Siri Said Goodbye, and My Apple Watch Never Turned Back On
The Water Damage Dilemma: Debunking the Rice Myth
When my Apple Watch suddenly died during vacation, I found myself in a predicament. With limited options for diagnosing and repairing the issue, I turned to a commonly suggested remedy—placing the device in a bag of rice. Unfortunately, rice was unavailable for several days, and even when I finally tried it, my Apple Watch remained unresponsive.
Despite popular belief, rice does not effectively remedy water damage. In fact, Apple doesn’t endorse this method in their care instructions for water-logged devices. Without immediate alternatives, I decided to visit my local Apple Store.
The Apple Store Experience: A Lesson in Apple Care
Upon arriving at the Apple Store, I explained my situation to a Specialist. Despite not having an appointment, I only waited about ten minutes before being assisted. The Specialist was friendly and knowledgeable, but since my Apple Watch was out of warranty, their options were limited.
The Specialist suggested sending the watch to a larger facility for further inspection. However, this process would take time and likely result in confirming what I already knew—that the watch was irreparably damaged. Acknowledging the limitations, I decided against this option.
This experience highlighted the value of Apple Care. For just a few dollars a month, it could have saved me a significant amount of trouble and expense.
Moving Forward: Embracing the Apple Watch Series 9
With the Apple Store unable to revive my watch and rice proving ineffective, I decided to purchase a new Apple Watch Series 9. Although I initially hoped to wait for the Series 10, the circumstances pushed me to upgrade sooner than planned.
Despite the mishap, I found the Series 9 to be a satisfactory upgrade. While I was content with my SE model, the new features and enhancements of the Series 9 offered a welcome change.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproof: Should You Take Your Apple Watch Swimming?
Given my experience, would I recommend taking your Apple Watch swimming? Honestly, no. Apple describes its devices as “water-resistant” rather than “waterproof” for good reason. While they can withstand splashes and brief submersion, deeper water can pose a significant risk.
If you have Apple Care, which costs just $4 a month for the Apple Watch, the risk is somewhat mitigated. However, it’s crucial to remember that water resistance has its limits. In my case, going too deep underwater was likely the fatal blow to my device. Staying near the surface might have spared it from damage.
In conclusion, while my Apple Watch SE’s demise was unfortunate, it led to an upgrade that I ultimately enjoy. My experience underscores the importance of understanding your device’s limitations and the value of protective measures like Apple Care.
