Screen popped off!

[jammybastard]

My aluminum Apple Watch 2 (42mm) face popped off today while using Apple Pay at a store. I rotated my wrist towards the scanner and off it came.
I bought it last February and have worn it everyday.
Hoping to exchange it I ook it to the local Apple Store.
There I learned they don't do exchanges, they have to sent it off for service regardless of age or if you have AppleCare or not.

The Genius noticed a ding on a corner edge that, in his opinion, probably caused the glass to crack which then spread around the face until it finally came off.

Off it went for service.
5-7 days,
My guess is that I will have to pay to repair/exchange it because they will say it was my fault because of the dent in the body.
Instead of waiting for it to return, and realizing that the aluminum watches can be dented easily, I bought a refurb gen 2 Stainless Steel online from the Apple Store.
Can't live w/o it.

 

[dgnr8]

For those who experienced this issue, did you notice any changes in the screen before it popped off?

 

[ZebraDude]

My aluminum Apple Watch 2 (42mm) face popped off today while using Apple Pay at a store. I rotated my wrist towards the scanner and off it came.
I bought it last February and have worn it everyday.
Hoping to exchange it I ook it to the local Apple Store.
There I learned they don't do exchanges, they have to sent it off for service regardless of age or if you have AppleCare or not.

The Genius noticed a ding on a corner edge that, in his opinion, probably caused the glass to crack which then spread around the face until it finally came off.

Off it went for service.
5-7 days,
My guess is that I will have to pay to repair/exchange it because they will say it was my fault because of the dent in the body.
Instead of waiting for it to return, and realizing that the aluminum watches can be dented easily, I bought a refurb gen 2 Stainless Steel online from the Apple Store.
Can't live w/o it.

I hate to say this BUT the SS watch is SOFTER that the Aluminum watch. The Aluminum watch uses 7000 series alloy a very strong alloy.

 

[2010lexus]

I hate to say this BUT the SS watch is SOFTER that the Aluminum watch. The Aluminum watch uses 7000 series alloy a very strong alloy.

Well 7000 aluminum has a rockwell hardness of 53 and stainless steal has a Rockwell hardness of 70.
I would not say stainless is softer then 7000 aluminum.

 

[44267547]

Well 7000 aluminum has a rockwell hardness of 53 and stainless steal has a Rockwell hardness of 70.
I would not say stainless is softer then 7000 aluminum.

I don't question the Rockwell hardness details. However, in real world experience, It differs entirely based on Rockwell hardness. The 316 L stainless used on the Apple Watch stainless model is very soft. It scratches and dings very easily. The scratches can be removed with little effort with a Cape Cod cloth.

The 7000 Series aluminum used on the Apple Watch Sport model is highly durable. When I did own the Sport model, I hit it against all kinds objects and it did not scratch or ding. Now, my stainless model, completely opposite results, the smallest impact would scratch or ding the stainless casing. The caveat to the 7000 Series aluminum, once its damaged, its permanent.

 

[ZhenyaF]

Screen popped off last week. I chatted with Apple support, the rep sent me an empty box overnight, I packed my watch, gave it to fedex guy and 2 days later received a Series 1 replacement for my Series 0 watch.

Very quick and smooth process - highly impressed by Apple (as usual)

Edit: had AppleCare on it, but it expired about 45 days ago

 

[dgnr8]

did you notice any changes in your screen before it popped off?

 

[2010lexus]

I don't question the Rockwell hardness details. However, in real world experience, It differs entirely based on Rockwell hardness. The 316 L stainless used on the Apple Watch stainless model is very soft. It scratches and dings very easily. The scratches can be removed with little effort with a Cape Cod cloth.

