Warning: Apple Watch SE2 unfit for extended swimming use?

[wiimixer]

Does anyone else have similar experience of Apple Watch SE2s failing after long swim sessions?

ok, not wishing to be inflammatory, and writing this is a long time (25+ years!) happy user of Apple products - including first gen iMac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Please bear this in mind before leaping to Apple's defence on this issue I'm a fan too.

However, my daughter is a swim club member, regularly swimming 4/5 times pw - sessions averaging 90 mins. fwiw, in a 25m pool, max depth 2m.

Until recently she's used a hand-me-down S3 Apple Watch, in the pool, with no issue.

For Christmas we got her a new SE2. It's advertised as suitable for shallow water swimming, and Workout App includes Swimming modes which detect stroke types and distance covered. So there's no credible argument that she's using it in a way she shouldn't.

But within four months her watch(es) have failed three times, needed to be replaced, and she's now on to her FOURTH device!

Thankfully they're failing so quickly that we have no issue getting a replacement under warranty. But what gives?

I'm starting to feel that it's water resistance is overstated. Or at least the terms used to describe it, 'depth', 'velocity' etc. don't capture a potential vulnerability to EXTENDED use under typical conditions. That basically it's ok for leisure pool swimming, but not necessarily for the serious pool swimming.

I'm posting this:

1. as an advisory for others considering this watch for similar use scenario
2. hoping to hear from others with similar issues - to help establish if there is an issue
3. for comment/advice on how to mitigate the issue going forward

And to be clear, none of the defective watched have suffered any physical damage. She's fastidious in her handling, and all three inspected by Apple reps prior to swapping out.

Thanks in advance for any constructive feedback!

 

[Big Bad D]

Not ideal or as should be expected, but at least Apple are replacing them.

 

[wiimixer]

Not ideal or as should be expected, but at least Apple are replacing them.

True. That said, the exchange process via Apple Online is worthy of a grumbling thread all itself, and I've resolved to buy through third parties going forward.

Meanwhile, I'm left pondering when do we throw in the towel and accept the SE2 isn't fit for this specific purpose!

 

[smoking monkey]

Interesting. As you mention, AW3 doesn't seem to be an issue. I wonder if different materials? Or the different build. Did Apple say why they think they are failing. And do they fail the same way each time?

I used to do 3 months a year about 4 times a week of swimming training with an AW3 across 3 years and zero issues. The watch is still going strong and being used by a mate. It is a SS cellular edition.
I really liked the data the watch gave me in terms of my stroke style, stroke count, rest times, etc.

 

[wiimixer]

Did Apple say why they think they are failing.

In a word, no. They did ask if it had been submerged in water, and went on to say (needlessly and erroneously) that it can't be used for ocean swimming, and perhaps we should consider the S8 or Ultra. Frankly, I'm be more likely to spring for a more expensive model, if the model I'm using meets expectation

It doesn't apply either way, but of course the SE2 CAN be used for ocean swimming - just not for high velocity or deep water sports. Perhaps diving into a pool could be classed 'high velocity'?

In the first failure, the digital crown stopped working. The following two stopped taking charge.

 

[Howard2k]

You don’t mention that she rinses the watch off after each swim, as advised by Apple.

I’m sure she does every time of course, but if she doesn’t then the chemicals in the pool may be contributing.

 

[wiimixer]

You don’t mention that she rinses the watch off after each swim, as advised by Apple

I did wonder about that, and can't honestly say whether she's likely to have done so EVERY time she swims. She's under strict instructions to do so henceforth, but probably worth mentioning:

1. that point hasn't been mentioned by Apple support; by phone, online chat, or in store
2. the S3 chugged along under same use/conditions


Maybe the water seal on the SE2 is more susceptible to chlorine than S3? Thanks for the reminder. Will keep a close eye on this going forward.

 

[Howard2k]

It doesn’t seem to me like it should be a big deal either. If she gets out of the pool and showers I’d guess that might be enough of a rinse, but it’s probably worth the extra rinse just in case. Good luck!

 

[Monkswhiskers]

SE 2 is basically the S4/5/6 chassis so seems strange unless they have been scrimping on the seals? Have done many miles with those in sea/pool/lake.

As she is doing some serious training, then maybe go for a Garmin Swim or something similar, she will get more in the way of swim related stats and workouts

 

[wiimixer]

SE 2 is basically the S4/5/6 chassis so seems strange unless they have been scrimping on the seals? Have done many miles with those in sea/pool/lake.

As she is doing some serious training, then maybe go for a Garmin Swim or something similar, she will get more in the way of swim related stats and workouts

Agreed about the similarities with S4/5/6 - all adds to my bewilderment.

