Are Apple Watch Repairs Worth It? A Cost-Benefit Analysis

The Price of Repairing an Apple Watch

Apple Watch repairs can be surprisingly expensive, often rivaling the cost of purchasing a new device. For example, repairing the screen of an Apple Watch Ultra without AppleCare coverage can cost up to $499, while the same repair for an Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) is priced at $229. These high costs raise the question: Is it worth fixing your Apple Watch, or should you consider buying a new one?

AppleCare and Warranty Coverage

If your Apple Watch is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare , repair costs are significantly reduced. With AppleCare , most repairs, including screen replacements, cost only $69 for standard models and $79 for Hermès and Edition models. This makes AppleCare a valuable investment for Apple Watch owners, especially considering the potential repair costs without coverage.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on Repair

When faced with a damaged Apple Watch, consider the following factors:

Age of your device
Extent of the damage
Cost of repair vs. cost of a new watch
Availability of AppleCare or warranty coverage
Sentimental value of your current watch

In some cases, such as with older models or extensive damage, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new Apple Watch rather than repairing the old one.

Alternative Options

If official Apple repairs seem too expensive, consider these alternatives:

Third-party repair services (though this may void your warranty)
Purchasing a refurbished Apple Watch
Using a damaged watch with a screen protector until you’re ready to upgrade
Checking if your credit card offers purchase protection that might cover the repair