How to Get the Best Price When You Sell Apple Watch Series 9

Apple typically releases a new version of its popular Apple Watch every year, which leads many users to wonder when it’s the right time to upgrade. After all, with each new iteration comes a host of exciting new features and performance improvements, and who wants to miss out on that? With every new release in Apple’s smartwatch lineup, owners of some older Apple Watches decide to trade in their old watch for a new one.

Thankfully, older-model Apple Watches - like the Apple Watch Series 9 - still hold quite a bit of trade-in value on resale markets. But how can you maximize your return for your Apple Watch Series 9? Choosing the best resale or trade-in platform for your device is one of the key components.

Let’s walk through some crucial details of the Apple Watch Series 9 and figure out how you can get the most money and greatest convenience when selling yours.

About the Apple Watch Series 9

Apple released the Apple Watch Series 9 in 2023, and this model represented several small improvements from its predecessor, the Series 8. The Series 9 uses the same display technology as the original Apple Watch Ultra, which provides a brighter, clearer screen than the Series 8. In addition, the Series 9 has more power under the hood than the Series 8, as it uses the S9 System in Package (SiP) processor - SiP chips deliver efficiency and performance upgrades over the previous S8 processor.

Additionally, the Series 9 introduced the customizable Double-Tap controls. By tapping twice on the Apple Watch’s display, you can now handle tasks like managing alarm clocks or answering calls straight from the watch’s home screen. Finally, the Series 9 has refined the Apple Watch’s pairing capabilities, so there is a stronger link between the Series 9 and its linked iPhone than there was with previous models.

The Series 9 also originally included blood oxygen monitoring technology, but this feature was scrapped by January 2024 due to legal issues.

What Factors Affect the Resale or Trade-In Value of My Apple Watch?

Ultimately, an Apple Watch’s worth is determined by a few key variables, including…

• The device’s condition is always a major factor - the better its condition, the more it’s likely to be worth. Apple Watches that have been gently used and are free of cosmetic and functional damage will almost always fetch a higher price than devices with scratches, scuffs, or performance issues.
• The features of the Apple Watch Series 9 are another factor, as there are multiple versions of this device. The GPS + Cellular models typically have higher resale or trade-in value than the GPS-only models. In addition, the Apple Watch Series 9 devices with stainless steel casing are worth more than the aluminum models.
• Timing the market is also important, and this can be easier than it might sound. In short, the sooner you sell your smartwatch, the higher the return will be. As Apple releases new versions of the Apple Watch, resale prices for previous models usually drop quickly. If you’ve already decided to sell your Apple Watch Series 9, sell it as soon as possible before its value decreases.

Ultimately, taking great care of your electronic devices will always provide you with the best returns when it comes time to sell them.

What Features Am I Missing Out on by Not Upgrading From My Apple Watch Series 9?

With each iteration of its flagship smartwatch, Apple adds new exciting features and functions. In other words, if you’re still using an Apple Watch Series 9, you’re missing out on everything Apple has added to these watches since the Series 9’s release. Take a look at the features Apple introduced with its newer models to see if it’s time for you to upgrade.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple’s second “Ultra” model of smartwatch actually came out at the same time as the Series 9, but it offers a couple of important improvements. First off, the Ultra 2 has a 50% brighter display than the Series 9, as the Ultra 2 gets up to 3,000 nits of brightness while the Series 9 maxes out at 2,000.

Additionally, the Ultra 2 has a bunch of features for outdoors and watersports enthusiasts, including a depth gauge (accurate up to 40 meters), a water temperature sensor, and several scuba-diving features. It also has Apple’s most powerful smartwatch battery ever, lasting up to 36 hours on normal settings and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Finally, the Ultra 2 upgrades the Series 9’s stainless steel casing for an even stronger titanium finish.

Apple Watch Series 10

The Series 10 made a bunch of advancements compared to the Series 9. The Apple Watch Series 10 is the manufacturer’s thinnest wearable device - it’s about 10% thinner and 10% lighter than the Series 9 and much less bulky than the Ultra 2.

