I’ve had an Apple Watch 2 for 18 months and Force Touch does not work, and the battery barely makes it through the day. Is this a common problem for Apple Watch? Is the hardware substandard? I ask because I wonder if it’s worth replacing
I don’t think expectations are low in the way you suggest. We have many users who are still using much older devices without major issues - and also some who get problems within a few weeks of buying a new device.
As far as your battery life goes, Apple rates the watch batteries for something like 80% capacity remaining after 500 charge cycles, and that is governed more by the chemistry of the cells than any warranty consideration. It depends how you have used and charged your watch but at 18 months old that is around 500 days so your battery could be approaching the point where Apple’s judgement would be that the battery is at the end of its service life. At that point it becomes a matter for your decision whether the cost of repair is economic, or is complete replacement a better choice.
I did take it into Apple and they also advised "retiring" the watch and buy a new one. But are expectations so low that we only think a device should last 18 months? Basically long enough to see the warranty expire and to eke into the next product cycle.
The hardware is not “substandard” if you are only noticing problems after 18 months! Contact Apple Support And arrange to have your watch examined by Apple. They will report and quote for any repairs needed then you can decide whether to go ahead or retire the watch and wait for the next model (rumored to be due to announce sooon).
Apple Watch Force Touch problems
