One thing I’ve been seeing pop up is this whole “fake Apple Watch with W1 chip” thing. Now, the W1 chip is a big deal. It’s what makes Apple devices, like, *seamlessly* connect and switch between your iPhone, AirPods, and all that jazz. It’s what Apple uses for their headphones like Beats. The problem is, it would be incredibly difficult for counterfeiters to integrate an actual W1 chip. So if a seller is saying it has a W1 chip, be extra cautious.
Look, here’s the deal: a real Apple Watch comes in proper packaging. Like, *really* proper. Think fancy box, charger, the whole shebang. If the box looks flimsy, or the accessories are janky, HUGE red flag. Also, check the serial number. It should be embossed on the watch itself, and you should also be able to find it in the settings if it actually pairs with your iPhone. If you can’t find it *anywhere*, or the serial number doesn’t match on the watch and the box… well, you’ve probably been bamboozled.
Speaking of pairing, if you *can* get it to pair with your iPhone (and that’s a big “if” with a fake), check the Apple Watch app. Go to Settings > About. Is the serial number there? Does it look legit?
I saw some dude on Reddit complaining he thought he bought a fake, but the functions all worked with his iPhone. That’s… concerning. Just because it *seems* to work doesn’t mean it’s the real deal. Under the hood, it could be using all sorts of dodgy software that’s just mimicking the real thing. Also, battery life is a big one. Real Apple Watches last a decent amount of time. A fake one? Probably gonna die on you before lunch.
And seriously, if the price is too good to be true, it *is*. Like, come on. These things aren’t cheap. If you’re seeing a brand new “Apple Watch Ultra” for, like, fifty bucks on AliExpress… well, duh. It’s fake. No brainer.
Honestly, the number one export from China seems to be fake Apple Watches these days. eBay, AliExpress, Wish… they’re full of ’em. Look, I get it, sometimes you’re on a budget. But you really do get what you pay for. A fake Apple Watch isn’t just a cheap imitation; it’s probably gonna break on you in a week, and who knows what kind of sketchy data it’s collecting.
