William Gallagher
According to leaker Jon Prosser, Apple has reversed its requirement for users to return their Apple Watch Series 6 if its Solo Loop, or Braided Solo Loop, isn't the right size for them.
Apple's original requirement for users to return their entire Apple Watch Series 6 to get a correct-size band meant that some were facing weeks before they could get their Watch back. Now reportedly Apple has decided they can keep the Watch, and just return the Solo Loop, or Braided Solo Loop, for replacement.
Update to this:
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) September 23, 2020
You can now return your Solo Loop bands without having to return the whole Watch.
Just call Apple — if it's your first Apple Watch order, they'll send a replacement Sport band (traditional style) in surf blue or cactus colors. pic.twitter.com/JtJmxnMXZp
Leaker Jon Prosser goes on to say that Apple's issuing of a replacement Sport Band is to ensure users have a strap as quickly as possible. "They will replace the Solo Loop with your correct size," he says, "[and] provide traditional band."
Apple has not yet commented publicly on the change to the policy. However, the original information was also not listed on Apple's support pages, and came instead from a support discussion one user relayed on Twitter.
"My choices are deal with the wrong sized band, or return the entire thing (watch and band) then re-order one size down which will not arrive until late November," said Eli Hodapp, in a tweet that showed a screengrab of Apple's comments to him. "I wish I could figure out why the Apple product experience once you get anywhere near support is a complete nightmare."
Update 1:38 P.M. Eastern Time AppleInsider testing has found the free Sport Band offer isn't consistent between phone representatives. This suggests that Apple is doing it on a case-by-case basis. We still recommend attempting the return of a poorly-fitting Solo Loop in-person at an Apple Store.
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Wesley Hilliard
Christine McKee
Andrew Orr
Andrew O'Hara
3 Comments
Gee, who would have predicted that Apple would improve its policies/procedures after the initial post-launch kerfuffle? Oh yeah, pretty much everyone except a few vocal whiners. Our community sure loves drama.
Luckily for Apple, they seem to be the only one selling the Solo Loop. I can't find it for sale anywhere else, so I guess other stores will not have the headache of all these returns (prior to this announcement) like the Apple Store will.
Well, I just tried to exchange my band (too big). First time I've ever been disappointed with Apple customer support. If I exchanged my band it would cancel my trade-in. I then said, "well could I re-apply the trade-in ?" which the specialist said sure, but then I realized what would happen. Instead of getting a discount on the apple watch, I bought on my apple card (instant trade-in value applied), it would only be store credit. Effectively converting the transaction to a full price item, increasing my monthly payment, and only left with a store credit for future purchases. They had no other options. So honestly I'm likely just going to return the whole unit, then at least Apple will have to bear the burden of having to refurbish the unit. The whole thing is silly when we all know these bands cost very little to make.