I have an Apple Watch Series 4 that I've been using since 2019. Functionally, it works great, but the battery has become a real issue—it drains quickly and needs frequent charging. I found out online that Apple might replace the battery for a fee, so I headed to the store expecting that option. However, the staff suggested I buy a new watch instead, which just doesn't feel right to me. I mainly use it for telling time and tracking workouts, and I love the look of my watch. I'm not interested in paying over $300 for a new one when this one still works fine otherwise. Given that it's a few years old, am I being misguided? Is it really at the end of its life, or was the employee pushing for a sale? I'd appreciate hearing if anyone has replaced a Series 4 battery recently or had a similar experience. Is my watch truly finished, or should I explore other repair options?
3 Answers
It sounds like you've cared for your watch, but remember, it's about 7 years old! It's not necessarily that they're upselling you; rather, it may just be reaching the end of its lifespan. If you want to keep it, checking out third-party repair options could be a solid path. But honestly, considering your needs, a refurbished Series 8 or 9 might be a better fit!
They're not really designed for service beyond their lifecycle, which is why your options are so limited. You might want to find a local shop for a battery replacement for about $50 if you want to keep it going. Just be aware that a third-party battery might not hold up as well or maintain water resistance.
Once a device gets tagged as 'vintage' by Apple, it’s generally better to think about getting something newer. Parts for vintage products are hard to come by, so you might struggle to find a battery for it. My advice? Aim for something more recent, maybe even the SE model—it’ll serve you better in the long run.
Thanks for the insight! I guess 'vintage' sounds worse than it is, but I think it's time for an upgrade!
Wow, I didn't realize it was that old! I get wanting to keep a decent watch, though. I'm in the same boat with my Series 3—still works well.