By Scott Strandberg Updated 10 min read
Sell Apple Watch Series 6

Should You Sell Apple Watch Series 6? How to Know When to Upgrade to a New Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 6 made its debut in September 2020, building on the solid foundation of the Series 5 with some exciting new features. The Series 6’s big selling points included a blood oxygen monitor, faster processing speeds (thanks to the S6 SiP chip, which Apple states is 20% faster than the prior generation), a significantly brighter screen, and improved communications features.

If you’re still using an Apple Watch Series 6, you might be wondering if it’s time to upgrade. The Series 6 is now over five years old, and Apple has made significant advancements to its smartwatches since then - meaning you could be missing out on some valuable features. For example, the Series 7 alone introduced a 20% larger viewable area for the always-on screen, up to 70% improved indoor display brightness, and was the first Apple Watch to support fast charging.

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It’s important to know how to maximize the resale value of your Apple Watch Series 6, and also to understand what features you’d gain access to if you upgraded. ecoATM is currently offering up to $30 for an Apple Watch Series 6 in good condition, so if you’re thinking about making the switch, now is a good time to put that value toward a newer model.

Is it time to make the switch? Or will you hold onto your Series 6 for a while longer? Understanding where your device stands in today’s market can help you make the most informed decision possible.

All About the Apple Watch Series 6

Apple made several major updates to its smartwatch for its sixth generation. While the Series 5 saw limited upgrades compared to the Series 4 - including a magnetic compass and an always-on display - the Series 6 made some larger strides. Released in September 2020, here’s a brief breakdown of the features that debuted with the Apple Watch Series 6:

  • Blood Oxygen Monitor: The Series 6 was the first Apple Watch to include a sensor that measures blood oxygen saturation, a key addition to its suite of health and wellness features.
  • Faster Processor: Apple used its proprietary Apple Silicon technology to create the S6 chip for the Series 6. Thanks to the “Thunder” cores (first used in Apple’s A13 Bionic chip) used in this processor, the Series 6 offers up to 20% faster processing speeds than the Series 5.
  • Brighter Display: While the Apple Watch Series 5’s big upgrade was an always-on display, the Series 6 improved on this formula, boosting the always-on display brightness by a whopping 250%.
  • Ultra-Wideband Support: Apple added UWB tech to the Series 6 to allow for location and communication features with other nearby devices, like an iPhone or iPad.
  • 5 GHz Wi-Fi Capabilities: The Series 6 was the first to offer 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, whereas the Series 5 and its predecessors used the much slower 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.

Overall, the Series 6 was a popular smartwatch when it debuted, and there are still many of these models in use today. But which features would you enjoy if you upgraded from the Series 6 to a newer model? For example, the Series 7 introduced a 20% larger viewable area on the always-on screen, up to 70% improved indoor display brightness, and fast charging - a first for the Apple Watch lineup. Newer generations have continued to build on these improvements with additional health sensors, safety features, and performance upgrades. If you’re ready to move on from your Series 6, ecoATM is currently offering up to $30 for one in good condition - a simple way to put some money toward your next upgrade.

What Features Has Apple Added to the Latest Apple Watches?

The Series 6 is a capable device, but Apple has added some great new features to the models it has released in the years since its September 2020 debut. If any of these features are enticing to you, you might want to sell your Apple Watch Series 6 and upgrade to one of the following models.

Series 7: Bigger Displays and Fast Charging

The Apple Watch Series 7 debuted in 2021 and added the following features:

  • A 20% larger viewable area for the always-on screen, thanks to the Series 7’s thinner display frame.
  • Improved indoor display performance with brightness increases of up to 70%.
  • The Series 7 was the first Apple Watch to add fast charging, boosting charging speeds by about 35% and allowing users to charge batteries from 0% to 80% in 45 minutes.
  • Not only was the Series 7 the first Apple smartwatch with a dust resistance rating, but it also carries the highest possible consumer electronics dust resistance rating: IP6X, indicating a nearly dustproof device.
  • A crack-resistant front crystal to improve display durability and prevent cracked glass.
  • Apple Watch’s first-ever on-screen keyboard.

Series 8

First introduced in September 2022, the Series 8 made a few notable improvements to the Series 7, including:

  • Improved accelerometer performance to support Crash Detection features, previously only available on iPhones.
  • A temperature sensor that enabled users to monitor their body temperature.

Apple Watch Ultra

Apple’s first premium smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra, debuted alongside the Series 8 in 2022. Marketed toward endurance athletes and outdoors enthusiasts - and costing roughly twice as much as a Series 8 - the Ultra introduced several important new features:

  • A more robust titanium watch housing to improve device durability.
  • Display improvements making it easier to read in bright outdoor environments.
  • An improved water resistance rating compared to previous models.
  • Double the battery life of a Series 8, with 36 hours at full power and 60 hours in Low Power Mode.
  • Dual-frequency GPS, providing more accurate location services in dense urban areas and forested or mountainous outdoor regions.
  • A customizable Action button giving users the ability to quickly access various features and functions.

