Resolved Display Lamination Issue - Series 3 LTE 42MM

[nokkynuk]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I purchased my Apple Watch Series 3 SG Series 3 w/LTE last week on the 12th (my birthday), and i have had no real issues with it. I upgraded from a Series 1 42 Gold. Last Friday i noticed there was a spot on my display that was very small, and only visible under light when the display was off on the top left section of the display. It looks like its under the glass and possibly between the Glass and Display. I brushed it off as possibly being the ambient light sensor.

Today i noticed it had grown larger. Its almost like a small bubble. Could this be the Glass separating from the OLED display? The picture i posted shows the spot vaguely (its very hard to capture). I also noticed horizontal lines that look like mountains under light, but i was unable to get a good shot of it. It looks like a display defect to me.

I scheduled an appointment to take the watch to the Apple Store Downtown on the 27th.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Newtons Apple]

No one can help except Apple.

They will likely just replace it.

 

[44267547]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I purchased my Apple Watch Series 3 SG Series 3 w/LTE last week on the 12th (my birthday), and i have had no real issues with it. I upgraded from a Series 1 42 Gold. Last Friday i noticed there was a spot on my display that was very small, and only visible under light when the display was off on the top left section of the display. It looks like its under the glass and possibly between the Glass and Display. I brushed it off as possibly being the ambient light sensor.

Today i noticed it had grown larger. Its almost like a small bubble. Could this be the Glass separating from the OLED display? The picture i posted shows the spot vaguely (its very hard to capture). I also noticed horizontal lines that look like mountains under light, but i was unable to get a good shot of it. It looks like a display defect to me.

I scheduled an appointment to take the watch to the Apple Store Downtown on the 27th.

Any help would be much appreciated.

View attachment 755301

It Almost looks like a dimple in the display. There wouldn’t be any sensors located in that specific area. Apple will likely just replace a new one for you being you’re under your return period, which appears that is a defect.

 

[nokkynuk]

No one can help except Apple.

They will likely just replace it.

It Almost looks like a dimple in the display. There wouldn’t be any sensors located in that specific area. Apple will likely just replace a new one for you being you’re under your return period, which appears that is a defect.

Thanks for your opinions. I'll let y'all know how it goes next Tuesday.

I'm OCD when it comes to display uniformity, so its been driving me insane.

 

[sclawis300]

I have had two and they both had that. Could only see it when driving and the sun was reflecting off the watch face. Can’t tell at all when looking at the watch in a normal fashion. Didn’t seem to cause any problems.

 

[44267547]

I have had two and they both had that. Could only see it when driving and the sun was reflecting off the watch face. Can’t tell at all when looking at the watch in a normal fashion. Didn’t seem to cause any problems.

Depending on your Apple Watch model, some exhibit under certain lighting conditions an ‘orange peel’ like texture, which is normal. But in this case, that one dimple in the picture could be a defect.

 

[nokkynuk]

Depending on your Apple Watch model, some exhibit under certain lighting conditions an ‘orange peel’ like texture, which is normal. But in this case, that one dimple in the picture could be a defect.

Went to my appointment last night. A tech and manager confirmed the problem. Since my last post, more spots started appearing on the display. They gave me a repair number and shipped it off. I will hear back in a few days.

 

[Hrti]

My newly bought space gray 42mm sport has the same spot in almost exactly the same location. Mostly visible in direct sunlight and only in certain angles. Please give an update when you hear back from Apple. Been debating what to do about it

 

[nokkynuk]

My newly bought space gray 42mm sport has the same spot in almost exactly the same location. Mostly visible in direct sunlight and only in certain angles. Please give an update when you hear back from Apple. Been debating what to do about it

I would recommend you keep an eye on the problem to determine the severity. If its a one off display defect or blemish, i don't think i would bring it in. If it gets worse like mine, i would definitely pursue a replacement.

I got a repair email update from my Apple Store saying everything is in process and that the 'Proposed Solution' from the manager was "Send to depot for replacement swap out device under warranty at no cost".

Simply put, if more appear, or the blemish gets larger (like mine), bring it in, but don't expect a replacement on the spot.

 

[44267547]

Went to my appointment last night. A tech and manager confirmed the problem. Since my last post, more spots started appearing on the display. They gave me a repair number and shipped it off. I will hear back in a few days.

Interesting. But being you purchased it with in a two week return period, they should have just allowed you to return for it a new one in store. Unless they want to verify it was not damage caused by you first before they make the approval for the exchange. Curious to know the outcome.

 

[nokkynuk]

Interesting. But being you purchased it with in a two week return period, they should have just allowed you to return for it a new one in store. Unless they want to verify it was not damage caused by you first before they make the approval for the exchange. Curious to know the outcome.

