The band isn't covered under AC+? (Yes, it's covered)

[JayLenochiniMac]

UPDATE: Several lines of evidence indicate that the out-of-the-box band, but not band(s) that you purchase separately, is covered under AC+.

Please check out AppleCare+ for Apple Watch.

Apple hardware coverage
AppleCare+ provides repair or replacement coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians. Service coverage includes the following:

• Your Apple Watch
• Battery
• For Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, included magnetic charging cable and power adapter. For Apple Watch Edition, included magentic charging cable, power adaptor, charging case, and USB cable.
• Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling of your Apple Watch, each subject to a service fee ($69 for Apple Watch Sport, $79 for Apple Watch, $1000 for Apple Watch Edition) plus applicable tax.

So if your band breaks, AC+ won't cover it and you'll have to buy a new one? That seems strange, but I do notice that AC+ fees are the same whether you buy the base SS model (with the Sport band) or the most expensive Space Black SS model with the link bracelet. I assume they'll provide watch case only as the white box replacement and you transfer your existing band to it.

 

[amitdoc2b]

Please check out AppleCare+ for Apple Watch.

Apple hardware coverage
AppleCare+ provides repair or replacement coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians. Service coverage includes the following:

• Your Apple Watch
• Battery
• For Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, included magnetic charging cable and power adapter. For Apple Watch Edition, included magentic charging cable, power adaptor, charging case, and USB cable.
• Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling of your Apple Watch, each subject to a service fee ($69 for Apple Watch Sport, $79 for Apple Watch, $1000 for Apple Watch Edition) plus applicable tax.

So if your band breaks, AC+ won't cover it and you'll have to buy a new one? That seems strange, but I do notice that AC+ fees are the same whether you buy the base SS model (with the Sport band) or the most expensive Space Black SS model with the link bracelet. I assume they'll provide watch case only as the white box replacement and you transfer your existing band to it.

You bring up a great point, I am worried and curious about this too. Since on their website "Apple Watch" refers to any SS model with a band on it, I would expect the term to include the whole product. If not, this is something for me to make note of and consider since I mainly bought the Apple Care to cover my black SS and bracelet both (since the bracelet itself is worth $450+).

 

[SteveLV702]

I talked to Apple and the band that covers with the Watch is covered.... But if you go and buy an additional band that one would not be covered.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I talked to Apple and the band that covers with the Watch is covered.... But if you go and buy an additional band that one would not be covered.

Thanks, but I don't trust those reps. Already they've given wrong information to three members here regarding whether the Sport band comes as three pieces or two full sets.

Not to mention other BS information like the Sport comes with two bands because you're more likely to wear it out (Really? So if you wear out the M/L you replace it with the S/M even though it won't fit you) and that the SS model with the Sport band comes with only one set of band (So Apple will surprise you with which size you get and they're obligated to swap it out if it's the incorrect size)

 

[MVallee]

Thanks, but I don't trust those reps. Already they've given wrong information to three members here regarding whether the Sport band comes as three pieces or two full sets.

The reps in the chat have given me wrong info in the past as well. I missed out on pre-ordering an iPhone 6 Plus because they told me that in order to reserve for pickup I had to add it to my cart and reserve for pickup would show as a shipping option before I paid online. That wasn't the case for Canada and it was an entire different page where you made a reservation and then paid in store. Ended up having to camp out because of them and still didn't get a 6 Plus. Definitely take what they say with a large grain of salt.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Since on their website "Apple Watch" refers to any SS model with a band on it, I would expect the term to include the whole product.

I'd expect the same as well. In this case, they'd provide separate white box replacements for the watch case and band. Perhaps we'll get an official confirmation of this (not from the so-called "Apple Specialist" though please).

 

[sahilpatel12]

(Really? So if you wear out the M/L you replace it with the S/M even though it won't fit you)

well not really , you put ad on crag or whtever the case
\lets use blue band for example
steve has m/l band that he uses while this s/m collects dust and put a ad on crag to swap even for s/m blue for m/l blue or whatver case is.

while tom uses s/m band and his m/l collects dust and he sees that ad and contacts and blah blah.... goes on... and in end they swap it off.


so now steve has his own m/l band and tom's m/l band while tom has his s/m band and steve's s/m band

 

[Mr.C]

Please check out AppleCare+ for Apple Watch.

