Battery health on Apple Refurbished watches

[Snide]

With the lackluster series 8 Apple Watch update, I am tempted by the refurbished Series 7 SS Graphite for $509 (41mm). Does Apple install new batteries in watches as they do for refurbished iPhones? if not, can anyone advise what battery health I might expect?

 

[DMG35]

It will have a brand new battery and be at 100% health.

 

[Snide]

It will have a brand new battery and be at 100% health.

Thanks! Another question: Can Applecare (2year) be purchased for refurbished? I ask because it wasn’t available for an out of warranty replacement series 5 SS - and I learned the sad news after the fact! 😱

 

[Smoovejayy]

Yes you can still purchase AppleCare for refurbished devices.

 

[Smoovejayy]

I purchased a refurbished SS silver s7 after the Watch announcement and I get the option to purchase AC. I’m not buying it though.

 

[DMG35]

Thanks! Another question: Can Applecare (2year) be purchased for refurbished? I ask because it wasn’t available for an out of warranty replacement series 5 SS - and I learned the sad news after the fact! 😱

Yes you can. When you buy something from the Apple Refurbished store it is like buying a brand new device. It will have no scratches or marks on it and the only discernable difference will be the box it comes in will say "Apple Refurbished." It's a great way to save some money and the watch is treated as a brand new watch by Apple that has all the same benefits. Your watch will have the standard 1 year warranty with option of purchasing AppleCare.

 

[Saturn007]

It will have a brand new battery and be at 100% health.

Unless something's changed in the last 5 minutes, that's simply NOT true!

Apple only replaces the shell and battery on iOS devices. It offers no such guarantee for other products.

With the Watch, it's this something of a crapshoot. Likely to be fine, but no guarantees. People have gotten “like-new” watches, but also gotten them with minor scratches or dings and battery <<100%.

Here's Apple's official blurb on this:

”Here’s what you get.

You will receive a refurbished device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.​

Refurbished iOS devices will come with new battery and outer shell. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems.​

All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and will be sent to you with free shipping and returns.”​

Why Refurbished

Save up to 15% and get a one-year warranty with the Apple Refurbished purchasing program. Read more on the Apple Refurbished promise.

www.apple.com

As you can see, replacement batteries and cases are only mentioned for iOS devices.

Now, they do give you the standard 14-day return window, 1-year Apple Care, and the Apple Care+ option, so you are nicely covered that way.

Personally, I think you'd be better off buying NEW from a reputable 3rd party reseller, where you'd likely have a longer return period, would have the 1-year AC, and could also still add Apple Care+!

There's another major consideration.

When you buy NEW from Apple, you can customize the watch, picking the type of band you want. Otherwise, with Apple refurb or 3rd party, you are “stuck” with the default bands.

Some people have had irritations or allergic reactions to those bands, and are bothered by the metal button.

If you, therefore, wanted the well-regarded Apple sport loop band instead, it would cost you an extra $50 with the refurbished or 3rd party.

At that point, it's only something like $85 more to get the brand new Watch 8 instead of the 7.

Don't forget you'll also need a USB-C power adapter, if you don't have one! That's another $19.

With all that, we're leaning strongly towards the 8 rather than the 7!

 

[DMG35]

Unless something's changed in the last 5 minutes, that's simply NOT true!

Apple only replaces the shell and battery on iOS devices. It offers no such guarantee for other products.

With the Watch, it's this something of a crapshoot. Likely to be fine, but no guarantees. People have gotten “like-new” watches, but also gotten them with minor scratches or dings and battery <<100%.

Here's Apple's official blurb on this:

”Here’s what you get.

You will receive a refurbished device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.​

Refurbished iOS devices will come with new battery and outer shell. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems.​

All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and will be sent to you with free shipping and returns.”​

Why Refurbished

Save up to 15% and get a one-year warranty with the Apple Refurbished purchasing program. Read more on the Apple Refurbished promise.

www.apple.com

As you can see, replacement batteries and cases are only mentioned for iOS devices.

Now, they do give you the standard 14-day return window, 1-year Apple Care, and the Apple Care+ option, so you are nicely covered that way.

Personally, I think you'd be better off buying NEW from a reputable 3rd party reseller, where you'd likely have a longer return period, would have the 1-year AC, and could also still add Apple Care+!

There's another major consideration.

When you buy NEW from Apple, you can customize the watch, picking the type of band you want. Otherwise, with Apple refurb or 3rd party, you are “stuck” with the default bands.

Some people have had irritations or allergic reactions to those bands, and are bothered by the metal button.

If you, therefore, wanted the well-regarded Apple sport loop band instead, it would cost you an extra $50 with the refurbished or 3rd party.

At that point, it's only something like $85 more to get the brand new Watch 8 instead of the 7.

Don't forget you'll also need a USB-C power adapter, if you don't have one! That's another $19.

