Some GPS-only Apple Watch Series 3 owners report they’re seeing “unexpected stripes” along the edge of the display when the display is turned off.
The issue is mostly noticeable when the display is turned off, as pictured in the image above from Apple’s internal materials describing the problem. Apple also doesn’t list the new cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 3 as experiencing the issue, and it’s possible that model avoided the defect due to a different display configuration with the built-in antenna.
A few 9to5Mac writers with the GPS Apple Watch Series 3 aren’t experiencing the issue, and from reports online it doesn’t yet seem to be a widespread problem among early adopters of the new device.
Apple store staff and authorized repair outlets have been informed about the issue, says 9to5Mac. Apple says customers can check for the stripes by rubbing their finger along the display while its off “to allow smearing to appear.” Users may have to breathe on the screen.
Apple is said to be simply replacing the affected Series 3 units, mailing the old units in.
