Can an Apple Watch Last For 10 Years

 

Introduction

Can an Apple Watch really last for 10 years?

Technically, yes — some people are still using the original Apple Watch from 2015 (“Series 0”), which makes it almost a decade old. Apple builds its devices with excellent durability, high-quality materials, and reliable components, so it’s absolutely possible for the hardware to keep running for a long time.

However, lasting and remaining usable are two very different things.

While an Apple Watch may still power on after 10 years, its software support, battery health, and compatibility with modern iPhones determine whether it’s practical for everyday use. With the release of watchOS 26 this year, Apple has officially dropped support for all Apple Watch models released in 2020 or earlier — except the Apple Watch Series 6. That gives most models about 5 to 6 years of real software support, not a full decade.

So yes, an Apple Watch can last 10 years physically… but in terms of usability, performance, and security? The realistic lifespan is much shorter.

 

What “Lasting 10 Years” Really Means

When discussing whether an Apple Watch can “last” for 10 years, it’s important to define what “lasting” means. There are three types of lifespan to consider:

 

1. Hardware Lifespan

Apple Watch hardware is robust. The aluminum and stainless-steel bodies, sapphire or Ion-X glass, and Apple’s S-series chips are built to survive years of daily use. From a purely physical standpoint, an Apple Watch can absolutely survive close to a decade.

 

2. Software Support Lifespan

This is where reality kicks in.

With watchOS 26 dropping support for almost all pre-2021 models, Apple has signaled that Apple Watch software support now averages 5–6 years. After that, the watch:

• Stops receiving watchOS updates
• Loses major features
• Misses new health and safety capabilities
• Stops receiving security patches
• Eventually loses compatibility with new iPhones

In other words, the hardware may still work, but the experience quickly becomes outdated.

 

3. Battery Lifespan

Apple Watch batteries are tiny lithium-ion cells. Over time, they naturally degrade. Most watches begin to show noticeable battery decline after 3–5 years, and by year 7–10, they often require replacement to remain usable.

 

Apple Watch Software Support Cycle

The true lifespan of an Apple Watch has less to do with hardware durability and more to do with how long Apple continues supporting it with watchOS updates. This matters because software updates determine:

• New health and fitness features
• Safety functionality (Crash Detection, Fall Detection, etc.)
• App compatibility
• Bug fixes and performance improvements
• Long-term security

With the release of watchOS 26, Apple made it clear that the modern Apple Watch support window is approximately 5–6 years.

 

watchOS 26 Supports Only the Following Models:

• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• Apple Watch Series 10
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

This means all models released in 2020 or earlier — except Series 6 — are now excluded.

In practice, software support is what limits how long an Apple Watch remains truly usable. Even if the hardware works perfectly for 10 years, losing updates leads to:

• App developers dropping support
• Missing key medical and safety features
• Reduced performance
• Security risks
• Lack of compatibility with new iPhones

For most users, this is the point where the watch no longer meets modern needs — even if it still turns on.

 

Battery Life Over a Decade

Even if an Apple Watch’s hardware lasts 10 years, its battery won’t. Apple Watch batteries are small lithium-ion cells that naturally lose capacity with age. Unlike iPhones or MacBooks, the battery inside an Apple Watch endures constant daily wear because it:

• Charges almost every day
• Runs health sensors continuously
• Powers the display dozens or hundreds of times per hour
• Operates on a tiny battery with limited chemical reserve

 

Typical Apple Watch Battery Degradation Timeline

 

After 2–3 years

• 85–90% battery health
• Noticeable drop in all-day battery life
• May struggle to last a full day with heavy workouts, GPS, or Always-On Display

 

After 4–5 years

• 75–85% battery health
• Requires charging more frequently
• May shut down unexpectedly at low percentages
• Workout tracking drains the battery quickly

 

After 6–7 years

• 60–75% battery health
• Often cannot last a full day
• Performance throttling becomes more noticeable

 

After 8–10 years

• Usually requires a battery replacement
• Otherwise, the watch may be nearly unusable

 

Battery Replacement Is Possible — But Not Always Worth It

Apple does offer battery replacements for older watches, but:

• Cost is relatively high versus the watch’s value
• Older watches may not support watchOS updates
• Other components (digitizer, sensors) may be aging too

For very old models like Series 0–3, replacing the battery often costs more than purchasing a Certified Used or Refurbished newer model.

 

Hardware Lifespan (Screens, Sensors, and Chips)

When it comes to physical durability, Apple Watches are built extremely well. Even older models like the Series 0 or Series 3 can still power on nearly a decade later. Apple uses high-quality materials — including aluminum, stainless steel, sapphire crystal, and rugged internal components — that help the hardware last far longer than the software.

 

Displays and Glass

• Aluminum models use Ion-X glass, which is durable but more prone to scratches.
• Stainless steel and titanium models use sapphire crystal, which is highly scratch-resistant and can easily last 10 years.

Unless the watch suffers a hard impact, the display itself rarely fails with age.

 

Sensors

Apple’s health sensors are designed to remain accurate over time, but older generations lack newer hardware such as:

• Improved optical heart rate sensors
• ECG sensors
• Blood oxygen sensors
• Wrist temperature sensors

Older sensors still function, but they cannot match the precision or capabilities of newer models.

 

Chips and Performance

Apple Watch chips (S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, etc.) continue working physically even after many years — but software demands increase annually.

This leads to:

• Slower app loading
• More frequent lag
• Reduced responsiveness
• Inability to run modern watchOS versions

So the hardware may survive a decade, although it won’t feel modern or fast after 6–7 years.

 

Can You REALISTICALLY Use an Apple Watch for 10 Years?

So… can an Apple Watch actually last a full decade?

 

Physically — Yes.

