So, my third Apple Watch in about 5 years has died. Series 8 lasted a year, series 3 and 5 both lasted 2 years. I was smart and bought AppleCare for the 8 this time, luckily.
All 3 watches have failed at the side button. Series 3 and 5 the button started to act like it was possessed randomly pressing. This one my side button has popped off.
I work in construction, around drywall, concrete dust and metal shavings a lot. I also am not shy about taking it to the beach and the ocean.
Seems like on the 8 there was aluminum oxidation and fine dust build up behind the button causing it to be hard to press for a while, then whatever pin that holds it on broke, maybe from having to press hard to activate.
I’m curious what other construction workers who use Apple Watch daily in tough environments experiences have been?
Does the ultra have a better sealed button? I was considering upgrading if it is sealed better.
Maybe I should buy an SE for work and just kinda use and abuse them for a a couple years and change it out…
Are you cleaning it daily? Running a bit of water over it and turning the dials and pushing the buttons? Maybe using a rocket blower first to clean off the drywall and dried dirt before adding water?
The ultra may be better, but I still think you’ll need to have additional steps each day for longevity, but it may not help. That’s tough work. But at least good on you for the Apple care!
When my hands get washed at work the watch comes off and gets rinsed off as well. Other than that it lives life with me except when charging.
But where all this build up seems to be happening is a place I can’t really get to, and the area around the button doesn’t seem to have seal on it to prevent the really fine stuff from getting behind it in the first place. unless I used some kind of like waterpic dental tool to clean that gap between the button and the case but I would worry that might be enough to penetrate whatever water resistance the watch has at this point.
WTB Apple Watch with no physical buttons plz.