Apple Launches Watch Screen Replacement Program

Apple announced Friday that it will replace the displays on aluminum models of the Apple Watch Series 2 and 3 for free.
“Apple has determined that, under very rare circumstances, a crack may form along the rounded edge of the screen in aluminum models of an Apple Watch Series 2 or Series 3,” the Apple Support website announced. “The crack may begin on one side and then may continue around the screen. Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will replace the screen on eligible Apple Watch units that exhibit this type of crack, free of charge.”
Reading between the lines there, it’s pretty obvious that this time of damage is, in fact, not particularly rare and that Apple is offering this screen replacement program because the alternative—a class action lawsuit—would be more expensive. Regardless, this is good news for anyone suffering from this problem, now or in the future.
Impacted Apple Watch models include Apple Watch Series 2, Nike + Series 2, Series 3 (GPS), Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), Nike + Series 3 (GPS), and Nike + Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) that were sold between September 2016 and September 2019. No other Apple Watch models are part of this program.
This program is available worldwide. Apple notes that the repair will not extend your standard warranty coverage.
If you are experiencing this issue, Apple says that you should find an Apple Authorized Service Provider, make an appointment at an Apple retail store, or contact Apple Support to arrange mail-in service. In each case, repairs will be made at an Apple Repair Center and your Apple Watch will be returned to you in about 5 business days.