Apple Watch Bands Interchangeable?

Hi

Apple does not offer the option to mix and match cases and bands or to exchange or trade in included bands, whether in store or online.

When initially buying Apple Watch, it is only available in certain preconfigured combinations of band and case. All models that are currently available to buy (in the US, for example) are detailed here:

• Buy Apple Watch Series 3 - Apple
• Buy Apple Watch Series 1 - Apple

Certain bands are available to buy as a separate accessory. All Apple Watch bands are compatible with all Apple Watch models of the same case size (38mm / 42mm):

Buy Apple Watch Bands - Apple

If an included band is surplus to the recipient's requirements, then they may wish to consider selling it.

More information:

Change your Apple Watch band - Apple Support

Remove, change, and fasten bands

In spite of the assertion that "...Apple does not offer the option to mix and match ... bands..." the truth is that yes, you can upgrade to a nicer band, you can change to different style bands (sport, dress, everyday) and the bands are readily available here: Buy Apple Watch Bands - Apple

It is correct that you must buy the correct sized band to fit your Watch, much like you'd already know to buy the correct type fuel for your car or the correct type filling for your pie. We tend to not point out the obvious.

Keep in mind that, depending on your country and the timing of your purchase, the recipient may be able to return the entire product (Apple Watch and band) and instead buy a different preconfigured combination of Apple Watch and band.

In the US, for example, if the Apple Watch is purchased from Apple, then Apple's Standard Return Policy allows for it to be returned within 14 days.

In the context of buying the watch as a Christmas gift, note that an extended return period may come into effect in the run up to Christmas.

For example, last year, for purchases made between 10 November and 25 December 2016, Apple's Holiday Return Policy allowed for returns until 8 January 2017.

Apple's return policy and requirements in the US, for example - including for Gift Returns - is detailed here:

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple

As advised in my previous reply, the recipient can certainly buy additional bands.

However, as also advised in my previous reply, they cannot return the included Apple Watch band in order to:

• Either change it - for example, for the same band in a different colour.
• Or to upgrade it - paying extra for a different model of band.

Stuart423 wrote:

.. We tend to not point out the obvious.

@Stuart423: I will continue to provide whatever information I feel may be helpful for users who have asked questions here (and I certainly do not need your permission to do so).

Based on my considerable experience of answering questions here about Apple Watch, information that may be considered obvious by any given user is not necessarily obvious to another.

I think we are not interpreting the OP's question the same way. I see it as "can the gift recipient remove one band and install another at their whim?" (certainly) and I believe on reading your response more closely that you see it as "can the recipient remove their band and trade it in to Apple for a band of a different size?" (and then, of course, you are correct.)

I see that you have considerable experience, and as a newbie fresh out of the woods, I don't want to step on your toes. Mea culpa.

Yes.

Here's how to change the band: Change your Apple Watch band - Apple Support

Here's where to get more bands: Buy Apple Watch Bands - Apple