In a new report, we learn that outdated Apple Watches will no longer get repairs or be eligible for exchange deals. This change is coming in light of the tussle between Apple and Masimo which led to the ousting of the Watch 9 and Ultra 2 from official retail stores. Now, the latest watches to feel the effect of these patent infringement cases are Apple Watches that are no longer on warranty.
If you aren’t already aware, all Apple Watches have a one-year repair warranty from the time of purchase. These warranties are accessible to those who purchase watches from Apple’s authorized retailers. So from the new report, if you have owned your Apple Watch for more than a year, you will no longer be viable for repairs or any exchange program from Apple.
This change affects from the Apple Watch entries launched last year to the Series 6 that made its debut years ago. The Apple service customer care team will no longer attend to the physical cases (damages) on these watches. Yes, if you have physical damage to your one-year-old Apple Watch, you won’t get after-sale service from Apple stores around you.
However, if you are facing a software-related issue, you will be able to get service from Apple to help fix your issue. If this new change bothers you and your Apple Watch isn’t a year old, yet, you can purchase the AppleCare service package. This will extend your warranty, giving you some more time to receive physical repairs on your iPhone even after the one-year warranty elapses.
At the moment, this decision by Apple due to the already existing case with Masimo can see some changes. President Joe Biden can either stand with the ITC’s decision on this case or take Apple’s side. If the latter is the case, then the ban on the Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2 and the restriction on attending to older Apple Watches will both be lifted.