Since its debut in 2015, the Apple Watch has dominated the global smartwatch market. Its popularity is evident from its consistent market share, which has remained around 20% for several years. With such widespread appeal, it’s no surprise that counterfeit Apple Watch models are quite common.
Apple’s products command a premium price, making them lucrative targets for counterfeiters worldwide. Many of these fakes find their way into the U.S., where unsuspecting buyers may purchase them. Despite efforts by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), numerous counterfeit products, including those infringing on Apple’s IP rights, continue to enter the country. In 2022 alone, CBP seized over 25 million items, several of which were counterfeit products.
Given the scale of the issue, it’s crucial to ensure that any Apple product you buy is genuine. Fortunately, there are several methods to verify the authenticity of an Apple Watch. Let’s explore some of these methods.
Inspect the retail packaging carefully
Apple is renowned not only for its high-quality products but also for its meticulous attention to packaging. When purchasing a new Apple Watch, if you notice any doubts about the packaging materials or print quality, it’s possible you have acquired a counterfeit.
There are clear indicators of fake Apple Watch packaging that stand out. Authentic Apple packaging is robust and well-crafted, with high-quality printing. Additionally, scrutinize the text on the box for any glaring spelling or grammar mistakes.
To further ensure authenticity, consider viewing detailed unboxing videos of the Apple Watch from reputable tech reviewers. This will provide a clear comparison to recognize genuine Apple Watch retail packaging.
If you suspect the packaging accompanying your Apple Watch is substandard, it’s advisable to promptly return the product to the seller for a refund. Taking action immediately after purchase ensures you don’t need to open the packaging unnecessarily.
Verify on Apple’s device coverage website
If you have an Apple Watch that has already been unboxed, the most straightforward method to determine its authenticity is by checking its serial number on Apple’s device coverage website. The serial number is typically located on the bottom panel of the device. If there is no visible serial number on the bottom panel, it is likely a counterfeit Apple Watch. However, some counterfeit products may feature a fake serial number on the bottom panel as well.
Once you have located the serial number, visit Apple’s device coverage portal and enter the serial number of your Apple Watch. Complete any required captcha verification and wait for the results. A genuine Apple Watch will display detailed product information on the portal. While primarily used to check warranty status and purchase dates, this process also confirms the authenticity of your device.
If the device coverage portal shows a correct and valid purchase date, you can be confident that your Apple Watch is genuine. However, if entering the serial number returns a message like “We are unable to complete your request at this time. Please try later,” it is likely that the Apple Watch is counterfeit.
Is it currently running WatchOS?
One of the simplest ways to verify the authenticity of an Apple Watch is to examine the software it runs. Genuine Apple Watches operate on the WatchOS operating system, known for its smooth animations, seamless transitions, and polished interface. Achieving the same level of software finesse as Apple is challenging for counterfeit products. If you notice significant lag, numerous bugs, or subpar icons and brightness levels on your Apple Watch, it could indicate that it is counterfeit.
Another telltale sign of a fake Apple Watch is difficulty connecting with other Apple devices in your ecosystem. If you encounter issues with connectivity within your Apple ecosystem, it may further suggest the product is not genuine.
If you suspect your Apple Watch may be counterfeit, you can verify its authenticity by checking the serial number. If you can’t locate the embossed serial number, you can find it in the Settings > About section on the Apple Watch itself. Alternatively, if your Apple Watch is paired with an iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, navigate to the “My Watch” tab, tap General, then tap “About” to view the serial number. Ensuring the serial numbers on both the Apple Watch and connected iPhone match confirms you have a genuine Apple Watch.
Examine for indications of build quality concerns
The Apple Watch is renowned for its exceptional build quality, making it challenging for counterfeiters to replicate. While some counterfeit Apple Watch replicas may appear well-made at first glance, closer inspection often reveals discrepancies. Let’s explore some of these potential issues.
Apple Watch bands are designed to be easily replaceable, detaching and reattaching smoothly from the main body. If you find that the bands are difficult to remove or attach, it could indicate a counterfeit product.
One distinctive feature of the Apple Watch is its digital crown, a small circular wheel on the right side of the watch used for interacting with WatchOS apps. In fake Apple Watch models, the digital crown may be of inferior quality or non-functional.
When purchasing a second-hand Apple Watch or from a non-authorized retailer, it’s crucial to verify the functionality of the digital crown before finalizing your purchase.