Big tech companies like Apple, Google and Samsung thoroughly test their products before launch, but very rarely they miss hardware defects. Usually, this means temporarily replacing defective units or, in rare cases, a complete recall of the product.
It happened with Google and Samsung, as both companies had to either extend their repair programs to cover certain defects or completely recall freshly launched products, such as the Galaxy Note 7.
Apple was a bit under the radar when it comes to major hardware issues, but sooner or later a blunder will happen. In fact, it might have already happened, as lots of customers report their Apple Watch Series 10 is plagued by a very serious issue.
Numerous posts on Reddit and Apple’s support forum describe a very serious hardware issues with the smartwatch’s speaker. After one or more months of use, many Apple Watch Series 10 owners noticed that the speaker started sounding very weak.
Apple Watch Series 10 | Image credit: PhoneArena
Although Apple didn’t seem to have acknowledged the issue officially, all those who report the issue and get in touch with the company’s support team are offered replacements.
I have had an Apple Watch for YEARS and have had NO problems. Then I got a new Apple Watch Series 10 in November 2024 and by December the sound was so low you couldn’t hear it when it was on full volume. I turned it in on a warranty and they sent me a new one - then the new one started doing it too! Sounds like when a speaker is blown! Full volume and I can’t hear it! Took it to the Apple Store yesterday and they are sending it out for repair!
– Apple forum user Littlelamb117, February 2025
Searching for this specific issue on Google brings up numerous threads on Reddit and Apple Support Community, but no official answers from Apple. There’s currently no workaround to the issue, and the only way to solve it is to simply replace it with a new one.
Some users are already at their second faulty unit
Unfortunately, not even replacing a faulty Apple Watch Series 10 might save you from being affected by this issue in the future, as many users report that the speaker of their new Apple Watch Series 10 become quiet or muffled after a short while.
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I have a Series10 with really tinny sound. When it was new, it sounded fuller but now it just sounds thin and weak. This is the second S10 that’s done this (first one warranty replaced).
– Reddit user Totalitarian-Terror, February 2025
It’s worth noting that this isn’t really something new, as Apple Watch Series 10 owners have been reported about the speaker issue since October, one month after the smartwatch’s market release.
It this going to be another “batterygate” moment for Apple? We won’t know until Apple admits that this is a widespread issue and either recall the Watch Series 10 or offer replacements that aren’t affected by the speaker bug.
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Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brings a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.
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