Apple Watch Series 7 stopped working after pool use — water resistance question

texar777 wrote:

My question is: how is a customer supposed to know when an Apple Watch is no longer safe to use in water? Is there any way to test or check water resistance before swimming, or any practical guidance for watches that are a few years old?

There really isn't a way to determine this, unfortunately.

"Normal" watches can be pressure tested. Quartz watches should be pressure tested when the battery is changed and mechanical watches should be pressure tested every few years when they go in for routine cleaning and service. Of course, this rarely happens with any watch worth less than $1000 or so. I honestly doubt the majority of high water resistance dive watches ever actually come in contact with water other than rain, the shower, or hand washing.

texar777 wrote:

That is exactly the part I find confusing as a customer. If there is no practical way to determine whether the water resistance is still reliable, then it is hard to understand how customers are supposed to make a safe decision before using the watch in a pool.

I agree that it can be confusing, or maybe vague. What I take away is that these watches are expensive, delicate sensors that have some resistance to but are still vulnerable to water. So for me, I avoid any exposure to water. When I take a shower I charge my watch (Series 11) for those ten minutes, and that is enough charging for the entire day. I don't swim or otherwise submerge my watch at all. I have inexpensive traditional digital sports watches that are waterproof that I use for swimming in order to see what time it is or to time an exercise swim.

For a customer, there does not seem to be a clear warning, test, service option, or time period after which we should stop using it in water.

So practically speaking, is the safest advice that older Apple Watches should not be used for swimming anymore, even if they were originally sold as suitable for pool use?

Given the expense of the Apple watch, I think what you say makes sense. As I said above, I have always used an inexpensive waterproof watch ($50) for seeing the time and for timing swim workouts. And I never use an Apple watch for swimming activities.

I think that the lesson for anyone viewing this topic at a later date is to keep in mind that the older an Apple Watch is, the more likely it is that something during the life of the watch has weakened the water-resistant seals, and it's not a good idea to suddenly decide to go swimming with it.

Apple reports that these events (among perhaps others) can weaken the seals:

• Dropping Apple Watch or subjecting it to other impacts
• Exposing Apple Watch to soap or soapy water (for example, while showering or bathing)
• Exposing Apple Watch to perfume, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect repellent, lotions, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye
• Wearing Apple Watch in a steam room

pogit wrote:

Me too thankfully here in the UK we’re covered by The Consumer Rights Act which states things must be fit for purpose. Not only does the Apple Watch state it’s for pool use it also has a specific water eject feature. So there no denying it’s not fit for purpose and there no recommended schedule of parts such as a water tight seal.

So I’m here in Meadowhall today to enact my rights.

Good luck wth that. UK or wherever.

Apple says

"Your Apple Watch is water resistant, but not waterproof. For example, you can wear and use your Apple Watch during activities such as exercise (exposure to sweat is OK), walking in rain, and washing your hands."

"Water resistance isn't a permanent condition and can diminish over time. Apple Watch can't be rechecked or resealed for water resistance."

Reading those words, it sounds like Apple is informing you that "water resistance" does not mean "waterproof" and that it can go away over time. So the device may indeed be "fit for purpose" but it still may experience water damage if used for a while. And it is NOT waterproof. All this is stated in writing in Apple's online guidance.

I am sure that Apple has excellent UK lawyers who have helped them with the wording needed to "enact" Apple's rights in the UK.

Go ahead and enact your rights. Take your watch to a retail store Genius Bar and demand your CRA rights.

When the watch left the point of purchase, it was fit for purpose. However, no one here has all the details about your particular watch; how old it is, what you've done to it, what you've subjected it to, etc. So your bold posturing is meaningless to anyone here.

BTW, the water lock feature has nothing to do with the watch's interior or water resistance. It deactivates the watch's display to prevent unintended taps. When deactivated, it expels water from the external speaker.

This is one of the reasons I carry AppleCare+ on my watch.

I've never had an issue with the water resistance on any of my Apple Watches.

Me too thankfully here in the UK we’re covered by The Consumer Rights Act which states things must be fit for purpose. Not only does the Apple Watch state it’s for pool use it also has a specific water eject feature. So there no denying it’s not fit for purpose and there no recommended schedule of parts such as a water tight seal.

So I’m here in Meadowhall today to enact my rights.

Hi, it’s also worth noting that all three Ultra models can be tested. Apple offers the Depth and Water Seal Test for every Apple Watch Ultra model. It checks whether the watch’s depth gauge and water seals are functioning properly at the time of testing.

You can request it through Apple if the watch has no visible cracks or damage. Apple says turnaround is typically about 7 to 10 business days after you send it in. This is particularly worthwhile after an impact, repair, or if you suspect water resistance has been compromised by environmental factors.

Get a Depth and Water Seal Test for your Apple Watch Ultra - Apple Support