With all that, we're leaning strongly towards the 8 rather than the 7!

I'm sorry but you're wrong. It will have a new battery in it just like all MacBooks recieve new batteries in them. I've purchased multiple items from the refurbished store including 4 watches over time and all of them have had a brand new battery in them. They have also all been perfect and free from scratches.

I'm sure one passes through now and then that has a scratch on it but its definitely not the norm.

As far as the bands are concerned, whatever, people can buy the watch with a band and then pick up another Apple Band or a 3rd party band for consideration.

Also, easy on the bold typing. You aren't getting your point across any more meaningful than with regular font.

 

[deeddawg]

Don't forget you'll also need a USB-C power adapter, if you don't have one! That's another $19.

With all that, we're leaning strongly towards the 8 rather than the 7!

That's not a deciding factor for S7 vs S8 since neither come with a power adapter.

If you still don't have USBC power sources, note that you can just buy a USBC to USBA adapter. $8 bucks gets you two of them, though you won't get Fast Charging. (As someone who charges my watch overnight on my nightstand I have no need for FC, though others might)

 

[Snide]

FWIW, heres a screenshot from my refurbished S7:

 

[Saturn007]

“I'm sorry but you're wrong. It will have a new battery in it just like all MacBooks recieve [sic] new batteries in them...” (emphases added)

1. Nice try, but I was simply quoting Apple's policy.

There is nothing in it that states a refurbished Watch — or a refurbished Mac — comes with a NEW battery. Glad that your watches have, but that doesn't prove it's universally true.​

Indeed, if that were Apple's policy, they'd state it!​

2. We shouldn't mislead prospective buyers by categorically declaring they'll receive a brand new battery in their refurb.

There's already enough confusion and misinformation as it is— see, e.g., https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-refurb-new-case-and-battery.2359167/​

3. The band issue remains an important factor, too, in this decision (whether going Apple refurb or 3rd party new on the 7).

For those with sensitive skin, or metal allergies, they'll likely face an extra cost. If they want a genuine Apple band, that makes the cost advantage of a refurb about 40% less — and any “deal” that much less less attractive. For me, it's worth spending only $85 more to get a brand new watch from the latest series!​

4. By the way, I'll bold a sentence whenever I feel it's necessary to draw attention to a key statement.

Far too many people skim comments and miss key points. Glad you're not one of them! 😎​

——————————

P.S. On the plus side, it's worth noting that buyers can return refurbs if they're dissatisfied.

Still, that takes time, is a hassle for some, and a concern for others.​

Will the item make it back? Will it get back safely, without damage?​

Some people do not want to go through that…

 

[DMG35]

1. Nice try, but I was simply quoting Apple's policy.

There is nothing in it that states a refurbished Watch — or a refurbished Mac — comes with a NEW battery. Glad that your watches have, but that doesn't prove it's universally true.​

Indeed, if that were Apple's policy, they'd state it!​

2. We shouldn't mislead prospective buyers by categorically declaring they'll receive a brand new battery in their refurb.

There's already enough confusion and misinformation as it is— see, e.g., https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-refurb-new-case-and-battery.2359167/​

3. The band issue remains an important factor, too, in this decision (whether going Apple refurb or 3rd party new on the 7).

For those with sensitive skin, or metal allergies, they'll likely face an extra cost. If they want a genuine Apple band, that makes the cost advantage of a refurb about 40% less — and any “deal” that much less less attractive. For me, it's worth spending only $85 more to get a brand new watch from the latest series!​

4. By the way, I'll bold a sentence whenever I feel it's necessary to draw attention to a key statement.

Far too many people skim comments and miss key points. Glad you're not one of them! 😎​

——————————

P.S. On the plus side, it's worth noting that buyers can return refurbs if they're dissatisfied.

Still, that takes time, is a hassle for some, and a concern for others.​

Will the item make it back? Will it get back safely, without damage?​

Some people do not want to go through that…

Again, wrong. And since you like to use bold:

1. All refurbs come with new batteries in them. All of them. This is fact. Its not up for interpretation. It is 100% fact. I'm sorry you think you know, but you don't. Buying a refurb is just like buying new. It comes with the same warranty AND a brand new battery.

2. AGAIN, WRONG

3. The band issue isn't an issue for the majority of people. You can always buy a band for much much less 3rd party, but again, you are making it a massive issue.

4. Bold is great!! I hope it enhances your reading here of what I've written!!

5. Buying new comes with the exact same return as refurb. With both refurb and new you can return in store or ship back so there is no advantage to either way.

So, in summary, you don't have any idea how the refurbished store works with Apple. Its a brand new watch that has been completely restored to look and function as new. Period, the end, done. You can go on and on about how its not like that, but you are dead wrong.

