What to Know
- Apple Watches can work well for up to five years.
- Apple supports its watches for a long time; even the Apple Watch Series 4 can run the latest watchOS 10.
- Many users like to replace their Apple Watch after two or three years.
If you take good care of it, your Apple Watch could function as well as it does today for years to come. Apple offers impressive support for their watches; even the Apple Watch Series 4 can run watchOS 10. While you might still be able to use the Apple Watch you bought in 2018, people typically notice their Apple Watches slowing down after two or three years of use.
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How Long Do Apple Watches Last
If you buy a brand new Apple Watch, treat it carefully, and are mindful of how you charge it, you could expect it to last up to five years. That being said, it is typical for users to notice a deterioration in performance after two or three years.
Since Apple allows the Apple Watches as old as the Series 4 to run the latest watchOS 10 software, you can expect to get many years out of a well-treated watch. You can even buy a refurbished older model and expect it to last you two or more years. For more Apple Watch tips, sign up for our free Tip of the Day Newsletter.
How to Improve Apple Watch Longevity
The most common issue that motivates users to upgrade is a decline in their Apple Watch battery health. Another is that the cost of repairs for something like a cracked screen can be as much as buying a brand-new watch. While these aren't always preventable, you can take steps to protect your watch:
- Use a case, screen protector, or bumper to protect your Apple Watch from damage.
- Avoid coming into contact with chemicals that could damage the watch, including lotions and shampoo.
- Remove your watch when riding a motorcycle or a jet ski; the vibrations can damage it beyond repair.
- Turn on optimized charging for your Apple Watch.
- Only use cables and adapters that are Apple-certified.
- Remove your Apple Watch from the charger once it is fully charged. The best practice for lithium-ion batteries is to keep the battery between 20% and 80% whenever possible.
- Use Low Power Mode or turn your watch off before the battery runs out completely.
- Update your Apple Watch whenever there's an update available.
- Maintain other Apple Watch battery health practices.
Unfortunately, your Apple Watch's battery life can deteriorate over time, and accidents like dropping your watch are not always avoidable. So, it is common for users to upgrade to a newer (sometimes newly refurbished) model of an Apple Watch after two or three years of use. Sometimes, an Apple Watch might still maintain performance even after five years, so it really depends on how you use and care for the device.
So, how long does an Apple Watch last? Typically, it is two to three years, but it can be as many as five. Of course, a defective watch or a device that isn't cared for could see a decline in performance in less than a year. Next, find out if you should consider buying a used or refurbished Apple Watch.
FAQ
- What is the latest Apple Watch? In the fall of 2023, Apple released the Apple Watch 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
- How long does it take to charge an Apple Watch? Depending on the model, you can fully charge an Apple Watch from 0% to 80% in as little as 45 minutes. Newer models come with fast chargers to speed up the charging process.
- Can you replace Apple Watch battery? Yes, your Apple Watch battery can be replaced for a fee, or sometimes for free if you have AppleCare Plus and your device shows unusual battery health deterioration.
Top image credit: Wongsakorn Napaeng / Shutterstock.com