Series 9

Introduced at the September 2023 Apple Event, the Series 9 brought three standout upgrades over the Series 8:

  • A new System in Package (SiP) chip offering more efficient and powerful processing.
  • The new Double Tap gesture, which made the display more functional and reduced how often users needed to reach for their iPhones.
  • Improved connectivity between the Series 9 and other Apple devices, like iPhones and iPads.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Also released in 2023, the Ultra 2 refined Apple’s premium smartwatch lineup with a few meaningful upgrades:

  • An increase from 32 GB of storage to 64 GB - double the previous maximum in any Apple Watch. If you’re curious when storage capacity becomes a reason to upgrade, this kind of jump is a good example.
  • The brightest display Apple has ever used in a smartwatch, making it especially easy to read in direct sunlight.
  • The same new S9 SiP chip found in the Series 9, bringing faster and more efficient performance to the Ultra line.

Series 10

Apple introduced the Series 10 in September 2024, adding several valuable features to create the company’s most well-rounded standard Apple Watch to date:

  • A bigger display with a 30% larger viewable area than the Series 9, allowing for an extra line of text and making it easier than ever to read emails and messages.
  • Improved screen brightness when viewed at an angle - an increase of up to 40%.
  • The fastest Apple Watch charging speeds yet, roughly 50% more efficient than previous models.
  • A thinner and lighter design, making the Series 10 the slimmest Apple Watch ever at the time of its release.
  • Sleep apnea detection, a significant new health feature that can notify users of signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

How Much Can You Get When You Sell Your Apple Watch Series 6?

There are several important factors affecting the resale or trade-in value of an old Apple Watch. How much is your Apple Watch worth? Its exact value depends on its condition, model type, and where you sell it.

Device Condition

The cosmetic and functional condition of your Apple Watch is a major factor in determining how much you’ll get for your Series 6. A like-new device will always have the most value, as these Apple Watches are fully functional and have no visible signs of wear.

A smartwatch in good condition might have some minor scuffs and wear, but otherwise looks and works normally. If it has noticeable cosmetic damage or minor functional issues, your Series 6 is in fair condition. Finally, if it doesn’t turn on or has major damage (like a shattered screen), “broken” is the best way to describe its condition.

Series 6 Model Type

The Series 6 came in several different model types, which can also affect resale values.

  • Watch Size: The Apple Watch Series 6 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes.
  • Housing Material: The Series 6’s outer casing comes in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium finishes, with titanium and stainless steel being the most valuable.
  • Connectivity: Buyers have the option of a GPS-only Series 6 or one that uses both GPS and cellular connections. As you might expect, the combination GPS + cellular models have the highest value.

Resale or Trade-In Platform

Where and how you choose to sell your Series 6 also makes an impact on your return. After all, not all resale platforms are created equal! Keep in mind that with the Series 6 now several generations old, payouts have naturally declined across most platforms - ecoATM, for example, is currently offering up to $30 for an Apple Watch Series 6 in good condition. Take a quick look at a few of your resale and trade-in options to find the best fit for you.

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ecoATM is the best option for the combination of convenience and near-instant credit. Use our online pricing tool to get a quick estimate. If you like what you see, erase your Apple Watch and log out of your Apple Account. Then, pack up your device and mail it to us. Once we receive it and inspect it, we’ll submit payment within three business days or less. Plus, if we can’t sell your Apple Watch, we’ll recycle it in an environmentally friendly manner. You don’t even need to include your watch straps and other accessories!

Trade-In Programs

Apple has its own in-house trade-in program (called Apple Trade-In), and some retailers (like Best Buy) and wireless carriers (like T-Mobile or Boost Mobile) have similar programs. The general gist of a trade-in program is that you exchange your used Series 6 for store credit that you can use toward your next purchase. While these programs can be convenient, they often have lower payouts than other options, and you’ll need to settle for store credit rather than real money. It’s also worth noting that some trade-in programs may no longer accept older models like the Series 6, so be sure to check eligibility before committing.

Online Marketplaces

You could also sell your Apple Watch directly to its next user through a consumer-to-consumer resale platform like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. While these platforms can sometimes reward sellers with higher prices than some other methods, it’s frequently not worth the extra effort. You’ll need to create and maintain a listing for your Series 6, haggle with buyers, navigate lengthy shipping and delivery confirmation processes, and more. Even if you do get a few extra bucks, the legwork might not be worthwhile. If you’re also considering selling a smartphone alongside your watch, it’s worth understanding how carrier variants can affect your device’s resale value before listing it anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell which model of Apple Watch I own?

There are three different ways to identify your exact model of Apple Watch:

  • Look at the back of your watch case, where Apple engraves info about the device’s model type.
  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone, then tap “General” and “About.”
  • Use the “Identify Your Apple Watch” page on Apple’s website.

Do I need to include the original box or accessories with my old Apple Watch?

If you sell your Apple Watch to ecoATM or use a trade-in program, it’s unlikely that you’d get any extra money for your accessories. These platforms typically only care about the device itself. That said, if you use eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace, including these materials could bump up your resale value.

How much can I get for my Apple Watch Series 6 with ecoATM?

Of course, resale values for all types of electronic devices can fluctuate, so there’s no guarantee that these prices will still be accurate as you’re reading this. That said, even though the Series 6 debuted back in 2020, you can still get a decent payout for it. Here at ecoATM, we’re currently offering up to $30 for an Apple Watch Series 6 in good condition.

What steps should I take before selling my Apple Watch?

Before you sell your Series 6, make sure you’ve taken all of the following steps:

  • Unpair the Apple Watch from your iPhone
  • Back up your personal data and log out of your Apple Account
  • Erase the smartwatch and restore it to its factory settings

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