And thanks for the tip on the Garmin. Reality is, she's just a typical club swimmer - it's more of a healthy pastime than a calling. She likes the stats, but collected alongside her steps/stand etc., and also sharing challenges with friends via Apple fitness. So the incentive to get a separate device to track her swims is small, and the attraction of keeping everything within the Apple eco-system large.

 

[Alex Cai]

I’m a series 6 aluminum user, I take 2hour long swimming sessions in a club every week. My movements are quite aggressive, and I pay no attention to the aw while swimming.

Is water lock on? the mic and speaker is turned completely off when it’s on in order to protect the device. Not just locking the display to prevent calling my dad in the water

 

[Howard2k]

The water “lock” isn’t a lock. It’s just a feature to blow the water out afterwards. It doesn’t matter whether it’s activated while swimming or not, apart from screen sensitivity.

 

[wiimixer]

The water “lock” isn’t a lock. It’s just a feature to blow the water out afterwards. It doesn’t matter whether it’s activated while swimming or not, apart from screen sensitivity.

Understood. But I did get asked "does she use the water lock when swimming?" by Apple support when returning the first faulty watch, so she's actively encouraged to ensure the Swimming workout is initiated before she enters the water.

 

[wiimixer]

Latest update: the 4th replacement Apple Watch SE2 also failed! This time mid-swim, so whilst I can't be certain, the evidence is pointing to an issue with water ingress.

My daughter carefully followed all instructions, including to rinse and dry the watch after each swim.

She's pretty disappointed, and I'm most likely going to seek a refund this time, as I've little confidence a fifth replacement will last any longer than the previous four.

It also means we'll be looking for an alternative.

I'm not the swimmer here, so don't know/understand the various stats provided - but she seems to believe the SE2 is/was better than the S3 in terms of accuracy and range of stats.

Is anyone here able to confirm/dispute that?

And does anyone have an Apple Watch recommendation (other than S8 or Ultra - due to cost) that has proved itself as decent for collecting swimming stats?

I realise I'll be looking at second hand, and that water resistance degrades over time, but looking to strike a reasonable cost/features/durability balance - which is why we initially went for the SE.

 

[Howard2k]

Sorry to hear that. No way I'd go second hand at this point, unless it was a good deal on an S7 or with validated remaining Apple Care.

I'd look for a good deal on a S7 that is being cleared. After four SE2 failures I wouldn't be super confident with any other Apple Watch to be honest.

The Ultra is another option of course, that has a stronger water resistance rating.

About Apple Watch water resistance - Apple Support

Learn about water resistance on your Apple Watch and what to do if your device gets wet.

support.apple.com

 

[wiimixer]

Sorry to hear that. No way I'd go second hand at this point, unless it was a good deal on an S7 or with validated remaining Apple Care.

I'd look for a good deal on a S7 that is being cleared. After four SE2 failures I wouldn't be super confident with any other Apple Watch to be honest.

The Ultra is another option of course, that has a stronger water resistance rating.

Good point - will look for watches with some Apple Care remaining.

Not ready to spring for a new S8 or Ultra - and was considering all options to avoid going back to S3, which seemingly coped where the SE2 can't!

 

[Night Spring]

Good point - will look for watches with some Apple Care remaining.

Not ready to spring for a new S8 or Ultra - and was considering all options to avoid going back to S3, which seemingly coped where the SE2 can't!

What country are you in, and what is your budget? In US, I'm seeing refurbed S8 from Apple for $339.

 

[wiimixer]

UK. Refurbished 45mm S8 is £379 (approx. 475$). Will give consideration, but daughter keen to try one more SE2 - so will speak with the store and see what they suggest.

Thanks for the heads up - and maybe refurbished is the way to go. That's presuming warranty terms are the same.

Might be time to consider Apple Care - though this experience means I'll be holding my nose as I hand over MORE money to Apple

 

[Thoradin]

I had a great experience when swimming with my S5 and was still in the pool with it last week at 3 years old with no bother (including diving).
It strikes me as rather strange that you’ve gone through so many in such a short space of time, especially when following their guidelines to the letter.

I hope that you manage to find some form of amicable solution here.

 

[Deanster]

Just for the record, here’s the current (May 4, 2023) text on Apple’s website for the SE2 under the ”Swim-suitable” section:

Apple Watch SE is water resistant 50 meters.2 Track your splits and sets in the pool. Map your route in open water. See accurate metrics even when using a kickboard. Whether you’re splashing, swimming, or surfing, the water’s fine.

