Exploding apple watch - and dreadful customer service - beware

Question

Level 1

11 points

Exploding apple watch - and dreadful customer service - beware

So, my apple watch series 2 overheated and then exploded whilst on its charger yesterday.

The glass screen has shattered and been pushed out by a swollen battery.

Contacted Apple, and after determining that no-one had been injured or property destroyed other than the watch, Apple has totally ceased to care one bit.

I have now been told by Apple Geniuses hat Apple watches have an expected lifespan of between 12 - 24 months before the battery dies. Wasn't told this on purchase! Once an apple watch battery dies, Apple have advised in phone calls that it is 'designed' to puff up or expand rather than catch fire. This is, I am told, totally normal.

So, I've got a busted watch... what can I do?

Well, having phoned, on-line chatted, and visited the store, this is what I've been told...

Apple have a 3 year extended warranty for series 2 watches that are 42mm, due to a known issue of exploding batteries.

Mine is 38mm, and is not covered, despite clearly having a manufacturing defect.

I can sent it for repair, and that will cost me £216.44 as the expanded battery has broken the rest of the watch... Apple refuse to replace this watch, despite it having a manufacturing defect as they say 2.5 years is well over the expected lifespan... For a £350 watch...

2.5 years for a £350 watch, before it explodes is clearly not the service or quality that anyone should expect, never mind from Apple...

Posted on May 7, 2019 12:35 PM

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Answer 1

rcosta887

Level 4

3,604 points

May 7, 2019 1:37 PM in response to really_upset

Since you're in the UK you can contact Apple on the phones (only) and ask specifically about the coverage and process under UK Consumer Law if you were the original/retail purchaser and have proof of that.

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Answer 2

May 7, 2019 1:53 PM in response to really_upset

really_upset wrote:

I have now been told by Apple Geniuses hat Apple watches have an expected lifespan of between 12 - 24 months before the battery dies. Wasn't told this on purchase! Once an apple watch battery dies, Apple have advised in phone calls that it is 'designed' to puff up or expand rather than catch fire. This is, I am told, totally normal.

All lithium ion batteries, not just Apple Watch batteries can expand when they reach the end of their useful life. As this happens very slowly (over weeks and months), I'd hardly characterize it as an "explosion". Certainly it's better than having your watch catch fire.

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Answer 3

deggie

Level 10

167,559 points

May 7, 2019 3:23 PM in response to really_upset

There is not advertised lifespan. Nor is there on any other small electronics. It has a one year warranty, you can purchase AppleCare + and extend it to two years. You should really ask this question for any device you buy, get them to give you a firm lifespan before you buy. This will save you a lot of money.

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