, so they lose. And if it takes 2 swaps to get to the 'perfect' size? Just buy another band, or do a more realistic job measuring your wrist. Personally, I hate having tight things on my wrists. (Maybe I was a convicted pirate in a past life, tied to the mizzen mast too much?)

*shrug* First world problems, and a sure headache for Apple. Those bands sounded like a good idea, but now, I think I'll pass.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Apple’s bands are overpriced but I have yet to find a 3rd party band that is as good.

A friend got a 'great deal on an Apple Watch band'. It was in a color that Apple didn't sell at the time. Within a couple of months, the silicone was splitting at the nub. Yeah, great deal for whom?

Their bands are suprisingly durable, which means if you bought a color/style you don't like, you are stuck with it for a long long time. Having had a TAG Heuer band fail before, I like the idea that I don't have to scramble to pick up my watch when I feel it leave my wrist and crash to the floor. At least I felt it go that time...

 

[Jungo]

mine just came in too loose - went to apple store with everything - they looked at me and guessed "Band swap" - I tested the next size - all good

i did print out the template and it sure looked like a 9 for me ... but reality wasI needed a 7 - def buy down a size

 

[mousekiks]

Just wanted to let people know that my wife had this same issue. We contacted Apple Support and they extended our return period until our local Apple store opens back up so we can swap the band without having to return the entire watch.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Just wanted to let people know that my wife had this same issue. We contacted Apple Support and they extended our return period until our local Apple store opens back up so we can swap the band without having to return the entire watch.

I'm sure they are going to adjust their policies as this continues to explode. But, people looking for an AW6 in the 'refurb store', you may be in luck? Hmm...

 

[Banglazed]

For those who just got their new Watch, if the band does not fit properly, you can exchange it for the right size. Purchase the new band to secure the size you want to in-store pickup and explain to the rep about the situation. They will refund the new band, remove the band attached to the Watch (sold as a set) and attach the new band to the Watch. While you are at the Apple Store, you can try out the size of the band from their display to ensure you’re picking up the right band before completing the exchange.

 

[Chiromac81]

Has any Apple Watch owners in TORONTO area had any luck returning their watches to the Apple stores in Toronto or Markham? I was thinking of just driving to one of the stores but the websites say 0 inventory of any of the braided bands I need to resize. Maybe that’s just because they don’t list them separately...?