Apple hardware coverage
AppleCare+ provides repair or replacement coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians. Service coverage includes the following:

• Your Apple Watch
• Battery
• For Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, included magnetic charging cable and power adapter. For Apple Watch Edition, included magentic charging cable, power adaptor, charging case, and USB cable.
• Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling of your Apple Watch, each subject to a service fee ($69 for Apple Watch Sport, $79 for Apple Watch, $1000 for Apple Watch Edition) plus applicable tax.

So if your band breaks, AC+ won't cover it and you'll have to buy a new one? That seems strange, but I do notice that AC+ fees are the same whether you buy the base SS model (with the Sport band) or the most expensive Space Black SS model with the link bracelet. I assume they'll provide watch case only as the white box replacement and you transfer your existing band to it.

You're the one posting misinformation now. If the band wasn't included they would specify so. When you buy the watch you're paying partly for the band. It is part of the watch. It stands to reason the "Your Apple Watch" listing means the whole watch including the band. Until Apple officially confirms otherwise that is what I am going to believe is the case.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

well not really , you put ad on crag or whtever the case
\lets use blue band for example
steve has m/l band that he uses while this s/m collects dust and put a ad on crag to swap even for s/m blue for m/l blue or whatver case is.

while tom uses s/m band and his m/l collects dust and he sees that ad and contacts and blah blah.... goes on... and in end they swap it off.


so now steve has his own m/l band and tom's m/l band while tom has his s/m band and steve's s/m band

I was just poking fun at the rep's suggestion, but yes, the above mentioned like color swap is most certainly possible.

----------

You're the one posting misinformation now. If the band wasn't included they would specify so. When you buy the watch you're paying partly for the band. It is part of the watch. It stands to reason the "Your Apple Watch" listing means the whole watch including the band. Until Apple officially confirms otherwise that is what I am going to believe is the case.

Well, the battery is part of the watch, isn't it? Can you operate it without the battery? If not, why mention it separately?

 

[bizack]

Please check out AppleCare+ for Apple Watch.

Apple hardware coverage
AppleCare+ provides repair or replacement coverage, both parts and labor, from Apple-authorized technicians. Service coverage includes the following:

• Your Apple Watch
• Battery
• For Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, included magnetic charging cable and power adapter. For Apple Watch Edition, included magentic charging cable, power adaptor, charging case, and USB cable.
• Coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling of your Apple Watch, each subject to a service fee ($69 for Apple Watch Sport, $79 for Apple Watch, $1000 for Apple Watch Edition) plus applicable tax.

So if your band breaks, AC+ won't cover it and you'll have to buy a new one? That seems strange, but I do notice that AC+ fees are the same whether you buy the base SS model (with the Sport band) or the most expensive Space Black SS model with the link bracelet. I assume they'll provide watch case only as the white box replacement and you transfer your existing band to it.

I asked about this in-store. Apple Care Plus does *not* cover the bands. It's considered a wear and tear item (like tires on a car).

 

[jimcolyer]

Two year warranty as standard here in the EU, and in the UK it gets even better as under the 'Sale of Goods Act' law, if a product fails in a "reasonable time" the manufacturer (well actually the seller) is legally obliged to replace or repair it free of charge.

 

[amitdoc2b]

I asked about this in-store. Apple Care Plus does *not* cover the bands. It's considered a wear and tear item (like tires on a car).

Apple Care Plus allows up to 2 changes though, even if a scratch is due to wear and tear (or because of an accidental drop) I have the right to pay a fee (based on the cost of my Apple Care) and get the item replaced. Now Apple Care alone is a different story...

 

[bizack]

Apple Care Plus allows up to 2 changes though, even if a scratch is due to wear and tear (or because of an accidental drop) I have the right to pay a fee (based on the cost of my Apple Care) and get the item replaced. Now Apple Care alone is a different story...

Not on the bands.

