Why am I having problems getting my Apple Watch battery repaired/replaced in a timely manner

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Level 1

19 points

Why am I having problems getting my Apple Watch battery repaired/replaced in a timely manner

Very frustrating. My Apple Watch Series 7 did not hold a charge for long. The watch said battery needs to be serviced so I brought it into the Apple Store, they ran diagnostics and said it needs to be repaired. I had Apple Care + and I gave them my watch on Monday and they said it would be ready the next week Monday and they would call me when to pick it up. The next day I got a text that they received the watch at 6am, at 8am I got a text saying repair was done and they said they will replace the watch and I should receive it soon. I was elated figured I would get it by Thursday or Friday. To avoid mail issues I choose that they should return it to the Apple Store and I would pick it up. Heard nothing after that. Monday comes status still says “Replacment product pending”. Called up support, they said all is good and I should wait a few more days. I was not satisfies and call was bumped up to another representative who said they don’t have the exact watch yet. I told them this is rediculus and I said I don’t care if they send me a watch of different color or if need be give me a later model since they could not tell me when I can expect it. They said call in two days if I don’t hear from them and they will escalate it. I said, escalate it now! They said I must wait the 2 days before they can escalate it. Notice, they did not say expect it in 2 days only that they will escalate😢

Apple Watch Series 7

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 5:30 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Voidy_yy

Level 1

38 points

Nov 17, 2025 6:07 PM in response to MartyMDP

Hey there,

Delays like this usually happen when Apple is temporarily out of the exact replacement model needed for your Apple Watch. Even if diagnostics finish quickly, the repair can’t complete until the correct replacement unit is back in stock. Here are a few things to know that may help clarify what’s going on:

1. Replacement delays often come from parts availability

If Apple doesn’t have the same model, size, or finish available, the repair status will stay on “Replacement product pending.” This is normal until inventory is restocked. You can read more about Apple’s repair process here: Apple Repair and Repair Status Check - Official Apple Support

2. Store pickup can add extra time

Because you asked for the replacement to be returned to your Apple Store, the device has to move through one extra step before it’s released to you. Direct shipping is usually faster, but store pickup does work, it just may take longer.

3. Apple Support cannot escalate instantly

Apple typically waits for the standard repair window to pass before escalating a case. That’s why they asked you to call back in two days. This aligns with their normal repair and service timelines. You can check your coverage or service options here: Find information about your warranty or AppleCare plan - Apple Support

If the status still hasn’t changed after the escalation window, calling Apple Support again is the right next step, and they can push the case further.

Best Regards.

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Answer 2

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Nov 18, 2025 2:53 AM in response to MartyMDP

I had to get the battery replaced on my old Apple Watch Series 5 three years ago and it was also covered by Apple Care+, which included Express Replacement.

I called the Apple Support, they checked the watch online, placed a hold on my credit card for the price of the watch and after two days the new, refurbished Series 5 arrived. I had to ship the old one back, and after it arrived at the Apple Watch facility, Apple lifted the hold on my credit card again. Battery Replacement completed.

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Answer 3

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Nov 18, 2025 6:32 AM in response to MartyMDP

Did you check, if the Express Replacement service is included in your Apple Care + plan?

Maybe you should give them a call first and find out. This might differ from country to country.

AppleCare - Apple

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Answer 4

MartyMDP Author

Level 1

19 points

Nov 17, 2025 8:17 PM in response to Voidy_yy

It doesn’t help me know when I can expect to get a watch back. I use it to keep an eye on my heart rate, especially while I am sleeping, that is why I bought the watch. There are options that they can do. As I told the rep, I would accept a replacement of a different color or a later model. I had a similar issue in the past that was handled nicely, my iPad Pro’s battery showed a battery level that went under the 80% level. I brought it to the store for a battery replacement, they replaced the unit instead so while I brought in an iPad Pro 128gb they returned an iPad Pro 2nd generation with 256gb. I am accustomed to fantastic customer service from companies like Walmart and Amazon but this issue of a battery replacement on my watch is inexcusable.

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Answer 5

MartyMDP Author

Level 1

19 points

Nov 18, 2025 4:30 AM in response to Ingo2711

I wish they offered me that option. Would I be able to call support and ask that they do the same for me? I am concerned also since my wife’s watch also says that support is required sine the battery health is at 78% and don’t want that she goes through the nightmare that I am going through.

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Answer 6

MartyMDP Author

Level 1

19 points

Nov 18, 2025 6:06 AM in response to MartyMDP

Another question, if I can’t get satisfaction from Apple in that they cannot give me a drop dead date when I can expect my watch can I demand that they return my watch so I can replace the battery elsewhere or allow me to execute the express option that was mentioned? I don’t want to go weeks without a watch especially since my watch functioned perfectly except for the need to recharge it a few times a day.

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Answer 7

MartyMDP Author

Level 1

19 points

Nov 19, 2025 11:46 AM in response to MartyMDP

Now they tell me 7-10 “business” days after waiting a week already. Unacceptable😢 Especially when they are not repairing it but will send me another one.

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Answer 8

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Nov 19, 2025 12:41 PM in response to MartyMDP

7-10 Business days can add up to two or almost three weeks "normal" days, depending on when these items have been shipped.

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