Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
That's what I said to the support guy over the phone, why can't I just walk in and walk out 30-40 mins later with a replacement. Doesn't sound like rocket science. His response was, jokingly: "you've never been to an apple store, have you?"

Honestly though, I don't see how swapping an obviously broken product for a new one needs an appointment that's over a week out.

They don't replace them on the spot anyway. All Apple Watches are shipped to the repair center and examined and then they decide what to do.
 
Update: Just received the new watch. It's beautiful.

Is It actually new? (As in a sealed box) Or is it just the ‘watch’ itself they sent you in a little white box? Because if it is just the watch itself being its a Series 2, then it’s likely a refurbished watch. Just want to clarify this, because some of the watches Apple does send that are replacements, are in fact, not ‘new’.
 
Last edited:
Is It actually new? (As in a sealed box) Or is it just the ‘watch’ itself they sent you in a little white box? Because if it is just the watch itself being its a Series 2, then it’s likely a refurbished watch. Just want to clarify this, because some of the watches Apple does send that are replacements, are in fact, not ‘new’.
If you want to argue semantics, refurbished lol.

However, refurbished Apple products go through more rigorous testing to ensure quality than new products.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DotCom2
That's what I said to the support guy over the phone, why can't I just walk in and walk out 30-40 mins later with a replacement. Doesn't sound like rocket science. His response was, jokingly: "you've never been to an apple store, have you?"

Honestly though, I don't see how swapping an obviously broken product for a new one needs an appointment that's over a week out.
That doesn't really make sense to me. I've had my watch replaced at a store under AppleCare. Also, if you don't have an appointment, it's not ideal, but you can do a walk-in and it would still be faster than waiting for a mailed replacement. They'll take your name and within 1-2 hours (depending on how busy they are) you'll go back and be able to sit down with a genius bar rep.
 
That doesn't really make sense to me. I've had my watch replaced at a store under AppleCare. Also, if you don't have an appointment, it's not ideal, but you can do a walk-in and it would still be faster than waiting for a mailed replacement. They'll take your name and within 1-2 hours (depending on how busy they are) you'll go back and be able to sit down with a genius bar rep.
That was my logic, but the second support guy I takled to insisted that Apple Stores do not stock replacement watches, and that I wouldn’t be seen without an appointment. Moreover, Apple Store Main Place in Naperville, Illinois (closest to my apartment) was booked over a week out for virtually all appointments (watch, iPhone, Mac, etc).
 
I experienced a similar thing recently. Albeit I scrapped my watch (lightly I might add) and the screen popped off. The staff at the Apple store couldn't help. It gets sent off to be evaluated and if they discover any evidence of accidental damage the responsibility (and cost) lies with you. If I was feeling cynical I'd say this process disempowers the individual by removing a face-to-face discussion about what is and what isn't "accidental damage", or whether accidental damage should result in such severe damage. I love my watch but I think they have particular week spots. I imagine this happens a lot, hence the process. Luckily I bought apple care after it broke it (within 60 day window) after reading forums about others experiences. I couldn't even negotiate with the store to upgrade to a steel model as the white box replacements are not transferable. Even though I love it, it's still the worst apple product I own due to this experience.
 
Apple Support said they don’t stock Apple Watch replacements in store, so there was no point in going to a brick and mortar store.

I just got off the phone with Apple support again and the lady said that once it arrives at the depot, they make the determination if it was a defective battery or physical damage. If it’s defective, they refund the $69.

Right now the watch is on my desk, waiting to be sent back once the replacement unit arrives.
Yeah same happened with my air pods case
 
If you want to argue semantics, refurbished loL

I never agrued anything, I simply asked you to clarify and you did, following I gave feedback on on Apples replacement Watches and warranty . But my point being, it was not ‘new’ as you originally mentioned.

However, refurbished Apple products go through more rigorous testing to ensure quality than new products.

New products don’t require ‘rigorous’ testing compared to refurbished, because the refurbished watch was exposed to a defect of some sort and possibly using re-used parts, Being it was defective for one reason or another prior to its refurbishment state, so naturally they have to endure thorough testing for XYZ reasons, albeit new Watches obviously all have new Hardware. (This would also be an example of arguing semantics for the record).
 
Last edited:
That was my logic, but the second support guy I takled to insisted that Apple Stores do not stock replacement watches, and that I wouldn’t be seen without an appointment. Moreover, Apple Store Main Place in Naperville, Illinois (closest to my apartment) was booked over a week out for virtually all appointments (watch, iPhone, Mac, etc).
Understandable. They still have to budget time for walk-ins. When I cracked my phone's screen a couple of months ago I couldn't get an appointment booked at any of the 6 stores closest to me for like a week and a half. I took a half day off work and just walked into my closest store right after it opened. They took my name and called me about an hour later letting me know they can see me. Another hour or so and I was out of there. Same when I had to get the watch replaced. I think phone reps are just trained to use lingo like that to discourage you from going into a store.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.