Apple has announced that certain models of the Apple Watch are prone to screen cracking. The company now offers a replacement program for affected users, which can be availed in authorized service providers should they find the device eligible for free replacements.
"Apple has determined that, under very rare circumstances, a crack may form along the rounded edge of the screen in aluminum models of an Apple Watch Series 2 or Series 3," Apple says on its website. "The crack may begin on one side and then may continue around the screen as shown in the images below."
The replacement program is only applicable to owners of aluminum Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 3, including the Nike+ models and cellular variants. Take note that Series 3 watches bought through September 2019 are eligible. Series 4 will not be covered, as well as the original Series 0 and Series 1. That could either mean Apple has fixed the problem in manufacturing or plans to discontinue the Series 3 this month - perhaps at next week's iPhone event.
There have been several complaints of cracked Apple Watch screens found on social media. Apple's acknowledgment of the flaw is interpreted as a sign that the issue is widespread. Earlier this year, a class action lawsuit in California, USA was thrown out alleging that Apple had not admitted to the faulty design.
For more details on eligible devices, you can check Apple's support document. In summary, these are the models that the company will repair completely free of charge: Watch Series 2 sold between September 2016 and September 2017, Watch Nike+ Series 2 sold from October 2016 to October 2017, Watch Series 3 GPS and GPS+Cellular sold from September 2017 to September 2019, and Watch Nike+ Series 3 GPS and GPS+Cellular sold between October 2017 and September 2019.
Users of cracked screen Apple Watches can mail Apple Support or proceed to any Apple Authorized Service Provider. Whichever method you choose, Apple will send your device to a Repair Center since the company has to verify if your watch is eligible for the replacement program.
Apple says that the new program covers eligible aluminum Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 3 models for three years after the first retail sale of the unit or one year from the start date of the program, whichever is longer. The company also made a note indicating it may restrict or limit repair to the original country or region of purchase.
