Apps Series 10 black, paint deterioration

[ndouglas]

My Apple Watch Series 10 began losing paint about last March or April. Now it’s late July and it’s gotten significantly worse. I got it in Sept./Oct. close to when it was released last year.

I saw this issue in many posts on other forums, but after searching this site, there seems to be no reports about it by MR users. Hence the poll, if you have black color S10, can you share whether this is an issue for yours or not?

Thank you. See image attached.

Based on others’ posts in other forums, most people with the issue report the typical Apple response from in-store staff and phone/email, that is, it’s just “cosmetic” so not worthy of their time. If it stays this way then maybe not a big deal, but considering how it’s been less than a year and I don’t subject it to sand, dirt, or even sweat much, it’s disappointing to see and implies it will only get worse.

PS: I’m not sure if this is called “peeling” or some other word, but it’s reminiscent of the black iphone 7 back in 2007, _and_ it happens in a more minor way on my current iPad, which is only a year old (May 2024) and has similar black paint or coating removed, just by the USB charging port.

 

[Apple_Robert]

That looks like normal wear and tear for an aluminum watch.

 

[JCCL]

That looks like normal wear and tear for an aluminum watch.

It’s not. I don’t know how anyone would think that’s normal. Seems a defect of the polished aluminum finish of the black S10.

OP: I’ve read different outcomes about people taking it to Apple for replacement, but it wouldn’t hurt to try.

 

[jz0309]

My Apple Watch Series 10 began losing paint about last March or April. Now it’s late July and it’s gotten significantly worse. I got it in Sept./Oct. close to when it was released last year.

I saw this issue in many posts on other forums, but after searching this site, there seems to be no reports about it by MR users. Hence the poll, if you have black color S10, can you share whether this is an issue for yours or not?

Thank you. See image attached.

Based on others’ posts in other forums, most people with the issue report the typical Apple response from in-store staff and phone/email, that is, it’s just “cosmetic” so not worthy of their time. If it stays this way then maybe not a big deal, but considering how it’s been less than a year and I don’t subject it to sand, dirt, or even sweat much, it’s disappointing to see and implies it will only get worse.

PS: I’m not sure if this is called “peeling” or some other word, but it’s reminiscent of the black iphone 7 back in 2007, _and_ it happens in a more minor way on my current iPad, which is only a year old (May 2024) and has similar black paint or coating removed, just by the USB charging port.

Have you brought it into an Apple Store for examination? I seem to recall reading about a similar post and that person got a replacement.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I wouldn't be happy with that.

But that's why I always stick to the unpainted SS, Ti watches.

 

[ndouglas]

It’s not. I don’t know how anyone would think that’s normal. Seems a defect of the polished aluminum finish of the black S10.

OP: I’ve read different outcomes about people taking it to Apple for replacement, but it wouldn’t hurt to try.

Yes, I tried in-store, to no avail. It only “hurt” in terms of wasted time traveling there. And being interrupted by the staff over and over, to repeat the lines about “it’s only cosmetic damage…” not covered by even the 12 month warranty. Oh well. It’s interesting to note that all 9 of the 9 people polled above have no damage… yet. I do hope your good fortune continues that way.

 

[PPCmike]

I'm coming up to a year and no case (my first time) and no peeling at all. It kinda feels good with no case compared to the past 2 AW I had.

 

[Jackbequickly]

You got to spend a bit more for the black Ti and you will not have this cosmetic damage.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Nothing on mine, still in the same condition it was on launch day. Hopefully this is a rare sort of thing and maybe associated with a manufacturing defect?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

You got to spend a bit more for the black Ti and you will not have this cosmetic damage.

I don't think advising someone to pay £300 more to eradicate the chance of damage is sound advice tbh lol. I don't think this is a widespread issue and I am inclined to think the Jet Black costs is about what an Apple Watch is worth tbh. The finish should be good enough and not chipping or peeling, so this is Apples liability to solve.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I don't think advising someone to pay £300 more to eradicate the chance of damage is sound advice tbh lol. I don't think this is a widespread issue and I am inclined to think the Jet Black costs is about what an Apple Watch is worth tbh. The finish should be good enough and not chipping or peeling, so this is Apples liability to solve.

Sound advice or not, it is fact. Aluminum watches suffer cosmetic problems and screen scratches. After a year my S10 Ti still is like new.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Sound advice or not, it is fact. Aluminum watches suffer cosmetic problems and screen scratches. After a year my S10 Ti still is like new.

So is my Series 10 Jet Black. I wore a Series 5 Aluminium for 5 years and didn't have cosmetic issues. I didn't need to spend nearly double on what is a throwaway device after a few years just to stop a few scratches. It is also a fact aluminium watches do not suffer from cosmetic issues if you don't damage them. At the point of writing this, 14 people also do not have issues and I'd imagine those that do, will be in the minority.

 

[goldmac2006]

Have you brought it into an Apple Store for examination? I seem to recall reading about a similar post and that person got a replacement.

I came across numerous posts about this issue, primarily from two users of the Jet Black series 10. One of them is currently experiencing the same problem with their replacement watch. They even visited the Apple Store and had their watch checked by Apple experts, who promptly sent them replacement watches.

Typically, these common issues arise when you sweat excessively on your Apple Watch. It’s important to clean it regularly after engaging in activities that involve dirty work, such as washing the dog or cleaning the house. Additionally, frequent swimming with the watch can contribute to these problems.

 

[ndouglas]

I came across numerous posts about this issue, primarily from two users of the Jet Black series 10. One of them is currently experiencing the same problem with their replacement watch. They even visited the Apple Store and had their watch checked by Apple experts, who promptly sent them replacement watches.

