Snagging a Second-Hand Apple Watch: A Guide for Smart Shopping
Should the Apple Watch's Age Bewilder You? Discover Ideal Buying Decisions Now
Getting a pre-owned Apple Watch can be a smart move, offering inexpensive access to fitness tracking, notifications, and more. But, how old is too old? We've got you covered! This guide will help you decide if buying a used Apple Watch is still a smart choice. Follow along to ensure you make a wise investment that fits your needs.
Check the Model Number First
Knowing the actual worth involves glancing at the model number. Apple introduced the Watch Series 3 in 2017, which, although no longer receiving updates regularly, still performs well. On the other hand, Series 4 offers better performance and a larger screen, making it an improvement for most users.
Series 7, 8, and 9 provide larger displays and faster performance, while Series Ultra brings the latest features, such as Double Tap and enhanced battery life. Be sure to inspect the model number, which begins with an 'A' followed by four digits, when purchasing a pre-owned Apple Watch.
Importance of Software Support
Software support is crucial to the long-term use of an Apple Watch. Apple typically provides updates for 5-7 years before discontinuing them. If an Apple Watch is incapable of running the latest watchOS, it may soon stop receiving updates altogether. This future absence of updates would mean no new features, and that's not great for a smartwatch providing health insights.
Certainly, as the Series 4 might no longer support watchOS 10, such a model may be nearing its useful life's end. To stay informed about Apple Watch software support, check Apple's official website.
Focus on Battery Health
All Apple Watches use lithium-ion batteries, and their capacity decreases with time. Typically, a battery's performance starts deteriorating after 2-3 years. According to Apple, a battery health lower than 80% could affect overall performance. To check the battery's condition, it's recommended to ask the seller to inspect the battery health via the settings.
If inquiry about the battery isn't possible, users might be forced to pay extra for a battery replacement. Apple charges approximately $79 for most models.
Attention to Price
Resale value for Apple Watches may vary significantly. A Series 5 might sell for about $100-$150, while a Series 7 could cost around $200-$250. The latest model, SE, retails for $249. Sometimes, comparing the price with the newest model can lead to a more informed investment, as a slight price increase could provide a new device with a complete warranty and better battery life.
Assess Essential Apps
Older models may not support the latest apps, like health tracking, banking apps, or third-party fitness tools. To avoid disappointment, a clear grasp of the buyer's needs is essential. If usage is limited to step counting and timekeeping, a Series 3 may suffice. However, if more advanced features like sleep tracking, ECG monitoring, or oxygen levels measurement are required, Series 6 or more recent models are recommended.
Water Resistance and Durability
Although designed with water resistance, seals in older Apple Watches can weaken with time, leading to a loss of swimming safety. Durability is another factor that deteriorates with use; worn buttons or screen cracks can be signs of aging.
What Are Others Saying?
In 2022, approximately 53 million watches were traded, according to Statista. Platforms such as eBay or refurbished stores resell many of these pre-owned models. Customer reviews on second-hand devices indicate that Series 5 and above are often a reliable combination of value and performance.
Final Words
If a pre-owned Apple Watch is under 5 years old, it's still worth considering due to its continued software support and good battery health. It's best to avoid models too cheap or too old, as they may end up costing more in the long run. Wise consumers compare resale value with desired features to dispel any doubts.
- When considering a pre-owned Apple Watch, it's important to pay attention to the model number, as newer models like Series 4, Series 7, Series 8, Series 9, and Series Ultra offer better performance and additional features.
- While shopping for a used Apple Watch, focusing on the watch's software support is crucial. Apple typically provides updates for 5-7 years, and a watch incapable of running the latest watchOS may soon stop receiving updates, impacting its long-term usefulness as a smartwatch providing health insights.