Additionally, the Series 10 offers the biggest smartwatch display Apple has ever made, with a 30% larger viewable area than the Series 9. This makes a huge difference for texting and emailing, as the screen can now display an additional line of text compared to previous models.

Furthermore, the Series 10 has a 40% brighter display than the Series 9, thanks to advancements with the display’s wide-angle OLED features. The Series 10 also has roughly 33% faster charging than the Series 9. While it takes a Series 9 device around 45 minutes to go from 0% charge to 80%, the Series 10 can go from a dead battery to an 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

What Should I Do to Prepare to Sell My Apple Watch Series 9?

No matter where you sell it, there are some important steps you’ll need to take to get your Apple Watch Series 9 ready for resale or trade-in. If you want to protect your personal data and maximize your Apple Watch’s resale value, you should…

• Unpair the Apple Watch Series 9 from your iPhone. It’s a simple process that starts with opening the Watch app on your iPhone. Then, tap “My Watch” and select your watch. From there, all you need to do is tap the info icon and choose “Unpair Apple Watch.” That’s it!

  When you do this, two important things happen automatically:

  • Apple creates a backup of your personal data, helping ensure that you don’t lose any important files or app data.
  • Apple removes the device’s Activation Lock, a feature that “locks” an Apple Watch to a specific user’s Apple Account. If the Activation Lock isn’t removed before resale, its next owner will not be able to use the device.
• Erase your personal data from the Apple Watch Series 9 by visiting the watch’s Settings menu, then tapping “General” and “Reset.” At this point, you can tap “Erase All Content and Settings” to wipe the device clean.

Your Apple Watch Series 9 is now prepared for resale, and its next owner will be able to set it up to their personal preferences, just like they could with a brand-new device.

Where Should I Sell My Apple Watch?

There are dozens of different potential resale and trade-in platforms for an Apple Watch Series 9. Choosing the right one can lead to a smooth sales process and quick cash in your pocket. Choosing the wrong one can require a lot of your time and energy, a potential risk of scams, long waiting periods before getting paid, etc.

Let’s run down some defining characteristics of popular trade-in and resale platforms to find the right one for your needs.

ecoATM

If you want a streamlined, secure, and simple process with fast payments, we truly believe we offer the best Apple Watch resale system you’ll find anywhere. Start by getting an online pricing estimate - you just need to provide us with some basic details about your Apple Watch Series 9, including whether it has a stainless steel or aluminum housing, and whether it’s a GPS-only model or one that has cellular capabilities.

Once you get your quote, you can mail your smartwatch to us for free so we can make sure it matches the description you gave us online. After we’ve assessed your Apple Watch Series 9 and confirmed its exact value, we’ll submit payment in 1-3 business days.

ecoATM is also dedicated to protecting our environment, and we recycle devices we can’t resell in an environmentally friendly manner. Not only does this keep discarded Apple Watches from a trip to the landfill, but it also keeps the valuable metals and components in use. Used consumer electronics aren’t like regular trash - they can release harmful toxins into our environment if they’re simply tossed away in the garbage.

When you use ecoATM, you’re contributing to a resale process that has already helped us recycle over 50 million devices over the years.

Apple Trade-In

If you’ve already decided to invest the earnings from selling your Apple Watch Series 9 toward another Apple device, you might be interested in Apple Trade-In. You have the option of mailing in your smartwatch or dropping it off at your nearest Apple Store location.

Unfortunately, Apple Trade-In doesn’t offer actual money for your used Series 9 - you’re restricted to store credit. Also, Apple doesn’t always pay great rates through this program either, as you might get better trade-in value elsewhere. Finally, it often takes Apple a couple of months to disperse trade-in credits. If you’re looking for instant credit for your Apple Watch Series 9, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Online Marketplaces

Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist provide the opportunity to sell an old Apple Watch on a consumer-to-consumer level. If you’re fortunate - and you’re willing to put in some time and effort - you can sometimes get the highest value for your smartwatch using these platforms.

However, it can be a major hassle to list your Apple Watch Series 9, maintain the listing, negotiate with buyers, sidestep potential scams, and patiently wait for delivery confirmation. This is especially true when you consider that you could simply avoid these steps and sell your Apple Watch to ecoATM.