Apple Watch 6s battery: Replace or buy new?

Several points:

(1) Check for "Apple Authorized Service Providers" somewhere near you. They can be found on Apple's web site under Service. Some of these independent shops will actually do the work in their shop (you can simply wait there for them to do it). Some will send it out, however, so check on that if you find one.

(2) I think there are three factors for you to consider:

• Is your current watch working well and meeting your needs?
• Do the newer watch models have features that you very much want to have?
• Is the cost worth it in light of your answers to the two questions above?

My bias is as follows: with Macs, iPhones, printers, routers .. we tend to keep these things as long as they are working well and are healthy. A new battery is not a major service item. I have a 2013 MacBook Air that was "revived" several years ago with a new battery. My wife's iPhone got a new battery several years ago. Both of these services were performed in less than one hour while I waited in person. So if you really like your current watch ... I would get the battery replaced. Unless money is not a constraint, in which case, why not get a newer model with new features and ... by the way ... the newer watches often have much better battery life and longevity.

Pro:

• Replacing the battery should only cost $99, which is 1/4 the cost of a new Watch. That should make it run another 2~ years.

Con:

• Apple guarantees software updates for a minimum of 5 years, so there is the risk that your Watch can be discontinued for updates now that it is 6 years old.

Neutral:

• Regarding pulse, the newer watches have Hypertension Notifications. For steps there is no major change. That should be the only significant change for the specifications you stated.

I hope that offers some insight to you, but this is a hard decision.

There may be other options for you:

• Mail in Apple Watch repair or replacement can take 10 business days. If you are ok being without your watch for that long, this might work for you.
• Also see this: Use Express Replacement Service for your Apple Watch - Apple Support Apparently, Apple mails you a replacement watch first (I am expecting this is a refurbished watch with the same or better capabilities of your original one). Then you send in your watch in the same box that they sent your replacement watch to you in. I'm not sure what the cost is for this but you could explore it further if you don't want to be without an Apple Watch for even one day. You end up with (I think) a refurbished watch that should be at least as good (or better) than what you have now. This might or might not appeal to you.
• Driving two hours and then waiting for an hour or two for the battery service and then returning might be ok if you can have an appointment for first thing in the morning service. But my employer allows for working remote once in a while (on a Mac laptop) but not sure if that works well for you.

Although I am a fan of taking care of and keeping Apple products working (we have a 2010 MacBook Air, 2013 MacBook Air, 2015 iMac, 2019 MacBook Pro, plus newer Silicon Macs) I personally would see this as a good excuse to get a new, state of the art Apple Watch! But if all the sports, deep sea diving, or health apps and capabilities aren't what you really want, keeping your old and trusted device working a few years more might be better suited to you. Up to you to decide!

Zachyy offered good information. May I emphasize this:

"Apple guarantees software updates for a minimum of 5 years, so there is the risk that your Watch can be discontinued for updates now that it is 6 years old."

I strongly suggest that if you can afford it, you do not spend good money on old technology that may not be supported and is not under any warranty. Get the new watch.

Mary buy new one 👌