 

[Mr.C]

I was just poking fun at the rep's suggestion, but yes, the above mentioned like color swap is most certainly possible.

----------



Well, the battery is part of the watch, isn't it? Can you operate it without the battery? If not, why mention it separately?

Batteries have always been listed separately even with the laptops, iPhones, iPads etc.

 

[HopefulHumanist]

I'm not sure I buy the reports saying the bands aren't covered. I mean, the link bracelet itself is worth more than the sport watch. No way that can't be covered.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I asked about this in-store. Apple Care Plus does *not* cover the bands. It's considered a wear and tear item (like tires on a car).

That's a good point about it being a wear and tear item (especially the leather bands), but it doesn't make sense for them not to cover, say, a malfunctioning clasp on the link bracelet.

Apple Care Plus allows up to 2 changes though, even if a scratch is due to wear and tear (or because of an accidental drop) I have the right to pay a fee (based on the cost of my Apple Care) and get the item replaced. Now Apple Care alone is a different story...

No, you don't have that right as scratches are considered normal wear and tear under AC+ and thus not covered.

From http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecareplusnaen.html

(v) The Plan does not apply to cosmetic damage to the Covered Equipment, including but not limited to scratches and dents that do not otherwise affect the functionality of the Covered Equipment.

 

[Mr.C]

I asked about this in-store. Apple Care Plus does *not* cover the bands. It's considered a wear and tear item (like tires on a car).

That's something I would take with a pinch of salt. Considering the product is so new and isn't even out yet and considering the various posts here of people getting clearly wrong information from in store and online chat employees that isn't a confirmation.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I'm not sure I buy the reports saying the bands aren't covered. I mean, the link bracelet itself is worth more than the sport watch. No way that can't be covered.

Yet AC+ fees are exactly the same whether you get the base SS model with the Sport band or Space Black SS model with the pricey link bracelet.

 

[gcooldude86]

This sucks if your band is defective that's not due to wear and tear. I'm. Using the link band separate and being $500CAD I was hoping warranty would cover it.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Batteries have always been listed separately even with the laptops, iPhones, iPads etc.

Good point. Bands are considered accessories in the watch world, so if it's covered, why not mention it as "Included accessories" as that's all inclusive?

 

[Mr.C]

I guess we will find out either through official confirmation or someone actually trying to get the strap replaced through AppleCare Plus. At the end of the day my main concern is with the watch and not the strap especially as the strap I'm getting with the watch is the black sport band which is relatively cheap anyway.

 

[amitdoc2b]

That's a good point about it being a wear and tear item (especially the leather bands), but it doesn't make sense for them not to cover, say, a malfunctioning clasp on the link bracelet.



No, you don't have that right as scratches are considered normal wear and tear under AC+ and thus not covered.

From http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecareplusnaen.html

(v) The Plan does not apply to cosmetic damage to the Covered Equipment, including but not limited to scratches and dents that do not otherwise affect the functionality of the Covered Equipment.

How about a broken piece of the metal bracelet? How is that any different than a shattered phone screen? The whole point of Apple Care Plus over Apple Care beyond the extra year is accidental damage.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

How about a broken piece of the metal bracelet? How is that any different than a shattered phone screen? The whole point of Apple Care Plus over Apple Care beyond the extra year is accidental damage.

That's why I'd think the band should be covered, despite being a "wear and tear item."

I had assumed both the case and band would be covered and they'd have separate white box replacements for them until a member pointed out otherwise and I saw the AC+ for Apple Watch page.

 

[gibbz]

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecareplusnaen.html

This implies it is covered, no?

This service contract governs the hardware service and technical support provided to you by Apple under the above-mentioned plans (each referred to herein as the “Plan”) for an Apple-branded iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch or, Apple Watch Sport and the accessories contained in its original packaging

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecareplusnaen.html

This implies it is covered, no?

Yes, that's a strong argument that it's covered, as bands are considered accessories in the watch world. In that case, the hardware description should have stated "Included accessories" rather than just magnetic charging cable and power adapter as that'd make it all inclusive. That'd also avoid some Apple employees giving bad information like saying that the bands aren't covered because they're wear and tear items.