Apple Leather Loops Bad quality? Will Apple replace it although I haven’t purchased it at Apple?

[NagasakiGG]

Hello

like one month ago I bought an Apple Leather Loop 42mm in black at an authorized Apple reseller. Sadly the band seems to kind of crack. An I just unlucky or is it normal with these bands? I never had anything besides Silicone from Apple. (I usually buy some China bands for a few bucks)

anyway, I can’t find any serial number on the band itself, though I got the package with serial number (sadly no reciept anymore). Will Apple exchange it although i haven’t purchased it at an Apple store?

 

[mikedis]

You can contact Apple about replacement bands, but I’m pretty sure you need a receipt. Apple will likely tell you to take it back where you bought it for a return/exchange.

I hadn’t had any issues with mine, but in all fairness, I only have one I bought second hand. Also, these bands aren’t really serialized, so there’s no proper serial number. You might be seeing a part number.

 

[jwlbel]

it never hurts to call apple and see what they say. you have nothing to lose. good luck

 

[YatBob]

I had a black leather loop just like the photo and it had the same crack just like the photo, I purchased my band from the Apple store, when I went to the same Apple store as I purchased from in an attempt to get a
replacement, it became the most challenging thing I have ever encountered, the genius told me that before he could replace my band I needed to unpair my watch from my phone as this was the only way he could initiate a claim, I refused and left, next tried Apple Customer Support and finally 2 months later I had a new band, but it took multiple telephone and follow up calls and my credit card was charged until I returned the defective band.
I have walked into an Apple store and returned a $3000.00 laptop, was given a refund without the Genius even checking if the laptop would turn on, opened the box saw there was a laptop and gave me credit, but a $100.00 watch band was a different story
Somewhere in this forum under the subject of leather loop watch bands I posted the start of my band exchange adventure

 

[misterbig]

Exact same thing happened to my Midnight Blue Leather Loop. I estimate I got less than 200 wears out of it before it started tearing at the same spots in OP’s pic. At first it tore at one spot, then eventually more and more tears occurred and the Loop completely disintegrated.

I took great care to limit the Leather Loop’s exposure to water to try to prolong its longevity, but it appears the problem is with its flimsy construction.

Considering the price, the quality is unacceptable and I will never buy another Leather Loop from Apple again. My other Apple bands are holding up well and the LL is the only one with issues.