How Long Do Apple Watches Last?

How long does the Apple Watch last? 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 6 can run watchOS 11. 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. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Apple Watch's lifespan.

Jump To:

• How Long Do Apple Watches Last?
• How to Improve Apple Watch Longevity
• FAQ

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. Be sure to regularly check your Apple Watch's battery health to check the maximum capacity. The maximum capacity will tell you how much your battery has deteriorated and how much of a charge it can hold relative to when the battery was brand new (e.g. a maximum capacity of 85% means that when your Apple Watch is fully charged, it is equal to a brand new battery that has depleted to 85%). Here's how to check your Apple Watch battery health:

1. Open the Settings app.
   
   
2. Find and tap Battery.
   
   
3. Scroll down and select Battery Health.
   
   
4. Scroll down and find Maximum Capacity.
   
   

How long does the Apple Watch battery last? Well, even with a deteriorating battery, Apple allows Apple Watches even as old as the Series 6 to run the latest watchOS 11 software, which means 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.

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

How to Improve Apple Watch Lifespan

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 battery 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.
• Turn off the Apple Watch Always On Display.
• 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.

Top image credit: Wongsakorn Napaeng / Shutterstock.com