Apple Watch Series 3 owners needing replacement or repair may now qualify for a free upgrade to a Series 4 model.
According to an internal memo that was delivered to Apple Store repair staff and Apple’s Authorized Service Providers (via 9to5Mac), owners looking for a repair or replacement of the stainless steel Apple WatchSeries 3 with GPS and cellular can now qualify for the stainless steel Series 4 model with GPS and cellular.
The free upgrade is due to a low inventory of the older Apple Watch, and the substitute applies to both Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers worldwide. Apple did not specify whether the constraints on the Series 3 or the Series 4 upgrades would be temporary.
This isn’t the first time Apple has substituted Apple Watch repairs for newer models — the Cupertino company in January that some first-generation Apple Watches and Apple Watch Series 1 models could qualify for Series 2 replacements, also due to inventory constraints. Apple also replaced some Series 2 models with Series 3 models due to a shortage of Series 2 parts.
If you think you may qualify for a free upgrade, book an appointment with an Apple Store or an Authorized Service Provider on Apple’s Get Support page. Keep in mind that every location may not have knowledge of this new policy, so make sure to try a few different locations if at first it doesn’t work.
