Unlike Apple Watch, Google Will Not Repair Broken Pixel Watches

[MacRumors]

Google currently offers no official repair procedure for the Pixel Watch, meaning that broken devices simply become e-waste (via The Verge).

This information was recently confirmed by Google spokesperson Bridget Starkey to The Verge. Starkey stated, "At this moment, we don't have any repair option for the Google Pixel Watch. If your watch is damaged, you can contact the Google Pixel Watch Customer Support Team to check your replacement options." Google Support chats add that the company "doesn't have any repair centers or service centers" for the Pixel Watch.

The device's lack of repair options stands in contrast to Google's approach with its Pixel phones, where it partners with iFixit to ensure that spare parts and repair guides are accessible for consumers looking to mend their handsets. An independent iFixit guide details how to replace the Pixel Watch screen, proving that it is possible to do so. Yet users who wish to undertake such a repair are faced with the challenge of finding a replacement part. Given the Pixel Watch's limited sales compared to mainstream rivals like the Apple Watch, obtaining damaged "donor hardware" with the required intact part remains a difficult proposition.

By comparison, Apple offers repair solutions for the Apple Watch, albeit at different costs depending on the availability of AppleCare+. For Apple Watch owners without AppleCare+, the company cites a flat $299 estimate for an Apple Watch Series 8 and $499 for an Apple Watch Ultra. With AppleCare+, this drops to $69 for the Apple Watch Series 8 and $79 for the Apple Watch Ultra, not including the cost of AppleCare itself.

The Pixel Watch's screen is particularly vulnerable due to its design, featuring a large glass hemisphere that can easily crack upon impact. Google's hardware warranty does not cover damage resulting from accidents, such as drops or impacts, leaving users without many options other than to simply replace the entire device with a new one. The Pixel Watch 2 is rumored to feature almost exactly the same design.

Article Link: Unlike Apple Watch, Google Will Not Repair Broken Pixel Watches

 

[sack_peak]

Most will not care as they're in love or limited to Pixel.

 

[abatabia]

This makes me want to run out right now and get a pixel watch. Epic fail.

 

[MuppetGate]

So to fix the screen, you need to buy another watch, take off the screen, and replace the old screen with the new screen.

There’s a few extra steps in there somewhere, but I’m having trouble pinpointing them. 🤔

 

[Apple_Robert]

Glad I am in the orchard.

 

[Crowbot]

I guess Google is confident they won't break. They should at least have a swap-out option.

 

[paulovsouza]

Does Apple really repair the watch, I’m pretty sure you send it in, and get a refurbished one back. That’s why it essentially cost the price of a new one (unless you have Apple Care).

 

[Crowbot]

So to fix the screen, you need to buy another watch, take off the screen, and replace the old screen with the new screen.

There’s a few extra steps in there somewhere, but I’m having trouble pinpointing them. 🤔

This is not uncommon. If part A fails then they can still sell part B if it is still working. Lots of iFixit parts are cannibalized.

 

[JosephAW]

I'm assuming their watch is dirt cheap that makes it disposable as compared to the Apple tax we pay but have more options.

 

[Crowbot]

I'm assuming their watch is dirt cheap that makes it disposable as compared to the Apple tax we pay but have more options.

Amazon sells it for $400. Not disposable level pricing.

 

[SoldOnApple]

For cracked screen Apple charge just as much to buy a new one. I guess it's nice they even have the option. Probably makes more sense to customer with Apple Care+.

 

[spiderman0616]

Does Apple really repair the watch, I’m pretty sure you send it in, and get a refurbished one back. That’s why it essentially cost the price of a new one (unless you have Apple Care).

It’s what happens to the old one AFTER that—that’s where the e waste is created. Apple refurbishes/recycles theirs.

 

[randomando]

I'm assuming their watch is dirt cheap that makes it disposable as compared to the Apple tax we pay but have more options.

Not at all. Google Pixel Watch LTE costs $123 to manufacture and retails at $399. The Apple Watch Series 5 cost $136 to manufacture and retailed at $399. There is data for newer Apple Watches but it’s behind a paywall (Counterpoint Research). The price of Apple Watches haven’t changed though so it’s a pretty good estimate of things now. There is no Apple tax. Just an industry-wide markup up from the cost to manufacture.

 

[toobravetosave]

Oh no what will those 8 customers do

 

[paulovsouza]

It’s what happens to the old one AFTER that—that’s where the e waste is created. Apple refurbishes/recycles theirs.

