Apple has announced Thursday that some first generation Apple Watch models are replaceable with Apple Watch Series 1. In an order to all its retail store employees and authorized dealers, the Cupertino, California-based firm specifically mentioned those models needing repairs are qualified for the exchange program with Apple Watch Series 1.
The Apple Watch Aluminum models come with the colour variants: gold, rose gold, silver, and space grey, which are all eligible for substitution. Replacement is available in all markets where the watch was sold. But some countries are only qualified to have the affected components of their Apple Watch Aluminium models replaced with the counterpart components in Apple Watch Series 1. Apple, however, did not specify which countries are not supported by full replacement. The first Apple Watch was sold in Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK, and the US.
"In some countries, Apple Watch Aluminum (1st generation) parts (in all colors) may be substituted with Apple Watch Aluminum (Series 1) parts", says Apple. "The parts substitution should now be working properly in MobileGenius and Repair Central".
Devices that are not under the one-year warranty program of Apple can no longer avail of the exchange. On the other hand, those who have purchased their Apple Watch Aluminium with AppleCare are still eligible for repair free of charge.
Apple is no longer selling the first generation Apple Watch, but there are some refurbished versions available in the market. Meanwhile, Apple Watch Series 1 is available in Apple's online shop and in retail stores in three variants: aluminium, stainless steel, and ceramic. The aluminium version is the cheapest at US$369. All are scratch and damage resistant.
