Select Apple Watch S2 Devices Will Receive Free Battery Replacements

If you’re the proud owner of an Apple Watch Series 2 — specifically, variants of the 42 mm size which either do not power on, or are exhibiting signs of a swollen battery compartment — then Apple’s got your back with a new (albeit unannounced) repair policy.

Customers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe (for the time being), may be eligible to receive a free repair of their Apple Watch Series 2 for up to three-years from the original date of purchase.

“Apple has determined that under certain conditions, some Apple Watch Series 2 devices may not power on or they may experience an expanded battery,” Apple wrote in an internal memo distributed to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers on Friday, a copy of which was obtained and verified by MacRumors.

“Apple will service eligible devices free of charge,” and “authorize coverage for eligible devices for three years after the original date of purchase.”

While the repair policy has not been announced publicly, MacRumors noted it was able to obtain and verify the internal documentation — numbered SN4534 in Apple’s internal GSX portal — courtesy of multiple sources. 

A swollen battery can reportedly prevent an Apple Watch from powering on, or, in extreme cases, even cause the wearable’s display to burst open. 

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible devices include any style or variety of Apple’s largest 42 mm-sized Watch Series 2 — including all Sport, Nike+, Hermés, and premium Apple Watch Edition models. 

Models determined to be affected by the end user will be required to undergo a “visual-mechanical inspection,” according to a companion document (OP1977) which was also obtained and verified by MacRumors.

Current warranty status of the affected Apple Watch Series 2 model is a non-issue, and Apple noted in its documentation that the program will be effective for up to three-years from the unit’s original purchase date. The inherent policy, however, does not apply to any other size or model other than the Apple Watch Series 2 with a 42 mm casing.

The program appears to mimic a similar Apple Watch repair program launched several years ago, under the terms of which Original Apple Watch models with “swollen or expanded batteries” were deemed eligible for a free repair within three-years of their original purchase date.

How to Obtain Service

Customers who’ve determined their Apple Watch may be eligible for this program can visit the official Contact Apple Support page via the company’s website. From there:

1. Select Apple Watch.
2. Select Battery, Power & Charging.
3. Select Bring in for Repair if you’d like to schedule an appointment with your local Apple Store’s Genius Bar or an Apple-authorized Service Provider in your area.

You also have the option to contact an Apple advisor by phone or online chat. However, both in-store and online-initiated repairs will take place at an off-site Apple Repair Center, according to the document.

Additionally, Apple Watch Series 2 owners who’ve paid for a battery replacement previously may be eligible for a refund and are encouraged to contact an Apple support advisor online or by phone.