The work order said:

Cosmetic Condition: no cracks
no dents
No physical damage

They may pop it open to see if there is any water damage inside the housing. They will find none, but they need to do their due diligence as well.

I'm curious what they will say as well. I've never really had problems with repair orders. My iPad 2 back in 2011 had a display defect and was slightly ghosting. It was barely noticeable, but it was getting worse. They sent it off and sent me a new one a week later.

 

[44267547]

The work order said:

Cosmetic Condition: no cracks
no dents
No physical damage

They may pop it open to see if there is any water damage inside the housing. They will find none, but they need to do their due diligence as well.

I'm curious what they will say as well. I've never really had problems with repair orders. My iPad 2 back in 2011 had a display defect and was slightly ghosting. It was barely noticeable, but it was getting worse. They sent it off and sent me a new one a week later.

Agreed about the due diligence, but usually Apple will exchange right in store if you’re within your 14 day return period. That said, every Apple store operates somewhat differently as well. I’m sure they will issue a new watch.

 

[Hrti]

I would recommend you keep an eye on the problem to determine the severity. If its a one off display defect or blemish, i don't think i would bring it in. If it gets worse like mine, i would definitely pursue a replacement.

I got a repair email update from my Apple Store saying everything is in process and that the 'Proposed Solution' from the manager was "Send to depot for replacement swap out device under warranty at no cost".

Simply put, if more appear, or the blemish gets larger (like mine), bring it in, but don't expect a replacement on the spot.

Unfortunately I have a hard time not keeping an eye on these things Oh well, I'll just wait and see if or how it develops. What bothers me about it is that it's different from the regular and uniform orange peel. It's almost as if somthing is stuck and pushing from behind the OLED screen in that exact spot. We don't have Apple Stores here in Norway, so I'll have to ship it off either to the reseller or to Apple service through the online store. Just out of curiosity, you got the sport version as well? Mine is the regular 42mm SG Sport non-LTE, as the LTE versions are not for sale over here.

 

[nokkynuk]

Good News Everyone!

Apple confirmed the issue, and decided to replace the watch. It will be shipped soon.

If anyone has this issue, i would recommend bringing it to your local Apple Store.

Just out of curiosity, you got the sport version as well? .

I have the S3 Sport 42mm GPS + Cellular

 

[44267547]

Good News Everyone!

Apple confirmed the issue, and decided to replace the watch. It will be shipped soon.

If anyone has this issue, i would recommend bringing it to your local Apple Store.

Are they Replacing your Apple Watch with a new device or replacement/refurbished Apple Watch? I’m Assuming it’s a new Apple Watch, being that you are within your return.

 

[nokkynuk]

Are they Replacing your Apple Watch with a new device or replacement/refurbished Apple Watch?

I called my Apple Store, and they said it would be a new product, but with no bands/accessories. Warranty begins anew.

 

[sclawis300]

I called my Apple Store, and they said it would be a new product, but with no bands/accessories. Warranty begins anew.

I’m not saying they are lying, but how exactly can you confirm that it is a new watch if it doesn’t come in new packaging? That sounds like a refurb to me.

 

[nokkynuk]

After they emailed me about the replacement I called and followed up on the ticket. I owned the watch for two weeks and 1 day when it shipped out for repair. Support said it would be a new watch, no accessories and no band. Just the watch body.
[doublepost=1522455294][/doublepost]

I’m not saying they are lying, but how exactly can you confirm that it is a new watch if it doesn’t come in new packaging? That sounds like a refurb to me.

I'll let you know if the invoice attached to the watch says anything when it gets here. I'm expecting it in 20 minutes.

 

[sclawis300]

If I remember correctly from my paperwork it doesn’t say anything but I could be wrong.

 

[nokkynuk]

If I remember correctly from my paperwork it doesn’t say anything but I could be wrong.

Came in just now. No details about whether it's a refurbished unit or not. Looks immaculate. Not sure though. Apples never given me a reason to not trust them before.

Very happy with the service.

 

[44267547]

Came in just now. No details about whether it's a refurbished unit or not. Looks immaculate. Not sure though. Apples never given me a reason to not trust them before.

Very happy with the service.

It’s Not a new Apple Watch if It did not
Arrive wrapped in a box. If it arrived without a band or accessories, then it’s likely a refurbished Apple Watch. That said, Apple refurbished Apple watches are still almost ‘like new’ with a new battery, casing and display.

 

[nokkynuk]

It’s Not a new Apple Watch if It did not
Arrive wrapped in a box. If it arrived without a band or accessories, then it’s likely a refurbished Apple Watch. That said, Apple refurbished Apple watches are still almost ‘like new’ with a new battery, casing and display.

Thought I'd give an update. There was an invoice under the UPS label. The model number specified is MQK22LL/A. Note: when I opened the box the apple watch box was sealed. It wasn't loose or held down with a band.