Series 4 Defects Thread

[44267547]

I'm content with my choice to stick with a Series 3.. I will believe it when I see it. Generally you're correct, those who have a negative experience are the ones speaking up. But until I see a display that is consistent posted, what is more anecdotal?

Your post does bring up one good point, if anything, if this really is a ‘problem’, which it may or may not be, I would think that if one member would contact Apple who is experiencing this problem, request to speak to someone in quality control, and send pictures to Apple of the display concerns, Apple at minimum would want to at least capture the defective Series 4 for investigative purposes, which they would issue a replacement watch if Apple determines that in is fact it is a defect.

I don’t disagree that it’s distracting once you notice this un-uniform display, but how many ‘Average non-tech users’ would go to the point of where they actually feel it’s necessary to conduct these tests to observe the display disparity on a daily basis that never perceives to be a problem? Those are two different things.

 

[techno-Zen]

I guess you missed the multiple threads of people looking at grey backgrounds on their iPhone X last year then?

Panel uniformity has been an issue on OLED displays since their inception, plenty of people posting banding issues on their OLED TV’s on TV forums.

LCD TV’s have backlight bleed and clouding, OLED’s have uniformity issues, you choose what issues you’re willing to put up with.

You stick to your series 3 if it makes you happy, I’ll continue to enjoy my series 4.

Fair enough.

I did a test on my XS Max. No issues.. So they fixed a X issue with the next year release.. Just how I assume they will resolve this with a Series 5.


[doublepost=1539198427][/doublepost]

Your post does bring up one good point, if anything, if this really is a ‘problem’, which it may or may not be, I would think that if one member would contact Apple who is experiencing this problem, request to speak to someone in quality control, and send pictures to Apple of the display concerns, Apple at minimum would want to at least capture the defective Series 4 for investigative purposes, which they would issue a replacement watch if Apple determines that in is fact it is a defect.

I don’t disagree that it’s distracting once you notice this un-uniform display, but how many ‘Average non-tech users’ would go to the point of where they actually feel it’s necessary to conduct these tests to observe the display disparity on a daily basis that never perceives to be a problem? Those are two different things.

That's true and I'll be honest. I would have never noticed this problem if not for this damn forum

 

[newellj]

That's really not the point.. and yeah. I use the Siri gray color face constantly and see one side of the screen noticeable darker. That's a problem.

The argument isn't "Deal with it, no big deal" it's is it a defect or not?

It is 100% a display quality issue

What face and/or settings specifically are showing this issue for you?

 

[Lennyvalentin]

I would have never noticed this problem if not for this damn forum

So if you wouldn't have noticed it without someone pointing it out to you, is it really a problem?

 

[techno-Zen]

What face and/or settings specifically are showing this issue for you?

Gray siri face or the New York time lapse. Or Settings as the list view

 

[newellj]

Gray siri face or the New York time lapse. Or Settings as the list view

I'll check those out. I did some experiments last night with several different watch faces and apps and couldn't see any bleed in a totally dark room.

I do think that if there were an illumination issue that could literally only be seen in a totally dark room, however much it bothered some perfectionist part of my head, in real life it just wouldn't be an issue.

 

[bruinsrme]

4 to 7 returns seems unreasonable. Next time snap a pic of each issue before returning so others can evaluate your desired perfection level.

I have sold hundreds of watches and I swear people here seemingly have the worst Luck of the draw

 

[KarimLeVallois]

I have sold hundreds of watches and I swear people here seemingly have the worst Luck of the draw

They're just more aware and more vocal, that's all.

 

[bruinsrme]

They're just more aware and more vocal, that's all.

Fair enough.
I love the customer that brought a box in to demonstrate the light bleed on his iPad.

 

[zztops]

I see your point, but out of the 5 watches I had a look at and tested with the dark gray image. they all had the issue, 100% and not in the same way, it was a varied result. It is a quality problem. And no offense but for those with "perfect" screens who can't be bothered to post a pic with the test image are a little hard to believe.