The hardware is durable, reliable, and often still functioning long after 8–10 years.

 

Functionally — Not Really.

While the watch may still turn on, the everyday user experience will be severely limited long before the 10-year mark due to:

• Loss of watchOS support
• Security vulnerabilities
• Apps no longer updating
• Poor battery life
Slow or laggy performance
• Incompatibility with newer iPhones

 

Realistic: ⭐ 5–6 years of full support

(+1–2 years if you're okay with reduced performance)

After that point, the watch becomes:

• Slow
• Limited
• Less secure
• Missing new Apple features
• Potentially incompatible with the latest iPhone

This is why most users upgrade long before the 10-year mark — not because the watch is broken, but because the experience no longer meets modern expectations.

 

Best Apple Watch Models for Long Lifespan

If your goal is to buy an Apple Watch that will last as long as possible — ideally 5 to 7 years of real usability — then you should choose a model that supports watchOS 26, the newest version available in 2025.

These models offer the best balance of performance, battery efficiency, and long-term software support:

 

✅ Apple Watch Series 7 (Starting at $130+)

• Supports watchOS 26
• Excellent value in the Certified Used / Refurbished market
• Big display upgrade, fast charging

 

✅ Apple Watch Series 8 (Starting at $170+)

• Improved sensors, strong performance
• Best mix of price and longevity
• Supports watchOS 26 with room to grow

 

✅ Apple Watch Series 9 (Starting at $220+)

• Fastest chip in the non-Ultra lineup
• Most future-proof before jumping to Series 10
• Excellent battery and long-term support

 

⭐ Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Starting at $600+)

• Rugged titanium build
• Larger battery
• Longer runway for watchOS support
• Ideal for users who want maximum durability

All of these models are excellent choices when purchased Certified Used or Refurbished because:

• They support the latest watchOS 26
• They will receive multiple years of additional updates
• They offer better longevity than older models like the Series 4, 5, or SE (1st Gen)

 

Conclusion — So, Can an Apple Watch Last 10 Years?

An Apple Watch can technically last 10 years physically — Apple’s hardware is durable, and older models can still power on a decade later. But in real-world everyday use, the limiting factors are software support, battery life, and performance.

With watchOS 26 dropping support for nearly all models released in 2020 or earlier (except Series 6), it’s clear that the true usable lifespan is about 5–6 years, not a full decade.

If you want an Apple Watch that will stay fast, secure, and compatible for years to come, choose a model that supports watchOS 26 today:

• Certified Used / Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 (Starting at $130+)
• Certified Used / Refurbished Apple Watch Series 8 (Starting at $170+)
• Certified Used / Refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 (Starting at $220+)
• Certified Used / Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Starting at $600+)

These models offer the longest runway, especially when purchased Certified Used or Refurbished at a great price.

 

 

---

---

 

FAQ — Can an Apple Watch Really Last 10 Years?

 

1. Can an Apple Watch physically last 10 years?

Yes. Apple uses high-quality materials like aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and sapphire crystal. Many early models from 2015–2017 still power on today. Physically, they can survive close to a decade.

 

2. How many years will an Apple Watch last?

Most Apple Watches last 5–6 years with full software support. After that, you can usually get another 1–2 years of reduced usability before performance and compatibility become major issues.

 

3. How long does an Apple Watch realistically stay usable?

In real everyday use, the practical lifespan is 5–6 years before missing features, slowing performance, and battery wear begin to impact usability.

 

4. How long does Apple support each Apple Watch with watchOS updates?

Apple typically provides 5–6 years of watchOS updates. With watchOS 26 no longer supporting most models from 2020 or earlier (except Series 6), this support window is consistent.

 

5. Do Apple Watch batteries last 10 years?

No. Apple Watch batteries significantly degrade after 3–5 years, and most watches require battery service or replacement by years 7–10.

 

6. Can you replace an Apple Watch battery?

Yes. Apple offers battery replacements, but for older models (Series 0–3), the cost often exceeds the value of the watch compared to buying a Certified Used or Refurbished newer model.

 

7. What are signs my Apple Watch needs replacing?

Common signs include:

• Struggling to last a full day on a charge
• Noticeable lag or slow app performance
• Incompatibility with the latest iPhone
• Apps crashing or no longer updating
• Missing new health and safety features
• Loss of watchOS updates (e.g., not supported by watchOS 26)

 

8. How often should you replace your Apple Watch?

You may replace your Apple Watch every 3–4 years if you want a newer model, but you can also wait 5–6 years to save money, based on the maximum Apple Watch support lifetime. On top of that, buying Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watches will save you more.

 

9. How do you tell when you need a new Apple Watch?

You likely need a new Apple Watch when you experience:

• Rapid battery drain
• Sluggish performance
• Features no longer working reliably
• Incompatibility with new iPhone models
• Apps refusing to install or update
• Not supported by the latest watchOS (e.g., watchOS 26)

 

10. Which Apple Watch lasts the longest?

Models that support watchOS 26 will last the longest going forward:

• Apple Watch Series 6 and after
• Apple Watch SE 2 and after
• Apple Watch Ultra and after

 

11. Is it worth buying a Refurbished Apple Watch?

Absolutely. Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watches offer excellent value — especially recent models like Series 7, 8, and 9 that still support watchOS 26.

 

12. Will older Apple Watches stop working without new watchOS updates?

They won’t stop powering on, but they will gradually lose:

• App compatibility
• Performance reliability
• Security updates
• Support for new iPhones
• Access to newer features

This is when most users decide to upgrade.

 

13. Which Apple Watch should I buy for the longest lifespan?

Choose a model that supports watchOS 26. We recommend the following based on their prices and performance:

• Series 7
• Series 8
• Series 9
• Ultra 2

These provide the best combination of performance, features, and long-term software support.