Own Apple Watch 2 That Needs Repair? You Might Get Series 3 For Free

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Apple Watch is growing into a very useful tech gadget, but understandably, the latest versions have more features than the older ones. Now, Apple is reportedly giving a chance to owners of the older Apple Watch (Series 2) to replace it with the Series 3 watch.

Apple Watch 2 replacement – not for all

As can be expected, not all Apple Watch 2 models qualify for the replacement. As per the internal document (obtained by MacRumors), only the Apple Watch Series 2 models brought in for repair would qualify for replacement with the Series 3 models.

Moreover, the document notes that the Apple Watch 2 replacement policy only applies to the 38mm model due to an unspecified component shortage. There are no details if the color or casing variants affect the replacement requirements.

A point to note is that it is not a trade-in program, where every Apple Watch Series 2 owner can replace their device. Rather, the Apple Watch 2 replacement is limited to a specific model. The document, which was obtained by MacRumors, was shared with Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers.

Additionally, the document also instructs staff that the Apple Watch Series 3 is compatible with the iPhone that supports watchOS 4 or later. Therefore, the document asks the staff to let the iPhone 5 or iPhone 5c owners know that they will have to update to a newer model to use the replaced Series 3 watch.

In case the user decides not to go for the Apple Watch 2 replacement, they need to contact Apple support to get a refund for their device.

What you can do?

As of now, it is not known if all the Apple Stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers will have the ability to replace the Series 2 with the Series 3. Also, there is no information from when the replacement policy will be effective or how long will it last. The internal document, however, does say that this replacement policy will be in place “until further notice.”

So, if you own an Apple Watch Series 2, and believe that it needs repaired, you should visit a nearby Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You might get an upgrade for free. To initiate the repair process, visit the Get Support page on Apple’s website and get an appointment with an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Store.

Similar replacement programs

This is not the first time Apple has offered a newer watch model to those bringing in an older model for repair. In 2017, Apple replaced the original Apple Watch with the Series 1 due to a component supply shortage issue.

At the time, Apple made the announcement revealing the replacement thing. “In some countries, Apple Watch Aluminum (1st generation) parts (in all colors) may be substituted with Apple Watch Aluminum (Series 1) parts. The parts substitution should now be working properly in MobileGenius and Repair Central,” read the announcement.

At the time, the parts replacement was limited to aluminum Apple Watch models in Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray and Gold.

Apple initiated a similar program earlier this year as well. In its internal document (obtained by MacRumors), the company talked about the shortage of parts for the 42mm Series 1 and Series 0 watches.

Further, the document said that if an owner comes in for repair for any of these two Apple Watch models, then they may be provided a 42mm Apple Watch Series 2 as a replacement.  This replacement was valid from February through April, the document said.

Making Apple Watch more independent

In separate news, Apple is reportedly working to make future Apple Watch models more independent. According to a Bloomberg report, the company is planning some tweaks to lower Apple Watch’s dependence on the iPhone. Further, the report says that these tweaks would be announced at the WWDC, which is scheduled to start from June 3.

To make the watch more independent, Apple will be boosting the watch’s stock apps, and would add a watchOS version of the App Store on the Apple Watch itself. This would mean that users won’t have to look for iPhones to add third-party capabilities to the Apple Watch.

Further, the report notes that the watchOS will also gain some iOS stock apps, such as the Calculator app, Voice Memos, Apple Books, as well as the capability to send Animoji/Memoji. Moreover, two new health apps could also be coming – Dose (to keep track of taking pills) and Cycles (to track menstrual cycles).

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