The 7000 Series aluminum used on the Apple Watch Sport model is highly durable. When I did own the Sport model, I hit it against all kinds objects and it did not scratch or ding. Now, my stainless model, completely opposite results, the smallest impact would scratch or ding the stainless casing. The caveat to the 7000 Series aluminum, once its damaged, its permanent.

no it's not VERY SOFT that's my point and as far as scratches go the stainless has a higher finish then the aluminum so it's going to show the scratches. As far as dings go the stainless is going to hold up better. In the real world the harder the material the less likely it's going to ding. That is one reason that we have a Rockwell standard.

 

[44267547]

no it's not VERY SOFT that's my point and as far as scratches go the stainless has a higher finish then the aluminum so it's going to show the scratches. As far as dings go the stainless is going to hold up better. In the real world the harder the material the less likely it's going to ding. That is one reason that we have a Rockwell standard.

You don't understand the properties of 316 L stainless. The stainless model has a high finish shine as stated , but 316 L stainless is a very soft, dense metal, because it contains less carbon over '316 metal'. Even though it's cured at a higher core temperature to achieve the hardness it currently has. It also is highly corrosion resistant and ductile in the same Instance. Thre caveat is it does ding or dent rather easily because of the carbon reduction. Furthermore, The same applies to the black stainless Watch which uses The diamond like carbon coating to protect not just the finish, but also the casing from scratches, dings/dents.

 

[ZhenyaF]

did you notice any changes in your screen before it popped off?

nope

Was walking my dog and the screen popped off

 

[2010lexus]

You don't understand the properties of 316 L stainless. The stainless model has a high finish shine as stated , but 316 L stainless is a very soft, dense metal, because it contains less carbon over '316 metal'. Even though it's cured at a higher core temperature to achieve the hardness it currently has. It also is highly corrosion resistant and ductile in the same Instance. Thre caveat is it does ding or dent rather easily because of the carbon reduction. Furthermore, The same applies to the black stainless Watch which uses The diamond like carbon coating to protect not just the finish, but also the casing from scratches, dings/dents.

Stainless steel is made up of iron, chromium, nickel, manganese and copper. Why stainless steel my be softer then a lot of metals is harder then 7000 aluminum. That is a fact.

 

[Mainsail]

I have the same issue with my apple watch. Bought it 15 months ago and the screen popped up. Looks like the battery is swelling up. Called apple and they said it would be $200 to fix it even though its a manufacturing defect.

I had the same problem. Although, my series 0 watch is about 18 months old. Anyway, I got the same response from the tech folks at the Apple Store. They would send it in for a $200 repair....otherwise, out of warranty and out of luck.

My bad for not buying Apple Care, but seriously did not expect a battery defect to ruin a $400 watch within 18 months.....that's just crazy. Watches should last at least 5 years. I had a cheap Walmart watch that lasted me longer than 5 years, and it was the wrist band that eventually wore out.

I really like Apple products, but they kind of messed-up on this one. Also, I will be reluctant to buy another Apple Watch (actually, this one was a xmas gift....but, kind of beside the point). It is really just a convenience, and, most of the time, I still carry around my iPhone. I sure as hell won't pay for a cellular plan on a watch if series 3 rumors are true.....but that's a different topic.

 

[dgnr8]

I had the same problem. Although, my series 0 watch is about 18 months old. Anyway, I got the same response from the tech folks at the Apple Store. They would send it in for a $200 repair....otherwise, out of warranty and out of luck.

My bad for not buying Apple Care, but seriously did not expect a battery defect to ruin a $400 watch within 18 months.....that's just crazy. Watches should last at least 5 years. I had a cheap Walmart watch that lasted me longer than 5 years, and it was the wrist band that eventually wore out.

I really like Apple products, but they kind of messed-up on this one. Also, I will be reluctant to buy another Apple Watch (actually, this one was a xmas gift....but, kind of beside the point). It is really just a convenience, and, most of the time, I still carry around my iPhone. I sure as hell won't pay for a cellular plan on a watch if series 3 rumors are true.....but that's a different topic.

Didn't they extend the warranty for this issue?

