Apple Watch Sport owners report unexpected rear logo damage, other text scratching off
Some Apple Watch owners are experiencing problems with the Apple logo disappearing off the back of their devices, and/or scratching around the surrounding text, according to complaints posted online.
Via Apple Support Communites user dougie70w
Issues have been ongoing for at least a few months, various posts on Reddit show. In most examples, only the logo has been affected. A Wednesday post on Apple's support forums, though, suggested similar trouble with the rest of the text as well.
One person who spoke with Apple support, contacted by AppleInsider, said they were given a call back by someone at the company, and promised a free replacement Watch so that engineers could study the problem. The Apple representative asked about local climate, activity levels, and whether the device was immersed in water, but suggested that other people have reported the problem, and only with the space gray Sport.
Many if not all of the damaged units appear to be space gray Sport models, implying that the problem is with the way text is printed on those devices. Stainless steel Watches have their text engraved instead of printed.
Via Reddit user eternitydia
Apple marketing has placed a strong emphasis on the luxury and craftsmanship of the Watch, which has led to more attention to potential defects. The Sport is Apple's cheapest model, but still starts at $349 and uses things like tougher 7000-Series aluminum and reinforced "Ion-X" glass.
Via Apple Support Communites user dougie70w
Issues have been ongoing for at least a few months, various posts on Reddit show. In most examples, only the logo has been affected. A Wednesday post on Apple's support forums, though, suggested similar trouble with the rest of the text as well.
One person who spoke with Apple support, contacted by AppleInsider, said they were given a call back by someone at the company, and promised a free replacement Watch so that engineers could study the problem. The Apple representative asked about local climate, activity levels, and whether the device was immersed in water, but suggested that other people have reported the problem, and only with the space gray Sport.
Many if not all of the damaged units appear to be space gray Sport models, implying that the problem is with the way text is printed on those devices. Stainless steel Watches have their text engraved instead of printed.
Via Reddit user eternitydia
Apple marketing has placed a strong emphasis on the luxury and craftsmanship of the Watch, which has led to more attention to potential defects. The Sport is Apple's cheapest model, but still starts at $349 and uses things like tougher 7000-Series aluminum and reinforced "Ion-X" glass.
Comments
It's not made of diamond, folks. Expect some form of wear with use, otherwise keep it in it's original packaging.
Agree, not really a defect. Here comes wear-gate.
Apple should refuse to sell any of their products to obtuse customers.
OMG quick. Bring the paper bag. I'm hyperventilating. Logogate is about to come upon us...!
Seriously: stuff like this can happen. It shouldn't. But occasionally does. If people had an idea about eg the maturity of a newly developed car then in comparison this is .... a non issue. In particular since apple is going to replace the affected units as it seems.
So I'm looking at the second picture, and I can see and read all of the text because it is still there, so what is the issue?
I use mine at Bikram yoga..( sweat galore )
I use it when i go windsurfing (salt water, waves, and sand)
Have it on all day... Take showres with it and all.
Have had it since day one and it has been subject to the above since day one ...and it still looks like day one..!
You're not worried about the long term effect of salt water? You know that this is quite corrosive?
The ? logo is scratched off. The same thing started happening to my ? Watxh about 3 weeks ago. I don't do anything with it but wear it like any normal person and wear it during my P90X exercises but nothing more extreme than any other user. Never brought the issue up to Apple because I figured they wouldn't do anything and claim it's a normal wear and tear issue. Glad to hear people are getting their issue(s) resolved.
Ofcourse.. Been in ocean sports for most my life...
We will see how it holds up... I love the exercise information i get from it . ...
So far it is handeling it like a champ... And it gets washed when i take a shower so saltwater does not stay on it for too long ..... Maybe 5 hours max per session ..
Upgrading to new model is going to be inevidable anyway
Ofcourse.. Been in ocean sports for most my life...
We will see how it holds up... I love the exercise information i get from it . ...
So far it is handeling it like a champ... And it gets washed when i take a shower so saltwater does not stay on it for too long ..... Maybe 5 hours max per session ..
Upgrading to new model is going to be inevidable anyway
Alumunum has pretty good corrosion resistance and the Series 7000 probably more so, plus if it is space grey, it has anodizing, not sure about the silver colored one, but in any case, it is probably not raw aluminum. You should be fine. I have the SS and no issues with the logo or text.
Edit: some corrections
It's not wear, Apple or their supplier messed up the marking process.
In order to do dark letters on a light surface, they have to apply a laser marking compound. When the compound is exposed to the laser, it turns black and bonds to the anodization layer, the rest of the compound is cleaned off. Something is happening to cause the anodization to come off in the marked areas. I think it's either heat during the marking process or there's a chemical reaction that's happening.
Looks only cosmetic but Apple should find a root cause.
Well, you know what that means... Apple is doomed! The text on the Apple watch is coming off! It's stock will plummet into a pile of billowing flames! Die! Die! Die!
/s
Now, one side of the black Sport band does appear to have some wear on it which I'd say is a thin coating wearing off, although I'm not sure what's going on with the aluminium rivet. Another thin layer with moisture causing it to come up?
Since they've only sold a few, it does not matter too much.
/s
Great point.