One of the biggest questions tied to the launch of the Apple Watch was how long it would last on a single charge. Apple had not revealed many details when it first unveiled the watch last September. Rumours and hints followed that it would need to be recharged every day. Apple today confirmed that the Apple Watch will offer about 18 hours of battery life. Needless to say, this claim comes with a caveat: “Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results may vary.”
Apple Watch is so capable you’ll want to wear it all day long. So we made sure we gave it a battery that lasts all day, too. Our 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, we tested several other metrics as well.
Needless to say, Apple has extensively tested the Apple Watch to determine battery life expectations. It has published some of these results on its website, showing how long you can expect its watch to last under different scenarios.
The 18-hour all day battery life rating gets you 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 30-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth when paired to a smartphone.
Here is the full list of Apple estimates:
- All-Day Battery Life – Up to 18 hours – 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 30-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth
- Audio Playback Test – Up to 6.5 hours – Music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth
- Watch Test – Up to 48 hours – 5 time checks (4 seconds each) per hour
- Talk Time Test – Up to 3 hours – Call placed from Apple Watch
- Workout Test – Up to 7 hours – Active workout session with heart rate sensor on
- Power Reserve – Up to 72 hours – Apple Watch automatically switches into Power Reserve mode so you can continue to see the time
Apple also lists the Apple Watch charge time as 1.5 hours to 80% and 2.5 hours for a full 100% charge.
Apple notes that all the tests were conducted with the 38mm Apple Watch. The 42mm models should provide longer battery life.
Source : Apple