hairline crack on their new Apple Watch 3 (Aluminum Case)

Hi

Some other users have certainly experienced issues with scratches, which result from contact of some kind.

It is possible that you have only scratched through the fingerprint-resistant, oil repellent coating. It is normal for this coating to wear away under normal use, but it may have become scratched without damaging the screen beneath.

Unless the issue is due to a manufacturing defect, cosmetic damage - including scratches - is not covered under either Apple's Limited Warranty or AppleCare+.

Apple does not offer a screen repair or replacement service for Apple Watch and Apple Watch is not user-serviceable. Your watch may instead be eligible for chargeable, out-of-warranty service.

You may wish to consider contacting Apple Support again (mail-in service may be available, if required), making a Genius Bar reservation or visiting an Apple Authorised Service Provider with a view to having your watch re-inspected and to establish any available service options, likely timescales and cost:

• US: Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support
• Elsewhere: Select your country for Apple Watch service and repair information

Note that, whether you have scratched the screen or not, note that Apple does not recommend using cleaning products or polishing or buffing the watch with abrasives; these will wear away the coating and may also (further) scratch the display.

Otherwise, a good quality screen protector (of the thin film type) may be effective in obscuring or reducing the visibility of the mark, as well as in providing some measure of protection against future damage.

I had mine (42mm on a sport loop) for about 3 days before I noticed a vertical hairline crack nearer to the crown. I had not dropped it and I can't recall ever slamming my hand on any surface hard enough to cause a crack in the short time I had the device. I'm awaiting the service centre's conclusions; I proposed to them that this perhaps is a manufacturing defect. The screen is scratch-free and the rest of the unit's body is as flawless as you'd expect of a 3 day old device. Having watched the many gut wrenching drop tests on youtube, I'm surprised I'm shipping off my 3 day old device after wearing it to the mall and driving around.

Hi.

I woke up this morning to find a hairline crack across the top of my screen. No impact or damage to the watch, and it was working fine before I went to bed. This morning, the screen was not responding to touch. It wasn't until I took it off to try and do a reset, and the light caught the screen, that I noticed the tiny line. If the screen is supposed to be toughened gorilla glass, then I think there must be some kind of manufacturing issue here. I don't think it's up to the job/of merchantable quality.

So far, Apple have said I need to pay around £200 for them to take a look at it.

I too have a hairline crack on my Apple Watch 3 which is less than 3 months old. The tech today said he thought it was a scratch but would send it in just to be sure. Really? Less than 3 months? I bought the sports watch as I was informed it was more shatter proof for gym and daily wear. Very upsetting and disappointing.

Had my apple series 3 watch for roughly 3 weeks , crack appeared at the side the crown is on

booked appointment at Genius Bar to be told it would cost £226 to repair or replace as it been damaged

I hasnt been dropped or banged total waste of money they even said it was in perfect condition with no marks apart from the crack

Yes, I have experienced a similar issue. I woke up one morning and noticed I had a crack running across my Applewatch 3. It’s disappointing because I haven’t dropped it. I’ve only had this watch for a few months after upgrading from the first Applewatch. I wonder if there’s a problem with the screens? I’m scared if I send it in for repairs it will cost me almost the price of a new one.

After being so thrilled with it, I’m wondering if it’s even worth getting another one if they are so fragile and break with normal everyday use?

I have had my Apple Watch 3 for a little over 3 months and like many of you, noticed a hairline crack going across the face (top to bottom, almost midline). I used my watch yesterday, all day and put it on the charger overnight. Went to use it this morning and the screen was unresponsive. I haven't hit the screen or dropped the watch in any manner which would cause a crack such as this. Luckily, I purchased Apple Care, so that if the techs feel that it was damage that I caused, I am only out $69. I called customer service and was told to take pictures to have them looked by tech specialist for them to view. There is absolutely no damage to the aluminum case or any other scratches or damage to the glass crystal. Now the wait for them to assess. Very frustrating to have a watch for such a short time to have to deal with this. I've been wearing watches for 45 years and NEVER have broken/cracked a watch crystal, so it's not that I'm not a careless watch wearer!

I too have had my watch a little over 3 months when my i watch had a crack show up out of no where! I am very careful with my things and had not dropped it or bumped it!! Very dissatisfying to know that this has happened to a lot of people! Seems to me this may be a defect in the screens!

Same here had watch3 for a few months and terrible. My first Apple Watch 1 still as good as the day I purchased it clearly the screen if different😡😡😡 guess this will be the last Apple product I’ll be buying.

Hi I am also going through same issue. I think company like Apple should design modular watch parts which shall be serviceable if needed. It seems Apple R&D has not paid enough attention to this aspect.

The repairing cost is very high and it’s better to go for buying new watch rather than repair older one.

The glass display is most vulnerable part and looking at trend Apple should start looking into this complaint trend seriously.

It is difficult or even impossible to design a discrete component device which has the same degree of miniaturization so it will fit into an acceptable body size. The only practical way with current technology is to build the electronics into a single module, if you look at photos of watches with a detached screen you will see all that is left in the case is a battery.

Mine cracked yesterday. Top to bottom, not dropped or banged. Poor quality & high price. Yet to call at Apple repair centre, but I think I’ll know their response. New to Apple products & not satisfied with them at all. Looks like a lot of people won’t be buying Apple in future.

Same here, only had Watch for a few months and hairline crack appeared. No banging or dropping. Apple immediLt claimed accidental damage and want $299 to repair, which is more than I can buy a new one on sale. Very disappointed in Apple. They used to have good customer service and stand behind products, guess that died with Steve Jobs.

Mines due back shortly, I will be taking it in person to Apple store. I will fight this as much as I can, but what chance do I have against Apple. These are my last Apple products. They’re too expensive for what they do, cheaply made, not really working well (iPhone X) & rubbish aftercare, claiming you’re a liar

I've had my Apple Watch 3 since January 2018. I've never dropped, or even handled it roughly. I just noticed a crack running horizontally through the middle of the watch yesterday. I was having a problem entering the passcode- numbers would not enter correctly and, when inspecting the watch, saw the hairline crack.