(Photo via Apple) Apple has launched an online band-only return system for Watch Series 6 and SE customers who purchased the wrong size Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop band.
As their names suggest, the bracelets are made of one continuous material that stretches to fit over your mitts—no clasps, buckles, or fasteners in sight.
Potential buyers can follow Apple's band measurement guide to find their perfect match out of nine available sizes.
But sizing your own wrist can be difficult, and some folks were left feeling that it would be easier to replace their hand than an ill-fitting Apple Watch strap—the latter requiring a full return (including the watch) and a long wait for the replacement.
Following public backlash, however, Cupertino has reportedly had a change of heart and to allow bands to be swapped online without sending back the entire watch, according to MacRumors.
The news site on Thursday was able to initiate an online band swap (which must be completed with a phone call), as well as two in-store band exchanges.
Eli Hodapp, VP of business development at mobile video game platform GameClub, also made a trade this week, that Apple is "swapping out my band and prioritizing replacements so they will ship way faster than the store shows."
"They're even letting me order a third band to try and return, just keeping whatever size between 6, 7, and 8 fits best," he wrote.
"They're also throwing in a free Sport Band, and profusely apologizing.
The agent kept saying, 'We messed up, it's on us,' and said that if I don't get a return label just keep the original braided band that came with my watch.
What a complete turnaround compared to the response Monday."
Earlier this month, Apple unveiled a pair of next-generation wearables—Watch Series 6 (starting at $399) and Watch SE (starting at $279)—boasting new features like a blood oxygen sensor and the Fitness+ subscription service.
(Photo via Apple) Apple has launched an online band-only return system for Watch Series 6 and SE customers who purchased the wrong size Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop band.
As their names suggest, the bracelets are made of one continuous material that stretches to fit over your mitts—no clasps, buckles, or fasteners in sight.
Potential buyers can follow Apple's band measurement guide to find their perfect match out of nine available sizes.
But sizing your own wrist can be difficult, and some folks were left feeling that it would be easier to replace their hand than an ill-fitting Apple Watch strap—the latter requiring a full return (including the watch) and a long wait for the replacement.
Following public backlash, however, Cupertino has reportedly had a change of heart and to allow bands to be swapped online without sending back the entire watch, according to MacRumors.
The news site on Thursday was able to initiate an online band swap (which must be completed with a phone call), as well as two in-store band exchanges.
Eli Hodapp, VP of business development at mobile video game platform GameClub, also made a trade this week, that Apple is "swapping out my band and prioritizing replacements so they will ship way faster than the store shows."
"They're even letting me order a third band to try and return, just keeping whatever size between 6, 7, and 8 fits best," he wrote.
"They're also throwing in a free Sport Band, and profusely apologizing.
The agent kept saying, 'We messed up, it's on us,' and said that if I don't get a return label just keep the original braided band that came with my watch.
What a complete turnaround compared to the response Monday."
Earlier this month, Apple unveiled a pair of next-generation wearables—Watch Series 6 (starting at $399) and Watch SE (starting at $279)—boasting new features like a blood oxygen sensor and the Fitness+ subscription service.