 

[Snide]

For me, it's worth spending only $85 more to get a brand new watch from the latest series

Huh? The 41mm Series 8 Stainless Steel Apple Watch with Sport Band is selling for $699. The 41mm Series 7 Refurb is selling for $509. If my math is correct I saved $190 by passing on the ho-hum update of the series 8 (same CPU, same battery life, etc). I won’t be ovulating in this lifetime and I’ll take my chances living dangerously without Crash Protection. 😄

 

[doolar]

My S5 replacement from the battery service came with 100% battery status, and was 80% charged when I unboxed it, meaning it's not been on a shelf for three years. Watch looks brand new, can't find a single hint of it being used.

 

[DMG35]

My S5 replacement from the battery service came with 100% battery status, and was 80% charged when I unboxed it, meaning it's not been on a shelf for three years. Watch looks brand new, can't find a single hint of it being used.

They all come with new batteries. That poster has ZERO idea what they are talking about.

 

[MrMister111]

I asked on Apple Store chat (UK). They said all refurb watches get a new battery and a new case if deemed necessary.

Just got a refurb S7 Nike as the S8 wasn’t much more of an update and in UK they’ve increased the price on S8 (from what S7 was) by £50.

Battery health was 100%, case was immaculate, the band came in separate box and looked brand new off the shelf.

 

[parseckadet]

I asked on Apple Store chat (UK). They said all refurb watches get a new battery and a new case if deemed necessary.

Just got a refurb S7 Nike as the S8 wasn’t much more of an update and in UK they’ve increased the price on S8 (from what S7 was) by £50.

Battery health was 100%, case was immaculate, the band came in separate box and looked brand new off the shelf.

The band being in a separate box is a key point. Often Apple stores will let you exchange the band for something else. Haven't tried it with a refurb though.

 

[MrMister111]

The band being in a separate box is a key point. Often Apple stores will let you exchange the band for something else. Haven't tried it with a refurb though.

Didn’t realise you could. I like the band anyway tbh so will keep it. The refurb was £110 less than equivalent S8, I wouldn’t mind paying if I could see differences but I can’t as others have mentioned for me personally.

Very poor upgrade this year in my opinion, must be another year until redesign maybe.

 

[deeddawg]

I asked on Apple Store chat (UK). They said all refurb watches get a new battery and a new case if deemed necessary.

... and that right there would explain the dichotomy of users experiences and Apple's website claim.

Since they don't replace battery and/or case if they're already good (such an unsold S7) they can't advertise that they always replace the battery and case. Yet buyers of Apple refurbs seem to always get indistinguishable-from-new devices.

Best of both worlds.

 

[MrMister111]

... and that right there would explain the dichotomy of users experiences and Apple's website claim.

Since they don't replace battery and/or case if they're already good (such an unsold S7) they can't advertise that they always replace the battery and case. Yet buyers of Apple refurbs seem to always get indistinguishable-from-new devices.

Best of both worlds.

They always replace the battery, only replace case if deemed necessary.

 

[deeddawg]

I asked on Apple Store chat (UK). They said all refurb watches get a new battery and a new case if deemed necessary.

They always replace the battery, only replace case if deemed necessary.

Thanks for the clarification. A comma after "battery" in the first sentence would've make the differentiation more clear. As written, it conveys the idea that both battery and case get replaced if deemed necessary.

Don't suppose you asked them why their website only references iOS devices as always getting a new battery? It'd save folks a whole lot of confusion.

 

[MrMister111]

Thanks for the clarification. A comma after "battery" in the first sentence would've make the differentiation more clear. As written, it conveys the idea that both battery and case get replaced if deemed necessary.

Don't suppose you asked them why their website only references iOS devices as always getting a new battery? It'd save folks a whole lot of confusion.

I thought it was clear, comma or not, as others have mentioned as well.

Don't suppose you asked them why their website only references iOS devices as always getting a new battery? It'd save folks a whole lot of confusion.

I did ask, and they weren’t sure, just said to feedback to Apple as they don’t do the website.

 

[caligurl]

"All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and will be sent to you with free shipping and returns."

does this box look the same as what the brand new watches come in?

 

[Night Spring]

"All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and will be sent to you with free shipping and returns."

does this box look the same as what the brand new watches come in?

No, it's a white box, with no markings. I haven't had experience getting watch refurbs, but when we got refurb phones from Apple, my recollection is that the boxes they came in were a lot simpler than the for-sale boxes that new phones come in.

 

[caligurl]

No, it's a white box, with no markings. I haven't had experience getting watch refurbs, but when we got refurb phones from Apple, my recollection is that the boxes they came in were a lot simpler than the for-sale boxes that new phones come in.

so if my box is just like the retail box... then i most likely got a brand new one (as in overstock that didn't sell... so they are selling in the refurb store?)

band is separate.... watch box has the pic of the pretty graphite SS on it... and the wrapping cardboard has the pics of all the pretty watches...

AND the watch was completly dead! which freaked me out because i've always received my new watches with some charge!