My wife’s Series 8 is experiencing significant battery drain on 26.0.2. Maximum capacity is 82%. I believe it’s probably due to the software, as I’ve seen there are multiple threads of complaints about battery life on this software, so I’m recommending that we wait until 26.1 is released to see if there is any improvement. If there isn’t, we’ve considered a couple of options: trade it in for a new watch, or look at having the battery replaced. I think that for a warranty replacement, Apple specifies below 80% capacity, but there no longer is any AppleCare active for this watch, so we would be paying whatever the cost is. If we are going to pay for it, does the capacity still have to be below 80% before they will replace it?
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How Low Does Battery Capacity Have To Be Before The Battery Can Be Replaced? (Not under warranty)
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Apple requires the battery health to be under 80% regardless if it's under warranty or not. It makes no difference if you're willing to pay for it. If you meet that standard, you'll receive a "like new" replacement device as Apple doesn't replace the batteries or parts in watches. From my experience, devices with serviceable batteries that can be replaced in-store, have the option to have the battery replaced regardless of capacity if you're willing to pay for it. Since they give you a completely refurbished watch, they aren't willing to do it unless it's under 80%..
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^^This.
Basically needs to be at 79% and at that time will display a "battery needs service" message.
My S7 took like 8 months to go from 83 to that 79%
Basically needs to be at 79% and at that time will display a "battery needs service" message.
My S7 took like 8 months to go from 83 to that 79%
And if it or depot reports other issues with the device, looking at a repair cost almost as much as a new Watch. If so, then wait to see if any Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales pop-up. Or if can wait even longer, wait until the inevitable sale prices at/on Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, etal happen (got my 10 at $100 off via Amazon w/discounted AppleCare).
But otherwise +1 all the "not until under 80%" comments.
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Right now we’ll wait to see if 26.1 improves anything. I checked and we could get $100 on a trade-in with Apple as she may well prefer a new one. If not, I’ll start the support/repair process and see where that takes us. For me, personally, with a watch 3 generations back I think I’d lean toward a new one. I do think it’s unfortunate that these updates really trash some of the older models. We both went through this years before and just decided to replace both of them.
Rebooting both watch and phone might help with the battery drain, yes, it's seen after updates. I will say that my U2 is pretty much the same with 26...
26.1 should be out early next week, give it a try for a week or so and see if it improves ...
You can contact Apple support via phone/chat, they can run the diagnostic remotely, no need to go into store...