Apple announces a service program for Apple Watch Series 6 units that were affected by a ‘blank screen’ issue. Specifically, 40mm Apple Watch Series 6 units that were manufactured between April 2021 to September 2021.
“Apple has determined that the screen on a very small percentage of 40mm Apple Watch Series 6 devices may go blank permanently,” wrote Apple.
If you’re one of the affected users, the service program is available in Malaysia—amongst other regions. You can check to see if your region is affected by selecting yours on the top right of Apple’s repair info page.
So, if your Apple Watch Series 6 has exhibited the issue, you can use the serial number checker to see if your device is eligible for this program. If so, an Apple Authorized Service Provider will provide service free of charge. Apple also provides how to check for your watch’s serial number here.
Apple also reminds users that the program “does not extend the standard warranty coverage of your Apple Watch”. It also notes that if your Apple Watch has any damage which impairs the service, that “issue will need to be repaired first”—and there may be a cost associated with the repair.
Previously, if users faced a ‘blank screen’ problem with their Apple Watches, it’s advised to do a forced restart. To force restart, hold down both the Digital Crown and the small button just beneath the crown on the side of the watch. Keep holding the buttons until the Apple logo shows up on the display. But if it still didn’t work, then you would have had to fend for yourself—until now, that is.
Apple also offered to fix Watches for free when the screens would pop out, back in 2018. The problem was caused by a swollen battery, and it affected both the first-gen Watches as well as the second-gen ones.