The ‘2’ links to the following small print:

Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE have a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that they may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, they should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Water resistance is not a permanent condition and can diminish over time. For additional information see support.apple.com/en-us/HT205000. Series 8 is also rated IP6X dust resistant.​

​

I’d take this to mean it 100% should be suitable for your use, and the staff (as OP noted) are incorrect in saying it’s not appropriate for ocean swimming.

I‘ve used everything from the original non-water resistant ‘Series 0’ Apple Watch to my current Ultra in pools, lakes, and open salt water for snorkeling and bodysurfing without difficulty. It really sucks that your daughter is having this issue. I don’t have any experience with the SE series watches, but in your place I might be inclined to push the local Apple Store to refund the SE2 as having taken up waaaay too much of your time and hassle, and getting her an S7/8 at least to see if it performs better. Super frustrating, this is exactly the kind of use the SE2 should be made to handle.

 

[Night Spring]

UK. Refurbished 45mm S8 is £379 (approx. 475$). Will give consideration, but daughter keen to try one more SE2 - so will speak with the store and see what they suggest.

Thanks for the heads up - and maybe refurbished is the way to go. That's presuming warranty terms are the same.

Might be time to consider Apple Care - though this experience means I'll be holding my nose as I hand over MORE money to Apple

You get the same warranty as buying new. I've always been happy with buying Apple refurbs, they've performed the same as brand new devices.

 

[arc of the universe]

have you read on the net or otherwise heard of other users having such a repetitive and quick fault rate?

if not, then i think the cause is not swimming with it, but some unrelated activity such as using shamoo or something that is making the seals fail repetitively and quickly.

there is this cautionary note on apple's website:

"Showering with Apple Watch Series 2 and newer is ok, but we recommend not exposing Apple Watch to soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and perfumes as they can negatively affect water seals and acoustic membranes. Apple Watch should be cleaned with fresh water and dried with a lint free-cloth if it comes in contact with anything other than fresh water."

buying a Series 8 or Ultra will not solve this problem. it is clearly not related to any water depth/pressure issue.
and, absence of any reliable info in forums that would pick up if the seal on the SE was different from the seal on the Series 8, then its likely the seal is identical on these two models.

 

[AstonSmith]

if not, then i think the cause is not swimming with it, but some unrelated activity such as using shampoo or something that is making the seals fail repetitively and quickly.

The curious thing is that the S3 worked just fine throughout. It could be that, but I don't think we can discount the swimming yet.

Maybe she's become an even faster, more vigorous swimmer since she had that model? Or, maybe she's doing more diving? The small print by @Deanster suggests it's not for "activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth," without it really saying how high.

 

[wiimixer]

However, they should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.

All understood, and followed. Think it should allow for diving into a 2m pool!

You get the same warranty as buying new. I've always been happy with buying Apple refurbs, they've performed the same as brand new devices.

Have bought refurbished Apple products in the past. It's just that in-store I was told the Watches come with a two year warranty (by the same rep. who said unsuitable for ocean swimming!), and on the website it says there's a one year warranty for the refurbs. Truthfully, I think it's only one year warranty from Apple, without purchasing Apple Care. There may be some further protection in Consumer Law - but wouldn't expect Apple to comply willingly

For what it's worth, John Lewis (UK retailer) DOES give a two year warranty. Plus they've been 100% better than Apple in handling return / replacements.

 

[wiimixer]

have you read on the net or otherwise heard of other users having such a repetitive and quick fault rate?

if not, then i think the cause is not swimming with it, but some unrelated activity such as using shamoo or something that is making the seals fail repetitively and quickly.

Not heard of others with the same issue. That's why I originally posted here - to see if we can find any!

I see your thinking, but we've been fastidious in following Apple's direction to the letter. No shampoo has been near the watch(es).

The curious thing is that the S3 worked just fine throughout. It could be that, but I don't think we can discount the swimming yet.

Too true. Plus the latest watch failed mid-swim! I suspect the issue may be related to time in the water. She swims for up to two hours some sessions, in chlorinated water.

Maybe she's become an even faster, more vigorous swimmer since she had that model? Or, maybe she's doing more diving?

Yes, that's possibly true. But incrementally, not exponentially. She's far from the fastest (or most vigorous) in her club. So I still think it's fair to say the Watch doesn't perform as expected.


Thanks to all for the helpful & thoughtful comments.

My daughter wants to give it at least one more go, so hoping to pick up a replacement on Monday. She's also suggested she might stop wearing it for swimming. Seems like an unreasonable compromise - since the SE2's swimming credentials is why she wanted one in the first place! Will keep you posted.