I have this problem with my watch face. There is this ring around the side. It's bugging me and I'm wondering if this is common or if my watch has a defect. Please let me know your thoughts. Could I get Apple to fix this under Apple Care Plus?
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Ring around Glass Edge
- Thread starter Mikeeee
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What You’re seeing is a wear pattern with the oleophobic coating. From where you constantly touch the display in the middle, and you have a cloudy white outside, that’s likely just the coating worn in that certain area.
What you could do at your _own_ discretion, take a very minor amount of Rubbing alcohol, a slightly damp microfiber cloth and try cleaning the display. It might remove that white ring you are seeing.
You can bring it to Apple, but I don’t know that they will be able to do anything in this specific situation other than replace the display.
The post above is correct - it’s slight wear through the oleophobic coating. Different peoples’ chemistries cause this to wear faster than others.
I’m one of those that tends to wear fast - especially on my iPhones. I wanted to go without a screen protector, but then started noticing a vertical black spot right where I used my thumb to swipe the screen up and down. A good cleaning of the screen makes it go away, but it comes back quickly. That bugged me. So now I always use a screen protector.
I haven’t noticed it on my Series 2 Watch though. Probably because it doesn’t get near as much swiping in one spot.
I’m one of those that tends to wear fast - especially on my iPhones. I wanted to go without a screen protector, but then started noticing a vertical black spot right where I used my thumb to swipe the screen up and down. A good cleaning of the screen makes it go away, but it comes back quickly. That bugged me. So now I always use a screen protector.
I haven’t noticed it on my Series 2 Watch though. Probably because it doesn’t get near as much swiping in one spot.
In no way, to my knowledge, should the oleophobic costing wear off this fast. I mean that is super fast and doesn't sound right at all. I have a SS Series 3 that is almost a year old and it has no sign of this. Don't put anything on the glass but a very slightly damp with water piece of microfiber to clean it. Only water. If it doesn't clean it I would be taking it to an Apple Store to be looked at. I just looked at my Series 2 in the drawer and it also has no sign of that.
Ok thanks. I tried the first suggestion and that didn't work. I hope Apple fixes this on Apple Care+.
I wouldn't be going through Applecare. I'd be returning it from where you purchased it and then re-purchase or order. Apple may send you out a new one, if so just make sure they are not using one of your AC+ incidents when doing so.
How long ago do you think he bought that watch?
The OP’s Watch is a Series 2 or older, so yes, the oleophobic coating is easily is worn off after this amount of time and usage Based in the picture. For the record, the oleophobic costing is actually Naturally organic, which csn dissipate faster depending on one’s contact with the display from oil from their skin, etc.
This actually isn’t true. Just using water and a microfiber cloth will _not_ remove any of the smudging that you’re seeing in that picture due to the separation from the coating, where it is worn in certain areas. A slight amount of Rubbing alcohol is not going to affect it anyways, it would just help remove any of the residue that’s remaining behind.
This Has happened to other members with their watches, and there really is nothing much you can do besides what I already suggested, besides having the display replaced.
Everyone I am SO SORRY. My commentary is based on thinking the Op's watch is a brand new Series 4. I was browsing Series 4 posts through Tapatalk on iMore last evening and must have confused this post being there where you can filter down to the specific year of watch you wish to read about versus here on MacRumors (also on my Tapatalk) where they put all watches under the same section. My apologies.
If the watch in question is a Series 2, it may certainly be the coating though my Series 2 heavily used doesn't show any signs of that.
Lesson learned, no Tapatalk and Johnnie Walker before bed? Haha, again my apologies for the confusion.
If the watch in question is a Series 2, it may certainly be the coating though my Series 2 heavily used doesn't show any signs of that.
Lesson learned, no Tapatalk and Johnnie Walker before bed? Haha, again my apologies for the confusion.
Oleophobic coating for sure, warranty or AC won't cover it because it's cosmetic only.
I have the same pattern and pool swimming may well contribute to this as I never had it with my S0.
I have the same pattern and pool swimming may well contribute to this as I never had it with my S0.
This is a Series 3 that I purchased last November. So the watch is only 10 months old. I don't see how they can turn me down for replacement on the Apple Care + program. The face looks horrible. After 10 months of only wearing my watch (not swimming or any water experience) this is not acceptable and hopefully Apple will stand by their product.
Well knowing it's a Series 3 and only 10 months old yes - I would not be happy either. Mine is almost 12 months old, been worn and used daily and looks brand new. No sign of this at all. I've got the SB Stainless, not sure if the Sapphire glass and costing combo makes any difference.
Mine is also of course within AppleCare warranty period but if you read the contract it excludes cosmetic issues.
Yeah, I would not be happy. I have seriously worn mine daily and it's been through a lot of adventure. I show zero signs of what you are seeing on your watch. Mine literally looks like it is brand new out of box.
I have observed cases where the oleophobic coating can separate due to chlorine from pools, which kind of looks like the situation you have, which I’m not saying that you used in the water, but that’s what it resembles.
I’m Not sure what Apple will do in this situation for you, at most, they can replace the display, but they could claim its cosmetic, which technically it is. Again, oil from your skin can cause a reaction with the coating, which is not unheard of by the way.
I had that with both my S0 and S2 when both were less that a year oid. I could never work out what it was. Didn't really notice it with my S3 but have to say that if it happens with my S4 I would take it in to the apple store
Definitely hasn't been near a pool as I haven't been in a pool in years. Also never had this in the shower or anywhere else water related. I understand it's "cosmetic". I won't be able to sell it privately when I want to upgrade. I think the cosmetic issue is related to a watch that has a scratch or scratches which is caused by an accident. All I did in this case is wear it. I didn't have an accident or do something to it. I hope they are reasonable.
[doublepost=1537733250][/doublepost]Just spoke with Apple support. As it turns out, according to Apple Phone Support it shouldn't happen and will be supported. They are sending me a box and he suggested the watch will be replaced.
Do you wear suits for work with cuff links. If so then I am wondering if it’s the shirt cuffs constantly rubbing on the screen. The material in the cuffs can be quite rough
In case you experience this problem as I have in the picture I posted, and you find this thread, Apple repair service has been great. They promptly sent me a return box that I received in 2 days. They received the return box in 1 day and approved the replacement within 10 minutes. The replacement is already on the way back to me, and I should receive it by Friday or Monday. Great job Apple and thanks for standing by your product.