Apple Watch repairs for Series 1 and older Watches to get replaced with Series 2

Apparently Apple is running low on parts for those early smartwatches
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If you've been having issues with your 42mm Apple Watch Series 1 or the original Apple Watch, it looks like Apple will soon be offering you a Series 2 smartwatch instead of repairing your Watch.

That's according to a leaked internal document that was sent out to Apple Authorized Service Providers. The document states that if a customer initiates a repair, Apple Authorized Service Providers have been permitted to offer a Series 2 as a substitute.

Essential reading: Apple Watch tips and tricks to master your smartwatch

That process will start happening from February. The document is being sent out to providers in the US and other countries, so it sounds like it will be a something rolled out into other Apple Watch-selling territories. It doesn't apparently mention whether this applies to all models of the Series 1 and the original Watch.

The reason for the Series 2 substitute is due to Apple running low on parts for the older watches, although there's no mention of the specific component that's has led to Apple taking this action. There's also no mention of Series 2, Series 3, Series 4 models being eligible for this Watch swap, so it looks like this very much applies to those older Watches.

Interestingly, a quick look across some online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy show that the Series 1 is currently unavailable to buy, which might be further evidence that whatever Apple needed to make those older Watches is in short supply.

With the Series 2 for Series 1 replacement set to start rolling out in February, we won't have to wait long to find out how owners of those faulty older Watches get on when they get in contact with Apple about getting them fixed.

Via: MacRumors



Apple Watch repairs for Series 1 and older Watches to get replaced with Series 2


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Michael Sawh

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Michael Sawh has been covering the wearable tech industry since the very first Fitbit landed back in 2011. Previously the resident wearable tech expert at Trusted Reviews, he also marshaled the features section of T3.com.

He also regularly contributed to T3 magazine when they needed someone to talk about fitness trackers, running watches, headphones, tablets, and phones.

Michael writes for GQ, Wired, Coach Mag, Metro, MSN, BBC Focus, Stuff, TechRadar and has made several appearances on the BBC Travel Show to talk all things tech. 

Michael is a lover of all things sports and fitness-tech related, clocking up over 15 marathons and has put in serious hours in the pool all in the name of testing every fitness wearable going. Expect to see him with a minimum of two wearables at any given time.


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