New Apple Watch Series 6 owners felt frustrated at having to return the entire device they bought just because of loose bands.
The new Apple Watch Series 6 devices became an instant hit upon its introduction on September 15 on Apple's "Time Flies" event due to its many features, which include its blood oxygen monitor. The new smartwatch also came with attractive bands with a stretch design that allows you to pull them over your hand and onto the wrist. The problem is that some of those who got their watches found the bands too loose for their wrists and to make matters worse, they need to return the entire device, watches, bands, and all, so Apple can replace them.
During the "Time Flies" event, Apple introduced two new band choices for the Apple Watch Series 6. These are the Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop. The absence of buckles, clasps, or any other type of fasteners made them unique. Instead, the bands rely on their compression strength when worn. To ensure a snug fit, Apple offers the bands in nine different sizes, and also provided online tools and measurement comparisons that customers can use to help determine which band size to order. It turned out that the sizing is not always accurate, hence the need for customers to return the ill-fitting bands.
To add to the hassle, customers who selected a Solo Loop or a Braided Solo Loop with their Apple Watch Series 6 or SE with ill-fitting bands found they cannot return just the band for a new size. They need to return entire devices, Apple Watch Series 6, bands, and all, as they are considered as one set.
At least the Apple support person agrees with me. pic.twitter.com/WRn8NtDmue — Eli Hodapp (@hodapp) September 21, 2020
Compounding the problem is the limited supply of the new Apple Watch Series 6 models and their new bands. This means that those customers who complain of ill-fitting bands, aside from returning entire devices, also need to wait from October to late November to receive their new Apple Watch Series 6 replacements. Their waiting period would also depend on the model they chose, which could also mean longer waits.
Some customers are already ranting on Twitter about the return policy of Apple for their Apple Watch Series 6 with ill-fitting bands. There are also long discussions on the MacRumors forums regarding the return of the new devices with the loose Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands. According to Apple's online support staff, customers have no other alternative but to return entire devices so they can replace ill-fitting bands on the new Apple Watch Series 6 or SE.