Post a pic please. I really want to see one that doesn't have the issue

And yeah, does it REALLY affect day to day general use? Probably not. But it's noticeable on ANY UI element that is gray. It's not a struggle to see it in low light conditions

Look at this

Not the best pic but here’s mine

 

[techno-Zen]

View attachment 794067
Not the best pic but here’s mine

I am MAD JELLY

That is how all of our watches really should look like

Thanks for posting! Now I may want to keep my S4 and just pull a warranty claim in a few months once more of these issues are reported to apple. It's not a game breaking defect but still a quality issue

 

[newellj]

I am MAD JELLY

That is how all of our watches really should look like

Thanks for posting! Now I may want to keep my S4 and just pull a warranty claim in a few months once more of these issues are reported to apple. It's not a game breaking defect but still a quality issue

I haven't tried your suggestions yet, but when I spent some time last night in the dark, that pic illustrates what I saw - it was even all the way across. I'll try again tonight but I think I'll get the same results.

If I don't, though, I still am not sure it'd be a deal-breaker for me. If it looks good with the watch faces and apps I usually use, in the conditions I usually use it in, it may not be perfect but it's probably good enough.

Thinking...a certified Swiss chronometer is only accurate to -4/+6 seconds a day. By the standards of quartz watches, and even more, the standards of microcomputers like the AW, that sucks. Maybe the display evenness thing is more a question about our expectations than the quality or utility of the Watch? Just thinking out loud...

 

[zztops]

I am MAD JELLY

That is how all of our watches really should look like

Thanks for posting! Now I may want to keep my S4 and just pull a warranty claim in a few months once more of these issues are reported to apple. It's not a game breaking defect but still a quality issue

Glad I could help. In mass produced product purchases, I've learned that nothing will be perfect. Items might be great in one area, but off in the other. You just got to decide if the benefits of your product outweigh the issues. Take this same watch for example... the crown has a slight spacing between it and the body of the watch... like mm difference from the Nike edition I upgraded from which was flush. But that gap now gives me awesome response for some reason when i depress the crown. Everything else is aligned perfectly and I couldnt ask for a better screen. So im living with it.

Good luck on your search. I can share first 2 characters of my serial # if that makes any difference.

 

[Dru_555]

Hey what’s going on with Apple’s manufacturing quality lately? I just got a series 4 (aluminum, 40 mm) and a XS Max and, on both, I’ve noticed some defects which, any one of, I would have considered a fluke. Considering there are three defects between my two new devices, and that two of the three are the same problem, I’m concerned.

First, the edges all around my XS Max are sharp and gritty feeling. Keeps catching my skin and I understand that this is likely just a matter of imperfect fitment of the glass but I’m concerned that this will not just feel super annoying but, even hidden under a case, may reduce the advertised level of water resistance.

Second, and this is the problem both devices have in common, I’ve noticed warped spots on the screen, under the first layer. On the top layer, everything looks fine. The display works and looks entirely fine in those spots, but this warping is clearly visible when observed from certain angles. I’m worried that these issues, while seemingly benign right now, may spell trouble when it comes to my devices holding up against the wear and tear they’re supposed to be designed to handle.

I have an appointment coming up to see if they can swap them out while I’m within the 14 days but I’m worried I’ll just end up with the same thing, if the issues are prevalent among currently available models.

 

[44267547]

I have sold hundreds of watches and I swear people here seemingly have the worst Luck of the draw

It’s not bad luck, what you have there are some who are _very_ specific about their tech devices when it comes to Apple, and that usually only applies to something on a tech forum. The majority of ‘everyday’ consumers do not inspect their Apple Watch on every facet an angle to make sure it’s perfect, they just simply use and enjoy it. On here, (And no offense to anyone), but you have those who are completely obsessed with finding something wrong rather than actually enjoying the watch.

I always appreciate threads like this, because it does share insights of others concerns with what they have discovered with the Apple Watch, but for some members, it’s not always a good thing that they read threads like this, because it literally causes anxiety for some.

