Series 0 Watch face popped off, batter swollen

[haruhiko]

I suspect that most first batch Series 0 watch in 2015 has this problem. My Series 0 watch was repaired (replaced) for 2 times before they gave me one that won't pop off every few months. The repair was free even after the warranty period. So I think for Apple devices AppleCare isn't really needed since if it's Apple's problem and it's widespread they nevertheless replace yours for free. Mine didn't get upgraded to the Series 1 since it was a Stainless Steel version.

Afterwards I just gave up on the Stainless Steel model and use the saved cost to upgrade to a new generation.

 

[44267547]

This just happened to mine and they wanted $79 to replace the battery even though the product was clearly defective. Talked to two people at service and by the time the third picked up I had had enough of the conversation. That’s a ridiculous position to take.

You mentioned your Apple Watch was defective, did Apple specifically inspect your watch and determine it was defective? Or are you just assuming it’s defective? The reason I ask, is because you spoke with two different people, which it should only take one person to actually make the determination that your watch is defective if they inspected it in person.

Sent a message to shareholder relations about this because - my own issue aside - this is problematic from a quality standpoint and not customer friendly. It should be made right by the company without exception or bother.

I’m confused by your post. What exactly was not ‘customer friendly’? Because you had to speak with two different people about that your defective watch? Your post doesn’t really specifically mention what was not customer friendly? Also, I wouldn’t send a message to ‘shareholder relations’, when you should probably send your message to customer relations, because that’s specifically what they deal with.

 

[Apple II]

1) Well, if the battery has swollen to the point that it pushes the display off the watch casing I think it is fair to “assume” it is defective. Especially given the similar reports here and pending litigation on the matter. Since it also appears to be a known issue, I also think it is fair to expect the matter to be dealt with promptly and not to have to explain it multiple times to multiple people.

2) So, no, I do not consider that interaction “customer friendly” when the problem is a recurring defect that should be recognized and remedied promptly.

3) As a shareholder, it concerns me that this problem has arisen because it affects consumer perception of the product. I have the same concern with lackadaisical response to the problem. I also have a concern because the problem has led to litigation and there appears to be disinterest in addressing it. All perfectly fair shareholder issues to raise.

 

[perezr10]

Note, you have to be within a 3 year window for Apple to fix this for free. My launch day Watch didn’t qualify for repair because it was too old. And they could see plain as day that the battery looked like a little pillow. So don’t count on your Apple Store overlooking the age just because they did for someone else.

 

[Sill]

I brought mine in for service, Apple replaced it for $79. I got a stainless Watch 1 in return. The original Watch was a 2015, and I picked it up for about $300, so I could look at it as I have $380 in this one. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it.

 

[Polekat]

This happened to mine last week. Took it to the "Genius" who said it'd be $200 for them to send it off for repair. I kindly declined. Now I'm wearing my old Casio G-Shock while trying to determine if I want to drop the cash for a new one, different brand or roll the with Casio

 

[44267547]

This happened to mine last week. Took it to the "Genius" who said it'd be $200 for them to send it off for repair. I kindly declined. Now I'm wearing my old Casio G-Shock while trying to determine if I want to drop the cash for a new one, different brand or roll the with Casio

At this point, maybe just wait to see if the Series 5 launches in September, there haven’t been very many rumors thus far, but we’re fairly late already moving into June, which we should start seeing some more rumors of what to expect past WWDC on June 7.

 

[Polekat]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

My wife's 38mm S0 bought summer 2016 was replaced for $79 on May 30th 2018 under AppleCare+ damage coverage. Now the replacement watch's battery has swelled up and just popped the screen off yesterday, after 2.5 years of use.

I'm going to Apple store to see what they'll do about it. It really seems like it should have lasted longer, as I have a spare Series 2 GPS 42mm with the original battery from May 2017 that works great. And my daughter is using my previous 42mm Series 3 LTE from September 2017 with no issues. Both watches about a year older have no issues.

Up until it screen popped off, the 38mm S0 watch had been performing fine, and it actually still works with the screen flopping around. Even force touch works when the screen is in place.

I suspect Apple wont want to do a $79 battery replacement on one this old, and will try to make me pay $249 for a refurbished watch. I doubt they have anything older than a S2 on hand for that, but if that's the case iFixit will be getting my business ($40 for parts, hope I can handle the job). I should just get her a Series 6 watch, but she doesn't want to spend the money.