Typically, these common issues arise when you sweat excessively on your Apple Watch. It’s important to clean it regularly after engaging in activities that involve dirty work, such as washing the dog or cleaning the house. Additionally, frequent swimming with the watch can contribute to these problems.

Yes that is what bothers me is to read quite a few posts now with similar stories that Apple sent them replacements… Multiple Apple stores near me were just the opposite, completely obstinate in insisting that it’s just “cosmetic” damage and not in any way address-able or under warranty. The direct me to apple.com/feedback and won’t even file any note or report to a manager, for example.

I am happy for others who get replacements but it’s quite frustrating to notice zero consistency from one store behavior to another.


By the way, about your 2nd paragraph, I don’t do any of these things —^ you listed…

At least my damage so far is on the back side, knock on wood, but multiple posts on forums like this one show images where it’s way more visible closer to the front/sides. So I hope that is not coming soon in my case. Very disappointing. Coming from Fitbit devices previously, these Apple devices are still better build quality, but that is saying very little considering how low quality Fitbits are.

 

[goldmac2006]

Yes that is what bothers me is to read quite a few posts now with similar stories that Apple sent them replacements… Multiple Apple stores near me were just the opposite, completely obstinate in insisting that it’s just “cosmetic” damage and not in any way address-able or under warranty. The direct me to apple.com/feedback and won’t even file any note or report to a manager, for example.

I am happy for others who get replacements but it’s quite frustrating to notice zero consistency from one store behavior to another.


By the way, about your 2nd paragraph, I don’t do any of these things —^ you listed…

At least my damage so far is on the back side, knock on wood, but multiple posts on forums like this one show images where it’s way more visible closer to the front/sides. So I hope that is not coming soon in my case. Very disappointing. Coming from Fitbit devices previously, these Apple devices are still better build quality, but that is saying very little considering how low quality Fitbits are.

You know, it seems like these issues with your jet black Apple Watch series 10 might be due to a defect. It’s interesting that the problems aren’t as severe as they could be, and that you’re not using the watch in extreme situations. Plus, it’s not like you’re cleaning it regularly then this would suddenly happen.

We should definitely think about whether Apple should do a service recall or program, even though it’s not a safety issue or something that would disrupt your usual use. It’s more about making sure the jet black Apple Watch’s finish on the aluminum is just like the iPhone 7’s flagship color. A lot of you Apple fans who’ve been around for ages know that too!

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

You know, it seems like these issues with your jet black Apple Watch series 10 might be due to a defect. It’s interesting that the problems aren’t as severe as they could be, and that you’re not using the watch in extreme situations. Plus, it’s not like you’re cleaning it regularly then this would suddenly happen.

We should definitely think about whether Apple should do a service recall or program, even though it’s not a safety issue or something that would disrupt your usual use. It’s more about making sure the jet black Apple Watch’s finish on the aluminum is just like the iPhone 7’s flagship color. A lot of you Apple fans who’ve been around for ages know that too!

It is definitely an issue to some extent as another user here has exactly the same problem with tiny chips on the back surface of his watch.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/as-we-approach-the-fall-was-apple-watch-series-10-a-bit-of-a-flop.2462312/post-34046944

Mine is thankfully in great condition and I don't generally clean mine after exercise and doing chores, but I also don't sweat a hell of a lot. Hoping I don't see this issue in future as I tend to keep my Apple watches 4 or 5 years. Apple definitely need to address this as I doubt its just happening to 2 users here.

 

[Jackbequickly]

So is my Series 10 Jet Black. I wore a Series 5 Aluminium for 5 years and didn't have cosmetic issues. I didn't need to spend nearly double on what is a throwaway device after a few years just to stop a few scratches. It is also a fact aluminium watches do not suffer from cosmetic issues if you don't damage them. At the point of writing this, 14 people also do not have issues and I'd imagine those that do, will be in the minority.

You get what you pay for!😂

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

You get what you pay for!😂

As my examples clearly suggest.

 

[Dirty Mac]

Mines not a year old and looks like the back has been though a war.

 

[ndouglas]

ugh omg! yeah it’s weird how although this pic —^ is way worse than mine, for now, the spots and the pattern / layout is very similar, it’s like some kind of freakin’ chickenpox with the coating. terrible! i hope mine doesn’t get that bad, but it looks liks that’s where it’s headed to.
thank you for sharing.

 

[tomtad]

This is why you don’t get a painted watch

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

This is why you don’t get a painted watch

No it’s not an excuse for the issues some are having at all and shouldn’t be an expectation because of an ‘anodised’ finish, not painted.

Mine is in great condition from launch last year. One thing I do wonder is if these issues could be related to oils in sun cream or something like that?? Either way, it’s unacceptable on a new watch and Apple should not be dismissing it as ‘wear and tear’. I wouldn’t be walking out accepting that fob off tbh. Apple also stopped having the entire watch back in a ceramic finish, which I believe came in after the first Apple watches suffered from issues like this. Maybe they need to stop saving costs as a multi trillion dollar company and actually deliver properly. My series 5 has a ceramic back and cost the same price as my Series 10.

 

[dz5b609]

My series 5 has a ceramic back and cost the same price as my Series 10.

Which is an argument against your point, everything has gotten much more expensive in that timeframe except that Apple watch, how do you think they did that?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Which is an argument against your point, everything has gotten much more expensive in that timeframe except that Apple watch, how do you think they did that?

Isn't it obvious? How is it an argument against my point? I made the point Apple dumped the ceramic back glass to save on cost, or did you miss that?