Apple Watch battery replacement: how much does it cost and is it worth it?

When you spend a lot of money on one of the best Apple Watch models, you want it to last as long as possible. But inevitably, as with any device using lithium-ion batteries, the battery will slowly degrade over time. You will find that it empties faster and faster and you will have to recharge it more often. Fortunately, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to throw the watch in a recycling bin and buy a new one. Apple Watch batteries can be replaced, which is worth considering to extend the life of the device while protecting the environment.

Spending the $99 it typically costs to repair the Watch through Apple may be worth it to get more use out of a wearable that cost you hundreds of dollars — assuming it still has any life left in it otherwise. You’ll need to consider whether that money is better spent upgrading for the refined design and exclusive features of a newer model, keeping watchOS compatibility in mind.

You can arrange for Apple Watch repairs directly through Apple, and the price is usually a flat rate of $99. Other retailers like Best Buy are Apple Authorized Apple Watch Service and Repair Providers, offering the same repair or replacement service for an equal rate. Typically, the process takes about a week and you can schedule it online or in-store.

If you have an active AppleCare plan on your device, it covers battery issues, including if the battery capacity drops below 80%. However, it does not cover normal battery degradation over time. Chances are, if this is the case, your Apple Watch is out of its warranty and extended warranty period anyway. There is an option to get ongoing AppleCare for Apple Watch for a monthly or annual fee until you cancel. But this always includes service fees and/or deductibles and does not cover battery drain due to normal use.

Another option, if you’re confident enough to consider it, is a do-it-yourself replacement. You’ll find batteries offered by companies like iFixit, although the company only sells batteries for the original and Series 1 models. After acquiring a replacement battery for a newer model elsewhere, you can use iFixit’s detailed instruction guides to learn how to swap it manually. But this is not recommended unless you feel comfortable with the complex repair process; There are risks in trying it yourself.

While it’s great to eliminate e-waste and extend the life of tech products, there comes a time when an Apple Watch is no longer worth bringing back to life with a new battery. First, think about software support. The latest watchOS 27 drops support for many older devices; it is only available for Apple Watch Series 9, SE 3 and Ultra 2 and newer. This means that if you have an Apple Watch Series 8 or earlier, you will not receive the latest software update. However, your watch will continue to function properly.

In fact, many people today report still using models as old as the Series 4. The previous generation watchOS 26 had broader compatibility, working with models going back to the Apple Watch Series 6 and the second-generation SE. This means that the first-generation Apple Watch Series 5 and SE (and earlier) are no longer supported, with their software end-of-life dates back to September 2024.

Your iPhone model shouldn’t be a problem. Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch compatibility page shows that older versions of watchOS work fine with modern iOS versions, although you can’t use the latest Apple Watch with an iPhone running an older iOS version. For example, an Apple Watch Series 11 (our test) will only pair with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26 or later.

Apple Watches don’t hold their value as long as many other Apple products, so you may not recoup the battery investment if you resell the watch. First check what comparable models are selling for so you know how much profit you could make. If you pass the watch on to a friend or family member, consider giving them a replacement battery so they can enjoy it for years to come.

To help you decide which is best, consider the age of the watch, software support, battery cost, and how long the watch will likely be supported. I suggest replacing the battery for a Series 6 or 7 and above, which are the oldest models compatible with watchOS 26. But for anything more than about five years old, it’s best to upgrade.