Yes, but when you take your Apple Watch in you erase it and send it in, they don’t fix it at the Apple Store (I worked there), I’m positive 9 times out of 10 you get back a refurbished. And the price is essentially a new one. That’s why we pushed customer to just get a new one instead of wasting their time.

 

[cgs1xx]

I don’t get apple care, it’s so expensive and has exorbitant excess fees…

 

[4odomi]

Google currently offers no official repair procedure for the Pixel Watch, meaning that broken devices simply become e-waste (via The Verge).

This information was recently confirmed by Google spokesperson Bridget Starkey to The Verge. Starkey stated, "At this moment, we don't have any repair option for the Google Pixel Watch. If your watch is damaged, you can contact the Google Pixel Watch Customer Support Team to check your replacement options." Google Support chats add that the company "doesn't have any repair centers or service centers" for the Pixel Watch.

The device's lack of repair options stands in contrast to Google's approach with its Pixel phones, where it partners with iFixit to ensure that spare parts and repair guides are accessible for consumers looking to mend their handsets. An independent iFixit guide details how to replace the Pixel Watch screen, proving that it is possible to do so. Yet users who wish to undertake such a repair are faced with the challenge of finding a replacement part. Given the Pixel Watch's limited sales compared to mainstream rivals like the Apple Watch, obtaining damaged "donor hardware" with the required intact part remains a difficult proposition.

By comparison, Apple offers repair solutions for the Apple Watch, albeit at different costs depending on the availability of AppleCare+. For Apple Watch owners without AppleCare+, the company cites a flat $299 estimate for an Apple Watch Series 8 and $499 for an Apple Watch Ultra. With AppleCare+, this drops to $69 for the Apple Watch Series 8 and $79 for the Apple Watch Ultra, not including the cost of AppleCare itself.

The Pixel Watch's screen is particularly vulnerable due to its design, featuring a large glass hemisphere that can easily crack upon impact. Google's hardware warranty does not cover damage resulting from accidents, such as drops or impacts, leaving users without many options other than to simply replace the entire device with a new one. The Pixel Watch 2 is rumored to feature almost exactly the same design.

Article Link: Unlike Apple Watch, Google Will Not Repair Broken Pixel Watches

It's not a very good watch either way, the only people that buy it are the ones that want to feel and show they're different, rather than for it's capability

 

[mikethebigo]

I don’t get apple care, it’s so expensive and has exorbitant excess fees…

Paying for AC+ is the only way nowadays to get the level of service that used to be the default circa 2010.

 

[michaelsviews]

It's not a very good watch either way, the only people that buy it are the ones that want to feel and show they're different, rather than for it's capability

Polished your crystal ball eh...........

 

[curnalpanic]

Unlike Apple Watch…

So Google will repair Apple Watches only? That is good to know.

 

[spazzcat]

It’s what happens to the old one AFTER that—that’s where the e waste is created. Apple refurbishes/recycles theirs.

Where do you think refurbished washers come from?

 

[DailySlow]

Amazon sells it for $400. Not disposable level pricing.

View attachment 2265678

And IMHO it's unsightly - with eyesight challenges, digital characters is the way to. I have two analog watches and even an older mechanical one I keep for sentimental/Armageddon reasons but the "big-hand-little-hand-second-hand" style is today, problemmatic. That is, if you're not going with a classic art piece Rolex or Hublot et. al.

 

[LambdaTheImpossible]

Instant landfill. Another Google net negative. Do they do anything positive for society really?

There is little to no corporate responsibility for a product the moment it is shipped to retail. That needs to change and it's a lot more important than the current right to repair movement. Every vendor should be responsible for every bit of trash they produce right until it's disposed of. That includes everything from childrens toys, clothes, consumer electronics, everything.

 

[webkit]

The current cost to repair an Apple Watch Series 9 (without warranty/AppleCare+) is $299 to $399 which is as high or higher than the current price of a new Pixel Watch.

 

[webkit]

I'm assuming their watch is dirt cheap that makes it disposable as compared to the Apple tax we pay but have more options.

The Bluetooth/WiFi Pixel Watch retails for $349.99 but is currently on sale for $299.99. The 4G LTE/Bluetooth/WiFi Pixel Watch retails for $399.99 but is currently on sale for $339.99.

Google also sells Fitbit (which they acquired in 2021) smartwatches for less than that.