Apple Watch battery will be replaceable to extend device's lifespan

In the event that the Apple Watch battery needs to be replaced, Apple technicians will be able to swap the component out, although the company hasn't elaborated on how the replacement process will be handled.

The information was shared by a spokesman with TechCrunch, who suggested that Watch owners will likely need to send their device to Apple to have the battery swapped for a fee.

The Apple Watch isn't designed to be opened easily or accept conventional watch batteries. Instead, it uses a rechargeable battery topped off through an inductive charger.

The company has been touting "18-hour all-day battery life" for the product. This is however based on a "mixed usage" scenario with a 38 mm model, as Apple states in its marketing, comprising "90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 30-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth over the course of 18 hours."

A 42 mm Watch "typically experiences longer battery life," Apple remarks.

In practice, some functions can also consume considerably more power if they're used for long, such as workout tracking or music playback. Phone calls in particular are a massive drain, such that doing nothing but taking a phone call will shrink battery life to three hours. A faulty battery could potentially become a serious issue.

More details about the Apple Watch should arrive as the April 24 launch date approaches.

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55 Comments

MacPro

said about 9 years ago

Regarding swapping out batteries. I wonder if the entire guts are not easily replaced. Having watched (no pun intended) the videos showing the machining of the cases, the innards must just pop in it would seem so presumably can just pop out? Maybe easier to swap out than fiddle with if there were a problem. I was tempted to say new versions could be installed too, but Apple will no doubt want to make a newer thinner design in the next year or so.

solipsismy

said about 9 years ago

[quote name="digitalclips" url="/t/185163/apple-watch-battery-will-be-replaceable-to-extend-devices-lifespan#post_2689352"]Regarding swapping out batteries. I wonder if the entire guts are not easily replaced. Having watched (no pun intended) the videos showing the machining of the cases, the innards must just pop in it would seem so presumably can just pop out? Maybe easier to swap out than fiddle with if there were a problem. I was tempted to say new versions could be installed too, but Apple will no doubt want to make a newer thinner design in the next year or so.[/quote] I'd expect them to be. Note that everything is stack atop each other. I assume access is first through the ceramic base but then the larger components need to come through the display. We'll need iFixit to detail that part of it. I'm still hoping this stacked design and a one in both CE and fashion means they created interconnects that will last a very long time so the SIP can be updated later on, too. PS: The best way to indicate there was no pun intended is to not even acknowledge the pun. :smokey:

blastdoor

said about 9 years ago

I think it would be very beneficial to sales if the guts of the Watch could be upgraded for a fee. If that's possible, and if that's Apple's intent, they should be making a big deal out of it.

I think people would be much more likely to drop $600 on a steel watch if they knew that in two years they could upgrade the guts for $200 or $300.

At least, I sure would.

thewhitefalcon

said about 9 years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blastdoor

I think it would be very beneficial to sales if the guts of the Watch could be upgraded for a fee. If that's possible, and if that's Apple's intent, they should be making a big deal out of it.

I think people would be much more likely to drop $600 on a steel watch if they knew that in two years they could upgrade the guts for $200 or $300.

At least, I sure would.

Apple may not know yet, they could still be deciding.

fallenjt

said about 9 years ago

[quote name="Blastdoor" url="/t/185163/apple-watch-battery-will-be-replaceable-to-extend-devices-lifespan#post_2689371"]I think it would be very beneficial to sales if the guts of the Watch could be upgraded for a fee. If that's possible, and if that's Apple's intent, they should be making a big deal out of it. I think people would be much more likely to drop $600 on a steel watch if they knew that in two years they could upgrade the guts for $200 or $300. At least, I sure would. [/quote]Since when are Apple products upgradable? I can confirm with you now: never. Apple want to sell more Watches in the future. It's dumb business move to make watches upgradable. Biggest margin comes from the case. Why would they want to sell only the gut to you? SS is $200 more than aluminum: BOM - $5, profit - $195.