Torn Apple Watch solo loop band

[nchiu]

Mine broke after 9 months of regular use (off/on once a day to charge), and AppleCare refused to care.
I get that it’s a physical part that will get daily wear and tear, but Apple sport bands I’ve had in the past at least offer a couple years of use before the glue holding the metal nub gives out (which I think is reasonable), but the solo loop breaking in less than a year and AppleCare not covering it is disappointing/wrong.
When I went to replace it, I thought $50 for another Apple brand solo loop that will give me 9 months of use, or a solo loop knock off from a big box retail site (albeit cheaper quality, less perfect fit) at $15 for a 2 pack? At that rate, as long as each of these bands lasts at least a month and a half, they will have out performed Apple's solo loop.
Also convenient how Apple sells them exclusively and doesn't let customers leave reviews for products (and how they remove negative Yelp reviews)...

Some Apple Watch Solo Loop users complain of tearing, breaks | AppleInsider

With "Apple Watch Series 7" expected to launch in the coming weeks, owners of current generation Watches who use Apple's Solo Loop are reporting issues with the liquid silicone accessory.

appleinsider.com

 

[BugeyeSTI]

There have been other threads on this forum with the same issue. I would try to go to an Apple store in person and see if you can find a sympathetic employee that will exchange it.

 

[KarimLeVallois]

God, looks like an ex has hacked at it with a pair of scissors!

 

[rui no onna]

The band breaking isn't what I'd consider normal wear and tear.

Stretching, color fade, sure. Something like the above? Nope. Apple should replace that since it should still be covered under 1 year warranty.

 

[Bandream]

That's definitely a defect, not a problem in design. Notice where it tore, it was right by the connecting metal where the silicone is thinnest. I don't think the silicone used in the batch that made your band was mixed right.

For what it's worth, I've had to get 2 bands replaced by Apple. One was just for little dots of dust i could see in the fluoroelastomer. They replaced both with no questions asked.

Try contacting them again.