Financial sense of upgrading to aw7 from aw3?

[beachbum45]

Here’s my thought process:
I will be upgrading my aw 3 lte (bought at launch and still perfectly functional) either this year or next, and I figured I might as well trade it in when I buy a new one. The current rate through Apple is $70 this year and will probably be about $25 next year. To me, this means I’m paying about $50 to use my current watch for another year in order to set myself up for the ‘next best thing’ a year from now with aw8.
I try to be a somewhat fiscally responsible Apple enthusiast, so I resist the urge to upgrade every cycle, but I do use all of my devices daily and generally upgrade after a few (eg iPhone 6->X->12).
Does anyone else look at upgrading like this, or am I just trying to justify something I want but don’t need?

 

[bricktop_at]

You’re taking the fun out of it… ;-)
My approach: If you want it, get it ^^

 

[axantas]

Does anyone else look at upgrading like this, or am I just trying to justify something I want but don’t need?

You know - sometimes you just should do something, because you would like to do it. You do it and enjoy it without continously thinking about possibly doing and enjoying it. This is, what I would do.
Furthermore: It is not about a new car and the value of the old car. And you are quite some generations behind. Do it, you WILL love it. 😉

 

[beachbum45]

You know - sometimes you just should do something, because you would like to do it. You do it and enjoy it without continously thinking about possibly doing and enjoying it. This is, what I would do.
Furthermore: It is not about a new car and the value of the old car. And you are quite some generations behind. Do it, you WILL love it. 😉

I appreciate this advice - thanks for the input!

 

[w00tini]

i also have a series 3. no brained to update. go for it.

 

[CaptMarvel]

Sometimes you have to weigh the pros and cons, but fiscally in this matter, it still depreciates yearly, so why not capitalize on the value that’s left? Sure you will pay, but think about your move forward/upgrades. In time it will pay for itself.

Indulge.

 

[cardfan]

Just wait another year. Or try to find a firesale on S6 if SS is what you prefer. You think the S3 is perfectly functional why not get another year out of it? Unless you really lust after heart monitor there’s not much besides bigger screen and speed. All I use one for is notifications and turn off the health stuff as well as maps.

I’ll only upgrade watch if some compelling feature hits (not likely) or battery life goes to crap in old watch (more likely). S4 SS is what I have. I don’t exactly lust after watches every year. Just doesn’t have the lure of a new iPhone for me. But even there I passed on iPhone 13 but still had to buy and return.

 

[Tikatika]

If I had any financial sense about Apple stuff, I would still be using my original release Apple Watch. It still works. We all have our passions…everything Apple for two decades has been one of mine. Makes me happy…I’ll be 84 next week and closing my rings every day brings great smiles to my face. Let us know how you love your new watch 😃

 

[Kierkegaarden]

This is the way I look at it:

If you upgrade every year, it amounts to about $1 per day. If you are getting more than $1 of value from it per day, then it is a good investment.

For the Apple Watch, since it does have documented beneficial health features, it is worth it regardless of cost.

For the iPhone or iPad, it is worth upgrading for me because it is a small price to pay for increased device efficiency and features that could lead to greater productivity and creativity.

 

[SisterBlue22]

You’re taking the fun out of it… ;-)
My approach: If you want it, get it ^^

100% agree with this. If you want it, and you can afford it, get it and enjoy it. There's no magic number that makes something "justified", and you don't have to convince anyone but yourself.