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Apple Watch software support is key to long-term use. Older models may no longer get updates.
Battery life declines over time. Always check the battery health, if possible, before buying.
Used Apple Watches can offer value if they still support core features and apps you need.
Buying a second-hand Apple Watch is a savvy move, offering great functionality for fitness, notifications, and more at a lower cost. But how old is too old? This guide will help you decide if a used Apple Watch is still worth investing in, ensuring you make a smart purchase that meets your needs. By understanding what to look for, you can snag a great deal on a reliable device.
The model number can tell the actual worth. Apple launched the Watch Series 3 in 2017. It now has limited support but still functions well. This year, the series 4 is better and bigger for most users.
Series 7 and 8 offer larger displays and faster performance, while Series 9 and Ultra introduce the latest features, including Double Tap and improved battery life. When purchasing a second-hand Apple Watch, users should always check the model number, which starts with an ‘A’ followed by four digits.
Apple supports most devices for about 5–7 years, so if a watch can’t run the latest watchOS, it may soon stop getting updates. No updates signify no new features, which means less security. That’s not great for a smartwatch connected to health insights.
For instance, the Series 4 may no longer support watchOS. If a model won’t get the next big update, it’s probably nearing the end of its usable life. To stay up-to-date on Apple Watch software support, users must check Apple's website.
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All Apple Watches utilize lithium-ion batteries, but their capacity decreases over time. In most batteries, the performance starts to degrade after 2-3 years.
According to Apple, battery health below 80% may affect performance. If your watch is a few years old, it’s recommended to ask the seller to check the battery health in the settings.
If that’s not possible, users may have to pay extra for a battery replacement. Apple charges around $79 (USD) for most models.
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Apple Watch resale value may vary a lot. A well-performing Series 5 might sell for around $100 to $150, while a Series 7 could go for $200 to $250.
The new SE model costs around $249. Sometimes, comparing the price with the latest model can lead to a smarter investment, where a few extra pennies can offer a new device with a full warranty and longer battery life.
Looking for value, not just for saving, is a smart move, as buying too cheap can lead to extra costs later.
Older Apple Watches may not support the latest apps, including health tracking, banking apps, or third-party fitness tools.
A clear idea of the buyer’s requirements may help. If they need it only for counting steps and time, a Series 3 might work. However, if they need sleep tracking, ECG, or blood oxygen monitoring, the Series 6 or the latest options would be great.
All Apple Watches are designed with water resistance. However, seals weaken over time, and an older watch may no longer be swim-safe.
Apple Watches are durable, but years of wear can take a toll, so it’s important to confirm that there are no worn buttons or screen cracks.
If a used Apple Watch is under five years old, it’s still worth buying, runs the latest software, and has good battery health.
It’s better to avoid models that are too cheap or too old, as they may end up costing more than they save. It’s smarter to buy an old Apple Watch after comparing the resale value and the desired features, which can help clear doubts.
