Resolved Series 5 44 mm watch with 86% battery. Will Apple replace battery before it drops to 80%?

[Audit13]

I was given a series 5 non-cellular Apple watch running the latest OS and want to give it to a non-techie relative to use for the next couple of years.

The battery is currently at 86% and the Apple site says the battery should be changed at 80%.

I'm wondering:

1) if Apple will change the battery even though it's at 86%; and

2) whether I should leave it until the watch reaches 80%.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Do you have AppleCare+?

Regardless, Apple won't replace it, and since it's all software, it may never show <80%. It's not a linear type of thing.

 

[macjoshua]

The only chance Apple would replace it is if you had AppleCare+, and even then, they won't unless it's under 80%. At this point, it's a 5 year old model that is well outside of normal warranty.

 

[jz0309]

No, needs to be below 80%, quite a few posts in this here, and experiences.
If you can get them to run a diagnostics and see what their too says, that might be helpful, or not

 

[Audit13]

Thanks for all of the replies. I was able to get Apple to replace a battery in an iPhone X at 85%. I wanted a new phone battery before they upped the price.

I'll give away the watch as-is and let them worry about it later.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Thanks for all of the replies. I was able to get Apple to replace a battery in an iPhone X at 85%. I wanted a new phone battery before they upped the price.

I'll give away the watch as-is and let them worry about it later.

When you get a battery replacement on a watch, they replace the watch with a new refurbished unit. This is the main reason they won't replace the battery unless it reads below 80% on Apples diagnostic equipment. It doesn't matter what reading the watch gives, it's Apples call.. iPhones are different because they replace the battery only and you get your phone back

 

[Audit13]

When you get a battery replacement on a watch, they replace the watch with a new refurbished unit. This is the main reason they won't replace the battery unless it reads below 80% on Apples diagnostic equipment. It doesn't matter what reading the watch gives, it's Apples call.. iPhones are different because they replace the battery only and you get your phone back

Oh wow, I didn't know this. Thank you so much! I will pass this news on to the new owner of the watch.