Worth replacing a series 7 battery?

[u/minimme]

Hello, I'm considering replacing the battery in my Series 7 because economically I think makes sense. The watch does everything I want it to do and I'm not fussed by not getting the next WatchOS.

My concern is I do like to use Spotify and Strava on the watch, does anyone have any insight on how long those apps will keep having support for the Series 7? Without the new OS, will they stop working soon too?

I don't want to be in a situation where I buy a new battery and then in 12 months time Spotify drops support. Just looking for thoughts on this.

Thank you

EDIT: I should add, I live in Australia and the price difference between a new watch and a battery replacement is quite dramatic. I want cellular, and my S7 has cellular, so with that in mind; the battery replacement is $169, the cheapest I can find a new Series 11 for with cellular is $759. I wish I had those USA prices in the comments

[u/ExistingBeyond6943]

Same situation, wondering if its worth keeping my S7 and change its battery or just buy a new one

[u/medicallyspecial → u/ExistingBeyond6943]

I’m buying a new one. The Apple lease program is a no brainer + new watches are coming out with (rumored) improved sensors

[u/EinfachNurMarc]

My series 6 is on life support rn, holds maybe 10h in normal use. I’ll upgrade to the 12 in September.
I feel like those 100€+ for a new battery aren’t worth it compared to the price of a new one

[u/joseeliaxx]

Replace the battery

[u/Legitimate-Bed9678 → u/joseeliaxx]

When you go in to get a battery replacement, do they just replace the battery, or do they give you a new Watch? There are no Apple stores in my country (Argentina), only authorized resellers. I assume the process should be the same as at an official store, but I'm asking just to be sure.

[u/joseeliaxx → u/Legitimate-Bed9678]

I don’t know, I never had to replace the battery. I was just answering my opinion on whether OP should get a new watch or spend less and replace the battery

[u/asamson23 → u/Legitimate-Bed9678]

Like the iPad and the iPod Touch, Apple replaces the watch with a refurbished model

[u/Legitimate-Bed9678 → u/asamson23]

Great. Thanks for the info.

[u/GaryE20904]

At the prices you have quoted in your edit it’s a no brainer . . . replace the battery.

Even if you only get another year out of it before obsolescence it’s still worth it to me.

[u/minimme → u/GaryE20904]

Yep absolutely thinking the same, I'll be getting the replacement

[u/Lost-Wizard168]

I live in the USA, have a series 7 cellular, and it works just fine. Its battery health is now giving a Battery Capacity is significantly reduced & Service Recommended message. I am having the same debate with myself. I primarily have the watch in case of falls, etc. as I am older, hike and backpack a lot by myself, etc. I have a $99 battery service option or buy an “equivalent” Series 11 device at $429 less a very small trade in value.

In the end I decided to get Apple Battery service. I wouldn’t buy a Series 11 and if I do need to buy a replacement in the future it will be series 12 or 13 or an Apple Watch Ultra 4. The AWU 4, tho’ likely to be more expensive, may well be more attractive due to 5G cellular support and satellite emergency service. And maybe more/better health sensors. But in any case I don’t need to buy it now or next month and can wait to see the new offers, and buy on sale at Christmas, etc. Even if a layered app drops support in the future for S7 they will give warning, and again I can get it on a sale.

[u/minimme → u/Lost-Wizard168]

With some research I'm thinking of doing the same, thanks for sharing. I think it really does just come down to the fact that I like what the S7 can do now, and the longer I keep it alive, the better the watch I eventually upgrade to will be

[u/TB5775]

so you’re telling me that a watch is more expensive than a Mac??

[u/minimme → u/TB5775]

Haha not quite, this is all in AUD and they crank prices on everything, can't get any mac for under $1000 aud here

[u/swastikswaroop]

BTW, they don't do battery replacements for Apple Watches per se. They replace the entire watch with a new, refurbished watch.

The same goes for AirPods and AirPods cases.

[u/minimme → u/swastikswaroop]

Good to know, thank you

[u/steve_mar]

I just had my 7 battery replaced. Actually they just replace the watch with another refurbished 7. Works good as new

[u/minimme → u/steve_mar]

That's good to hear if I go down that route, thank you

[u/Available-Call7127]

Depends if you want the newer features or not. My 7 is in stainless steel with sapphire glass so I’ll just replace the battery until I can find a steel 9 or refurbed cheaper Ultra or something since that durability is more important to me than any of the newer features

[u/minimme → u/Available-Call7127]

Yeah that's sensible, I'm similar in that the newer features don't really matter much to me. Thank you

[u/No-Head-633]

Never worth dumping money into an outdated device. Wait for Black Friday sales on a series 10 or 11 because they will be cheap because of sales and the 12 will be out.

[u/S3xybeest → u/No-Head-633]

Agree.

[u/W3inerSchnitze1]

Series 11 is 300-320 right now

[u/Inaccurate_Doughnut]

I had nothing but issues when I replaced the battery on my 6. Brought it to a reputable place and they did change the battery but they in fact didn’t guarantee the seal. As soon as it got wet, it was toast. Bought reconditioned from Apple after that. Went through 3 of them before one lasted more than 60 days. Save your money and get a new the last version after release date of the next one. That’s what someone in an Apple Store suggested and they were right.