Apple today published a new support document letting Apple Watch Ultra users know that they can request a Depth and Water Seal Test by Apple to determine if their watch's depth gauge and seals are working properly.
The document describes a couple of scenarios under which users might want to have their watches tested, including assurance of proper functionality of the depth gauge for those who rely on it such as for diving and to check for unseen damage in the case of impacts to the watch.
Apple Watch Ultra owners can request a Depth and Water Seal Test for their device via Apple's normal online support channels. Apple will perform a visual inspection of the watch to look for any visible damage, and if the device appears intact, Apple will then test the water seals and depth gauge.
Users are cautioned that unseen damage could compromise the watch and that the Depth and Seal Water Test could render the device inoperable in such situations, necessitating a replacement fee unless the issue is covered by warranty.
Apple doesn't specify whether there is a cost for this service, so you'll need to check with Apple if you wish to have the tests performed on your watch. Once your watch has been sent to Apple, it should be returned to you within seven to ten business days.
Top Rated Comments
Apple worked with divers when designing the Ultra. Divers surely said equipment is always checked and tested and a leak and pressure test for the Ultra was likely planned before the Watch launched.
Apple stated Ultra's dive app is for dives down to 50'. There are no time limits or decompression stops for dives within 50 feet from sea level; especially if it's just the one dive.
Thank you.
I work in a service centre for both Apple and Samsung processing warranty repairs and I thought I might have some helpful insight on this.
Both manufacturers use specialised jigs that inject air/pressure and measure the output from the device that registers either a pass or fail result based on the readings over a period of time. Changes that are too quick result in a fail (leakage) and changes below a certain threshold register as a pass.
No actual water is involved for these tests as air leakage information is sufficient. A test fail would not ruin the device and it’s just a matter of reworking the seal and retesting until a pass is achieved. This test is more accurate on devices with a built in barometer, however devices such as Samsung A-series without a barometer go through a slightly different test where the barometer is in the jig and connected via Bluetooth, however the concept remains the same.
Our service centre has offered the seal check service for Samsung devices for about 2 years now and yet I had to find out about Apple doing it via this article lol