With Apple Watch orders due to begin arriving in less than a day for early buyers, we take a look at battery life. Apple Watch users will want to wear their Watches all day long, so Apple made sure they gave it a battery that lasts all day, too. Apple’s goal for battery life was 18 hours after an overnight charge, factoring in things like checking the time, receiving notifications, using apps, and doing a 30-minute workout. And because everyone will use Apple Watch differently, Apple tested several other metrics as well.
Note that the following Apple Watch battery performance claims are based on test results from the 38mm Apple Watch. A 42mm Apple Watch typically experiences longer battery life.
All-Day Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software. All-day battery life is based on 18 hours with the following use: 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 30-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth, over the course of 18 hours
Talk Time Test: Up to 3 hours
Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software with a call placed from Apple Watch.
Audio Playback Test: Up to 6.5 hours
Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth.
Workout Test: Up to 6.5 hours
Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software with a workout session active and the heart rate sensor on.
Watch Test: Up to 48 hours
Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software with 5 time checks (4 seconds each) per hour.
Power Reserve: Up to 72 hours
If your battery gets too low, Apple Watch automatically switches into Power Reserve mode so you can continue to see the time for up to 72 hours. Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software with 4 time checks (4 seconds each) per hour.
Charge Time: About 1.5 hours to 80%; About 2.5 hours to 100%
Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software. Charge times are from 0% to 80% and from 0% to 100% using the included MagSafe inductive charger. Charge time varies with environmental factors; actual results will vary.
Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.
Source: Apple Inc.
How does this compare with the Android stupidwatches?
See the post I just made. It’s very good, at least compared to a moto 360.
This is going to be a HUGE factor in the watch’s success:
Power Reserve: Up to 72 hours (just time)
My son has a Moto 360, which does not have a power reserve mode. It just goes blank when it runs out of juice. Nothing is more frustrating than to be conditioned to check the time on your wrist, only to stare at a black screen rather than see the time. Way to go, Apple!
Wasn’t an update for Android Wear released recently that goes from full color to b&w for several modes after a few seconds of inactivity? I think the update also increased the battery time as a result of some other adjustments.. Please tell us the difference after you’ve updated.
I wonder if the Apple Watch will ship with a full charge so we can experiment with it as soon as we open the package.
Apple, I want my watch yesterday!
From previous experience with iDevices, it seems Apple likes to ship them with ~60-70% charge. I would assume this is to allow safe transport, while still having them charged enough to use out of the box. Sure beats things like electric toothbrushes where they tell you to charge it 24 hours before touching it. Can you imagine the grief that would cause with the Apple Watch?!
I’m curious about the 72hr claim for the power reserve.. Is that AFTER the watch realizes it is low on power (which is amazing) or total time to discharge from full charge while in Power reserve mode from the start? Which would explain the ‘up to’.. What would be more useful to know is how much actual time you have from say 5% or 10% battery left.
The limited time one can use the new Apple Watch until charging is perhaps the main reason for some not to get it. If you have a regular life where you have a regular schedule, the charge will hold the day. But it will be annoying when you have irrugular days where you do not get to put it on the charger after 16-18 hours. Sure, we used to have to charge our iPhone in between or in the car or so, but you would not be comfortable having to charge the watch during the day, would you?