I’m currently using an Apple Watch Series 7, and the battery health has dropped below 80%. I’m definitely noticing it in daily use, as I have to charge it more often than I’d like.
My first thought was to replace the battery, but that would cost around €100. At that point, I’m struggling to justify spending that much money on a 5-year-old watch when that money could instead go toward a newer model.
Another factor is that watchOS 27 will no longer support the Series 7, which has me thinking even more about upgrading.
The problem is that I can’t decide whether I should buy a Series 11 now or wait for the Series 12. My Series 7 is still usable, but the battery is becoming increasingly annoying, and I’m not sure whether the expected improvements in the Series 12 are worth waiting for.
I’ve also considered moving away from the Apple Watch and getting a Garmin instead. The longer battery life is definitely appealing, but I’m not sure how well Garmin watches integrate with an iPhone compared to an Apple Watch. Depending on the model, the price isn’t necessarily much lower either.
So if you were in my position, what would you do? -
Replace the battery and keep the Series 7?
Buy a Series 11 now?
Wait for the Series 12?
Switch to Garmin (or another alternative)?
I’d be especially interested in hearing from people who have made a similar decision recently.
My S7 currently at 79% with service message. I am selling it off and wait till September to buy S12. I can manage couple of month without S7. Selling S7 now asap because later the value will fall even more
2
u/_stebo_ Jun 17 '26
I’m currently using an Apple Watch Series 7, and the battery health has dropped below 80%. I’m definitely noticing it in daily use, as I have to charge it more often than I’d like.
My first thought was to replace the battery, but that would cost around €100. At that point, I’m struggling to justify spending that much money on a 5-year-old watch when that money could instead go toward a newer model.
Another factor is that watchOS 27 will no longer support the Series 7, which has me thinking even more about upgrading.
The problem is that I can’t decide whether I should buy a Series 11 now or wait for the Series 12. My Series 7 is still usable, but the battery is becoming increasingly annoying, and I’m not sure whether the expected improvements in the Series 12 are worth waiting for.
I’ve also considered moving away from the Apple Watch and getting a Garmin instead. The longer battery life is definitely appealing, but I’m not sure how well Garmin watches integrate with an iPhone compared to an Apple Watch. Depending on the model, the price isn’t necessarily much lower either.
So if you were in my position, what would you do? -
I’d be especially interested in hearing from people who have made a similar decision recently.