 

[Animalk]

Happened to mine last year. Apple charged me for battery replacement and was able to find me the last S0 replacement in my country at the time. Interestingly the replacement ran a lot faster and smoother than the one that broke.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

My wife's 38mm S0 bought summer 2016 was replaced for $79 on May 30th 2018 under AppleCare+ damage coverage. Now the replacement watch's battery has swelled up and just popped the screen off yesterday, after 2.5 years of use.

I'm going to Apple store to see what they'll do about it. It really seems like it should have lasted longer, as I have a spare Series 2 GPS 42mm with the original battery from May 2017 that works great. And my daughter is using my previous 42mm Series 3 LTE from September 2017 with no issues. Both watches about a year older have no issues.

Up until it screen popped off, the 38mm S0 watch had been performing fine, and it actually still works with the screen flopping around. Even force touch works when the screen is in place.

I suspect Apple wont want to do a $79 battery replacement on one this old, and will try to make me pay $249 for a refurbished watch. I doubt they have anything older than a S2 on hand for that, but if that's the case iFixit will be getting my business ($40 for parts, hope I can handle the job). I should just get her a Series 6 watch, but she doesn't want to spend the money.

Apple wont put the battery repair on the 3 yr battery program because we bought the original watch in 2016 and it was replaced in June 2018. The replacement is 2.5 yr old but the program starts 3yr from original date of purchase.

They will try to fix the S0 battery for $79 first, but I told them if they had to replace the whole watch for $249 to just send it back without fixing it.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Apple wont put the battery repair on the 3 yr battery program because we bought the original watch in 2016 and it was replaced in June 2018. The replacement is 2.5 yr old but the program starts 3yr from original date of purchase.

They will try to fix the S0 battery for $79 first, but I told them if they had to replace the whole watch for $249 to just send it back without fixing it.

Hey Larry, I recognize you from the watch forum that is named after the last letter in the greek alphabet and I would suggest purchasing a battery from ifixit and replace the battery yourself if Apple won’t help you. I believe they send you a new seal for the screen with the battery and if you watch some YouTube videos and take your time it should be no sweat..

 

[Apple_Robert]

Hey Larry, I recognize you from the watch forum that is named after the last letter in the greek alphabet and I would suggest purchasing a battery from ifixit and replace the battery yourself if Apple won’t help you. I believe they send you a new seal for the screen with the battery and if you watch some YouTube videos and take your time it should be no sweat..

I thought that was Larry the cable guy. Thanks for confirming, Bugeye.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Hey Larry, I recognize you from the watch forum that is named after the last letter in the greek alphabet and I would suggest purchasing a battery from ifixit and replace the battery yourself if Apple won’t help you. I believe they send you a new seal for the screen with the battery and if you watch some YouTube videos and take your time it should be no sweat..

That is the plan if they wont fix it for $79 or less. I watched the iFixit instructions, and the force touch sensor is intact, so I would just need a new seal and battery. However I would prefer that Apple do it for the extra $30 with a better chance of water resistance than if I do it.

Also, what I saw in the kit was a new force touch sensor that works as the double-sided seal, and I would not need to use that part but would need the cheaper "seal-only" to use with the existing sensor, and that doesn't come with the kit.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Hey Larry, I recognize you from the watch forum that is named after the last letter in the greek alphabet and I would suggest purchasing a battery from ifixit and replace the battery yourself if Apple won’t help you. I believe they send you a new seal for the screen with the battery and if you watch some YouTube videos and take your time it should be no sweat..

And thanks for reminding me that I need to send two greek alphabet chronographs to the manufacturer be serviced (co-axial), and that will cost me $725-750 each, which is why I am being a cheapskate with the Apple Watch, LOL...

 

[BSG75]

And thanks for reminding me that I need to send two greek alphabet chronographs to the manufacturer be serviced (co-axial), and that will cost me $725-750 each, which is why I am being a cheapskate with the Apple Watch, LOL...

I recognize you from the forum, too. I have a Greek alphabet Speedy Pro. If you’re servicing two co-axials, I don’t blame you for being a cheapskate on the Apple Watch!