 

[Dopestar]

My 1st gen Apple Watch screen cracked , I sent it to repair via$69 AppleCare + fee and I received back a Series 1 Apple Watch

 

[Mainsail]

Didn't they extend the warranty for this issue?

Nope

 

[dgnr8]

Nope

Yes they did:apple-watch-expanded-swollen-battery-repair-coverage-warranty

 

[Mainsail]

Yes they did:apple-watch-expanded-swollen-battery-repair-coverage-warranty

Wow! Thanks! When I went to the Apple Store, the tech said it was not covered. I am going back armed with your post. Thanks again.

 

[nicho]

Wow! Thanks! When I went to the Apple Store, the tech said it was not covered. I am going back armed with your post. Thanks again.

when did you go in the first time around?

 

[rews]

Not a battery swelling issue, I fell onto it whilst running. Ridiculous I know. Have Apple care and taking it to Apple Store on Sunday. Not having an Apple Watch sucks.

 

[Mainsail]

when did you go in the first time around?

I first went in to have it looked at in the morning about a week ago. Then I saw this thread and the post about the quality program for battery issues on the original AW. So, I went back the next day, and they sent the watch in for free repair/replacement. Of course, they will test the watch to verify that the screen popped off due to the battery issue prescribed by the quality program. This program basically extends the warranty on the watch to 3 years on the original AW if you have a specific issue with the battery.

 

[Moneoa]

My 1st gen Apple Watch screen cracked , I sent it to repair via$69 AppleCare + fee and I received back a Series 1 Apple Watch

That’s why I love apple, no other manufacturer will do that for you. If your gear s2 is fried, Samsung will repair and send it back. You will never get an s3. Same with your phone. Apple is the only company I’ve dealt with that will just hand me a new phone at the store if the one I have is having issues. No other company I know of will do that.

 

[russkn87]

I bought my SS S0 watch in May 2015 on launch date. A year later my screen detached, so I got it exchanged for a new one. Today my screen fell off my replacement Watch! I can’t believe it. The second time!

I didn’t check the battery swelling but I just glued it down and all seems fine.

However, I am quite nervous now about it swelling and exploding whilst I’m wearing it or charging it by my bed.

Can someone reassure me that I won’t end up in a ball of flames whilst I’m walking the dog?

Is the glued down screen a battery accident waiting to happen, or just commonly weak screen adhesive?

 

[44267547]

I bought my SS S0 watch in May 2015 on launch date. A year later my screen detached, so I got it exchanged for a new one. Today my screen fell off my replacement Watch! I can’t believe it. The second time!

I didn’t check the battery swelling but I just glued it down and all seems fine.

However, I am quite nervous now about it swelling and exploding whilst I’m wearing it or charging it by my bed.

Can someone reassure me that I won’t end up in a ball of flames whilst I’m walking the dog?

Is the glued down screen a battery accident waiting to happen, or just commonly weak screen adhesive?

Personally, I would contact Apple and explain that your replacement watch display deattached again. They likely will issue another replacement device based on your situation. However, since you 'resealed' the display yourself, I don't know what they will do with it now. Also, it's been speculated that the original Adhesive used was not strong enough to hold the display in the casing and weakened under certain conditions with moisture and or heat.

 

[nostresshere]

Front came off my Series 1 watch - almost two years old. Took it in to Apple store - no care package ever. They looked at it and thought it might be the battery thing and sent if off. Few days later they called to say we had a replacement watch. No idea if refurb or new but it works great.

NO CHARGE.

 

[Lancetx]

Front came off my Series 1 watch - almost two years old. Took it in to Apple store - no care package ever. They looked at it and thought it might be the battery thing and sent if off. Few days later they called to say we had a replacement watch. No idea if refurb or new but it works great.

NO CHARGE.

Exact same story with my girlfriend's watch this weekend. It was a Series 0 Sport purchased 16 months ago that the screen had detached. Took it in to the Apple Store on Saturday and a brand new Series 1 replacement just arrived from FedEx this morning free of charge. Can't beat that kind of service.