Apple Silently Hikes Battery Replacement Cost For Certain Watch Models

Following a quiet reshuffling of its repair pricing, Apple Inc. AAPL has imposed a higher fee for out-of-warranty battery replacements for certain Apple Watch models.

What Happened: As detailed in a recent 9to5Mac report, Apple has raised the battery replacement price for its Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models from $79 to $99. This change was discovered by 9to5Mac readers after Tuesday’s event.

The cost revision does not affect the Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 3, which retain the $79 battery replacement fee. It’s also worth mentioning that the original Apple Watch, released in 2015, is beyond its repair eligibility.

Apple provides battery replacement services at its retail stores, authorized resellers, and online through a mail-in service. Apple Watch owners with AppleCare+ coverage may qualify for free battery repair if their maximum capacity exceeds 80%.

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This change is the latest in a series of price hikes for Apple’s battery services, following earlier increases for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac products.

Why It Matters: The price hike comes on the heels of Apple’s recent “Wonderlust” event, where the company unveiled its new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The new models boast significant speed and performance enhancements, including an S9 SiP (System in Package) for faster, more seamless performance.

The price increase also follows a direct comparison between the new Apple Watch Series 9 and its predecessor, the Series 8. The Apple Watch Series 9 updates are comparable to the Series 8 in terms of price, power, and performance, barring a few design changes and new color options.

However, the new battery replacement fee for the Series 4 and later models could potentially impact Apple Watch ownership’s perceived value and overall customer experience.

Image Credits – Apple

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