Understanding Low Power Mode on Apple Watch
With watchOS 9, avid Apple Watch wearers can take advantage of an all-new Low Power Mode that can effectively double your Apple Watch battery life according to Apple. With Low Power Mode turned on, your Apple Watch can last up to 36 hours of normal use on a single charge, provided your iPhone is within the range of your Apple Watch while Low Power Mode is enabled.
Low Power Mode vs. Power Reserve Mode
Low Power Mode
Must be enabled manually.The current time, watch faces, apps, and other core features remain accessible.Some background processes, sensor data collection, and miscellaneous features are temporarily disabled.
Power Reserve Mode
Must be toggled manually.Automatically enables itself when Apple Watch drops below 1% battery. Only the current time is visible via a press of the Side Button.While enabled, Apple Watch no longer communicates with iPhone.
Models of Apple Watch That Support Low Power Mode on watchOS 9
The following models of the Apple Watch will support Low Power Mode when updated to watchOS 9. Actual battery life may vary depending on battery age and average use.
Apple Watch Series 4 Apple Watch Series 5 Apple Watch SE (1st & 2nd Generation) Apple Watch Series 6 Apple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch Ultra
Features That Are Temporarily Unavailable While Low Power Mode Is Enabled
Activating Low Power Mode comes at a cost. While the new mode improves the average usage time and standby efficiency of the Apple Watch, it does so by disabling several hallmark features and capabilities. Low Power Mode sure isn’t something you will want to have enabled all the time if you’re looking to take advantage of the full Apple Watch experience. Here is a complete list of every feature that Low Power Mode disables:
Always-On Display (AOD)Instant notifications and emergency alertsPersistent Wi-Fi and cellular connectivityBackground heart rate measurementsIrregular heart rhythm notificationsBlood oxygen measurementsAutostart for workouts
How to Enable Low Power Mode
The easiest way to toggle Low Power Mode is to use Control Center. Learn how to conserve battery life on the fly using this method. If you are not on the watch face, tap and hold your finger on the bottom portion of the display, then immediately swipe up to activate Control Center from within apps.
How to Identify When Low Power Mode Is Active
When Low Power Mode is enabled on your Apple Watch, you will see a hollow circular indicator outlined in the color yellow centered at the top of your display while glancing at your watch face. The indicator is visible directly to the left of the current time when apps are active.
How to Disable Low Power Mode
You can use Control Center to promptly disable Low Power Mode when you need access to more advanced Apple Watch features, including key health and wellness tracking capabilities.
How to Schedule Low Power Mode
For long-distance journeys when you may not have access to a charger, you can schedule Low Power Mode to remain enabled for up to a few days in a row. Image credit: Luke Chesser All screenshots taken by Brahm Shank
