Some owners of the GPS-only version of the Apple Watch Series 3 are discovering unexpected stripes along the edge of the display, visible when it's shut off, reports said on Tuesday.
Apple has informed store staff and authorized repair outfits about the issue, according to 9to5Mac. To check for stripes, the company is asking customers to rub a finger along the display while it's off "to allow smearing to appear." Failing that, people may have to breathe on the screen.
Rather than conduct repairs, the company is said to be simply replacing defective Watches entirely, mailing old units in.
At least some Series 3 GPS owners are unaffected, and indeed in AppleInsider's own checks with Genius Bars, there's been no coincidental increase in service incidents. The company is, however, said to be collecting data for engineering.
The GPS version of the Series 3 is a cheaper alternative for people who don't need or want LTE. Prices start at $329, including Nike+ variants, whereas adding LTE hikes the cost to $399 before any upgrades or monthly data plans.
Since the Series 3 line was launched just last month, all owners should be covered by the product's default one-year warranty.
6 Comments
Hope it's not a issue as I plan to upgrade my Original Apple Watch soon.
Interesting that they are simply replacing the whole watch.
When the haptic engine failed in my watch the Genius Bar tech said he had to send it out to a facility where the problem could be diagnosed and repaired. But, a few days later a whole new watch appeared on my doorstep (well, actually a refurbished "whole new watch").
As Apple heads into soldered & integrated everything, is the Apple Watch leading the way towards being throw away, disposable gadgets? "Use it till it breaks, trash it and buy another one".