For me, I just want to use the watch for what it is and if something does happen where a defect is observed or later found, I’m confident a warranty will take care of the issue and Apple stands behind their products.

 

[CrownSeven]

View attachment 793333

Would you be ok with this?

Depends. Does it really look like that or just in photos. I bet its barely perceptible to the naked eye.

 

[bruinsrme]

It’s not bad luck, what you have there are some who are _very_ specific about their tech devices when it comes to Apple, and that usually only applies to something on a tech forum. The majority of ‘everyday’ consumers do not inspect their Apple Watch on every facet an angle to make sure it’s perfect, they just simply use and enjoy it. On here, (And no offense to anyone), but you have those who are completely obsessed with finding something wrong rather than actually enjoying the watch.

I always appreciate threads like this, because it does share insights of others concerns with what they have discovered with the Apple Watch, but for some members, it’s not always a good thing that they read threads like this, because it literally causes anxiety for some.

For me, I just want to use the watch for what it is and if something does happen where a defect is observed or later found, I’m confident a warranty will take care of the issue and Apple stands behind their products.

I can relate to looking for defects. I am/was an audio/videophile.
I’ve had some nice equipment in the past.
Never enjoyed it. Always tweaking and never happy.
One day I sold it all for pennies on the dollar and bought a nice tv and a Bose sound bar and sub. Never been happier.

 

[tromboneaholic]

I can relate to looking for defects. I am/was an audio/videophile.
I’ve had some nice equipment in the past.
Never enjoyed it. Always tweaking and never happy.
One day I sold it all for pennies on the dollar and bought a nice tv and a Bose sound bar and sub. Never been happier.

I worked with an audiophile who invited me over to show me how great his setup was. The problem was he would only play music that was recorded with certain equipment that would highlight his setup. In the end, the music he was playing wasn't meaningful or significant – just well recorded and reproduced.

 

[stickman74]

I put my series 4 on the charger last night (it's the first time I've ever left it on charger overnight - watch is a week old). Woke up this morning and went to work. The first time i swiped the screen for the day i noticed a hairline crack in the face. I did some checking online and found that a lot of people are having the same or similar problems with other series as well. There were more than a few posts where people charged it overnight and woke up to a crack. Apple repair center said physical damage and quoted a high repair bill to each person without fail. I have yet to see one person say that Apple acknowledged this is an issue.

I read somewhere that a guy in Colorado was opening a class action law suit against Apple.

I am going to take it to an Apple store and follow procedures for repair, but I'm expecting the same reply from them.

Anyone else dealing with this?

 

[MrGimper]

I put my series 4 on the charger last night (it's the first time I've ever left it on charger overnight - watch is a week old). Woke up this morning and went to work. The first time i swiped the screen for the day i noticed a hairline crack in the face. I did some checking online and found that a lot of people are having the same or similar problems with other series as well. There were more than a few posts where people charged it overnight and woke up to a crack. Apple repair center said physical damage and quoted a high repair bill to each person without fail. I have yet to see one person say that Apple acknowledged this is an issue.

I read somewhere that a guy in Colorado was opening a class action law suit against Apple.

I am going to take it to an Apple store and follow procedures for repair, but I'm expecting the same reply from them.

Anyone else dealing with this?

I can't speak from personal experience, but from what I've read regarding cracks on other apple devices, they look for some kind of impact origin point to see if it's been dropped/had something dropped on it/smacked into something. If it's a crack that "just happened", there would be no origin spot.

 

[stickman74]

Hard to get a good photo of it, but visually there aren't any bumps or marks from a drop that I can see. I've cracked things before from a drop or bump and the way it cracks is different, but I'm not an Apple repair tech. They may have a different way of telling.

I'm always second guessing myself too, but I just don't remember anything happening from my bathroom to my work. I live 5 minutes away and all i did is put my watch on, walk out the door, and drive to work.