Enable and Use Low Power Mode on Apple Watch: Detailed Guide
First off, it would be better to clear some ingrained doubts for a crystal clear understanding. Hence, let’s get it out of the way!
What’s the Difference Between Low Power Mode and Power Reserve Mode?
Wondering what’s the difference between Low Power Mode and Power Reserve Mode? Let me sort it out beforehand. Since Power Reserve Mode, which is also designed to maximize the battery life, already exists on Apple Watch, many folks are confused wondering what the Low Power Mode will do. Moreover, they are also keen to find out the difference between the two. So, a faceoff between the two becomes a must.
When Power Reserve Mode is enabled on Apple Watch –
You should see nothing but time on your Apple Watch.
watchOS makes all other features inaccessible to prevent power consumption.Moreover, in this mode, Apple Watch and iPhone don’t communicate with each other. In short, Power Reserve Mode is an extreme battery life extender that is more suitable for emergencies.
When Low Power Mode is enabled on Apple Watch –
Apple Watch either turns off or limits several power-hungry features such as workout autostart, always-on display, cellular connectivity, and heart health notifications. Unlike the Power Reserve Mode, the Low Power Mode allows you to use and access all the features on your Apple Watch. That means you can activate this battery life enhancer while using your Apple Watch simultaneously. Of course, some of the notable features won’t work or function in a restricted way but the overall trade-off is much better. And that’s what makes it a game changer in terms of user experience.
Which Apple Watch Models Will Support Low Power Mode?
Much before Apple took the wrap off the watchOS 9, it was widely rumored that the Low Power Mode would arrive in the next iteration of the watchOS. However, when the tech giant did not announce it at WWDC 2022, it was believed that the feature would be made exclusive to the new Apple Watch models. So, when Apple spilled the beans regarding the Low Power Mode at the September 7 iPhone 14 event, stating that it would also be available on older Apple Watch models, most of us felt outsmarted by a killer strategy.
Here is the list of Apple Watch models that support Low Power Mode:
Apple Watch Series 4Apple Watch Series 5Apple Watch Series 6Apple Watch SE 1st generation Apple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 8Apple Watch SE 2nd generation Apple Watch Ultra
What’s the Total Increase in Battery Life When the Low Power Mode is Enabled on Apple Watch?
According to Apple, with the Low Power Mode enabled, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2 (2022) will last up to 36 hours. Considering that the normal battery life of the Apple Watch is 18 hours, this power-saving mode will double the battery life of the watch. Even if you are a power user, the Low Power Mode will help you use your smartwatch for up to 3-4 days without charging. Notably, it will empower the Apple Watch Ultra to deliver up to whopping 60 hours of battery life. Knowing that Ultra is billed as a robust device for pro athletes, this massive increase in battery life seems befitting of the top-tier watch.
Will Older Models Like Apple Watch 7 and 6 Also Be Able to Deliver Up to 36 Hours of Battery Life With Low Power Mode?
Now, most of you would be thinking, “Will the older Apple Watch models like Apple Watch 4 be able to last up to 36 hours with the Low Mode Mode turned on?” Well, the answer to this question could easily be a “Straightforward No”. Still, I would not go for a surefire conclusion until checking the result firsthand. However, I do believe that the older watch models may not be able to deliver the same result. Though you could see a dramatic increase in the battery life.
Enable Low Power Mode on Apple Watch
Activating the Low Power Mode on Apple Watch is pretty easy. Just swipe down from the top of the screen to bring up the Control Center and then hit the Low Power Mode icon to turn it on. Later, if you ever want to disable this power-saving mode, bring up the Control Center -> hit the icon, and you are done!
Signing off…
Without any doubt whatsoever, Apple Watch remains by far the most loved smartwatch in the market with a lion’s share (around 50%). And with the addition of the much-improved battery life, Apple’s wearable device is going to further stand itself apart from the rest. Whether you are a pro or a normal Joe, you can’t help but appreciate the amazing strides that the smartwatch has taken over the years. Enough talk, share your thought about this new add-on in the comments section below.
