Apple is reportedly offering Apple Watch Series 2 devices as replacements for first-gen (Series 0) and Series 1 smartwatches requiring repair.
According to a MacRumors report, Apple is running low on replacement parts for the 42mm versions of its first two Apple Watch devices. So, if a customer brings their first-gen or Series 1 Apple Watch in for repair, the company has sanctioned service providers to offer a Series 2 device as a replacement.
A leaked internal document, purportedly sent to Apple Authorised Service Providers, says the Series 2 replacements will be offered from February through to April, presumably while Apple replenishes its supply of components.
Related: Best Apple Watch 2019
The document, obtained by the site from “multiple proven sources”, makes no mention of the 38mm models. Neither does it suggest Apple Watch users could be offered an even newer version of the device.
According to the report, service providers in the the US and beyond have received the notice, but no screenshot has been shared.
There’s also no news on whether there will be any additional cost for taking Apple up on the offer of a Series 2. One would assume the replacement will come at the same cost the company would have charged for the repair, rather than the full cost of a replacement device. However, that’s also yet to be confirmed.
Most interesting from the perspective of the first-gen Apple Watch Series owners out there is the possibility of getting a device that runs watchOS 5, the latest version of the company’s wearable operating system.
First-gen devices, unofficially dubbed Series 0, were the first Apple released back in 2015. They missed the cut when the company announced which versions of the watch would get watchOS 5 last summer.
Have you thought about upgrading from your original Apple Watch? Or is it still serving you well despite the lack of GPS, LTE and access to watchOS 5? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
