Key Takeaways
1. Smartwatches, like the Apple Watch, can pose serious risks, including burns from battery malfunctions.
2. A user reported burns from an overheated Apple Watch, which left a noticeable scar.
3. Apple initially downplayed the incident, attributing burns to an allergic reaction and failing to follow up on the user’s concerns.
4. The user faced significant challenges in getting support from Apple, including missed appointments and unresponsive representatives.
5. Caution is advised when interpreting user reports, as the actual cause of burns remains unclear despite the likelihood of a battery defect.
A Reddit user has highlighted the risks that smartwatches, including the Apple Watch ($299 on Amazon), can pose if there is a major battery malfunction. On September 24, 2025, while the user was working on a laptop, the back of the Apple Watch reportedly got extremely hot. The owner quickly removed the watch, but not before sustaining burns to their skin. Months later, a scar shaped like the smartwatch is still noticeable.
Communication with Apple
The user reached out to Apple on the same day of the incident; however, even after six months, the issue remains unaddressed. Initially, Apple seemed to downplay the burn blisters, attributing them to an allergic reaction, but they expressed a desire to investigate further. Unfortunately, the customer never heard back from them again. When the user followed up, it was supposed that the smartwatch would be sent to Apple in Ireland for investigation, but Apple did not arrange the promised collection of the device.
Lack of Support
The next Apple support representative the user spoke to outright refused to set up a pick-up. After a few weeks of waiting, an appointment was finally scheduled at the Genius Bar in an Apple store—supposedly. However, when the user arrived, the store had no record of the appointment, refused to accept the watch, and the device was never sent to Ireland. Furthermore, the support representative stopped responding to any follow-up messages.
Skepticism About User Reports
As is often the case, such user accounts should be taken with caution. Since the Apple Watch doesn’t show any visible damage, the actual cause of the burns remains unclear, although a defect in the battery is the most probable explanation.
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