14 DAY TRIAL // A recent report shows that Apple has quietly extended the coverage period of its service policy for first-generation Apple Watch devices to three years, offering free repairs if you the back cover has fallen off or the battery is inflated.
First spotted by MacRumors, the updated service policy appears to show a 3-year coverage period instead of a 2-year one for first-gen Apple Watch devices, after the original purchase date, of course, but only for Apple Watch devices whose back cover was separated from the watch case.
"Apple has determined that under certain conditions on some Apple Watch (1st generation) devices the back cover may separate from the watch case. Apple will service eligible devices free of charge. Apple will authorize coverage for three (3) years from the date of purchase," reads the updated service policy, which is not yet publicly available.
Owners of 1st generation Apple Watch devices will receive a free repair
This translates to Apple providing free repairs to owners of first-generation Apple Watch devices if the back cover separates from the watch's body, and the good news is that it applies even to those devices whose warranty, be it either an extended AppleCare coverage or a limited one-year warranty, has expired.
All first-generation Apple Watch models are eligible for this extended warranty, including Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch Hermès, and Apple Watch Edition. If you have such a problem with your 1st-gen Apple Watch, you should call the most appropriate Apple Store to schedule a Genius Bar appointment.
Alternatively, you can visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider or even call Apple Support to have your broken Apple Watch device shipped to an Apple Repair Center near you. However, please make sure you ask if it's free or not, because some people say they've been forced to pay for repairs.