Apple offering free replacements for Jet Black Series 10

Some owners of the Jet Black Apple Watch Series 10 are being offered free replacements due to a cosmetic defect that shows up after months of wear. The issue appears tied to the glossy coating used on this specific model, and Apple is acknowledging the problem.

What users are seeing

If you have a Jet Black Series 10 on your wrist, you might want to give the back of it a second look. Users are reporting patches of corrosion or tiny pitted spots appearing near the area where the case touches your skin. It is not the usual kind of scuffing you would get from a drop or knock. Instead, it looks like the finish itself is starting to degrade or chemically react over time.

The pattern is consistent. Most affected units begin to show these signs about a year in. Given that this model is designed for 24/7 wear, including workouts and sleep, it seems the coating is not holding up well against exposure to sweat and moisture. The result is a watch that still works fine but looks like it has been through a rough time.

This sort of failure is not entirely new in Apple’s product line. Their previous Jet Black and Slate finishes have had their own issues. But this time it’s happening to a watch, not a phone.

How Apple is handling it

The good news is that Apple seems to be handling this without much pushback. Multiple users have shared that Genius Bar appointments go smoothly. If the corrosion is visible, store staff often recognize the issue right away. There is no need for a drawn-out discussion about how you used the watch or whether you banged it against something.

Even if you do not have AppleCare+, Apple is replacing these units in many cases as long as the device is still in warranty – or close to the end of it. The process involves sending off the damaged unit for inspection, after which you usually receive an email confirmation that a replacement is on the way.

The replacement you get back is typically a service unit. That means it has a new exterior and battery, but it may reuse internal components. In this situation, that is not a concern. The defect is all external, so getting a unit with a fresh case solves the problem.

Why black finishes often fail

This is not the first time Apple’s darker finishes have caused trouble. The Jet Black iPhone 7 was prone to fine scratches and smudges, and the Slate Black iPhone 5 chipped almost immediately. Achieving that deep, mirror-like black requires a more complex anodizing process, which is often more fragile than standard coatings.

On a smartwatch, the challenge is worse. The case sits flush against sweaty skin for hours every day. It experiences friction from wrist movement, repeated contact with clothing, and heat from workouts. That creates a perfect storm of wear and chemical exposure. If the coating is not robust enough, it breaks down. And that seems to be exactly what is happening here.

What you can do about it

If you own a Jet Black Series 10, it is worth checking for signs of this issue. Use a bright light and look closely at the underside of the case. You are looking for small speckled dots or patches where the black finish has lost its smooth texture. If you spot anything suspicious, do not wait. Schedule a Genius Bar appointment and let them take a look. If it qualifies, you will likely walk away with a replacement unit on the way.

As for prevention, wiping down the watch after workouts is always smart. Sweat can be harsh on materials, especially if left to dry on the case for hours. Still, this should not be your fault. A high-end watch meant for fitness tracking should be able to survive daily wear without its coating flaking off.

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