Why do smartwatch users upgrade their devices so often?

Although it was once common to get a new phone almost every year, surveys indicate that most consumers are holding on to their phones longer these days. However, there are still some devices that users tend to update quite often. For example, according to a Clutch survey, about 59% of consumers who use wearable technology (like smartwatches) upgrade their devices every two to three years. That’s pretty common for a gadget that’s not generally considered as essential as a phone. However, there are several legitimate reasons why smartwatch owners are so often willing to shell out money to replace them.

First, while the average consumer may not view a smartwatch as a necessity, many of those who use these devices have come to use them for purposes such as tracking their daily health habits and message alerts. Naturally, as people use these devices daily, smartwatches become vulnerable to the effects inherent in frequent use. For example, components may wear out, the battery may begin to drain more quickly, and the overall performance of the device may begin to degrade.

These are just some of the reasons why, according to the Clutch survey, just over half of wearable technology users are replacing their devices to close performance gaps. That’s not to say that these are the only factors that motivate smartwatch owners to replace their devices quite often.

Users who responded to the Clutch survey primarily cited factors like device performance and longevity when discussing common reasons for upgrading their smartwatches and similar wearable technology. Be aware, however, that just because performance lags may cause users to replace these devices every two years does not necessarily mean these devices are of poor quality. Again, due to their nature, they are exposed to more wear and tear than other devices. Additionally, whenever the display of one of these devices is active, significant battery power is required.

With smartphones, users can upgrade their devices to access new features and innovations. It’s less common among wearable tech owners who upgrade their gadgets. However, this is not uncommon. Since smartwatch owners commonly use these devices to track health data. As such, according to the Clutch survey, they might be willing to upgrade for innovation-related purposes if the new technology promises more accurate or otherwise improved health tracking.

For example, a new smartwatch model could include new sensors. These sensors may represent an overall improvement over sensors of the past, providing improved accuracy and overall reliability. Customization is another factor that could lead a smartwatch owner to upgrade even if their device is still in good working order. As wearable technologies begin to incorporate AI, new smartwatch models can also offer health data insights tailored to individual users.

While there may be understandable reasons to upgrade a smartwatch every two years or so, it’s also understandable if you want to maximize the lifespan of your device instead. This will not only save you money in the long run, but also help you own and use wearable technology more sustainably.

Best practices for smartwatch maintenance and care may vary somewhat from model to model. Always check the manufacturer’s information for official recommendations. That said, you can keep a smartwatch in good condition by not using it in environments where it may be subject to damage from physical impacts like falls from heights, not exposing it to extreme temperatures, and checking it weekly for signs of damage. You can also lower the screen brightness to improve battery life.

Either way, no smartwatch will last forever. Familiarize yourself with the signs that it’s time to replace your smartwatch so you can upgrade before your device dies. Before purchasing a new model, you may also want to research which smartwatches are reliable and which ones you should avoid.