How to Use Power Saving Mode on Apple Watch in watchOS 9

For what the Apple Watch Series 8 offers, its 18-hour battery life is amazing. However, if you’re planning on going on a trip or won’t be able to access your charger for a few days, you might need to be careful with Apple Watch battery life.

Apple announced Low Power Mode for the Apple Watch to address this issue during the Far Out 2022 event, allowing your Apple Watch to run for up to 36 hours.

This may seem like a minor feature to you, but it makes a huge difference. So, let’s get straight to the point and see how you can use the new power saving mode on your Apple Watch running watchOS 9.

What is Low Power Mode on Apple Watch?

Turning on Power Saving Mode on your Apple Watch turns off key features and sensors such as Always-On-Display, workout detection, heart health notifications, and more.

This feature extends Apple Watch battery life up to 36 hours when connected to iPhone, twice the average Apple Watch battery life. It may vary depending on your situation. However, features like fall detection and activity tracking will still be available even if you turn on power saving mode on your Apple Watch.

Low Power Mode and Power Reserve Mode

What is the difference between the new low power mode and the existing power reserve mode, you may ask. The problem with Power Reserve mode is that it only allows you to see the time when you press the side button. At the same time, it also disables access to other Apple Watch features and communication with iPhone to save battery.

On the other hand, Low Power Mode will allow you to fully access your Apple Watch and communicate with your iPhone. To conserve battery, this will reduce the main functions of the Apple Watch. I would call the low power mode a balanced compromise compared to the limitation of functions in the power reserve mode.

Which Apple Watch models will get a power saving mode?

Apple introduced Low Power Mode during the Apple Watch Series 8 announcement, but Apple also mentioned that it will be available for Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models. Because it’s a software feature, you’ll get Power Saving Mode in the watchOS 9 update.

Here is a list of Apple Watch models that will get the Power Saving Mode feature.

• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch SE (1st generation)
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)

However, with the release of the Series 8, SE, and Ultra, Apple discontinued the Series 3; thus, it will not receive the low power mode update.

Completion…

Power Save Mode is a giant step up from Power Reserve for existing and new Apple Watch users. Although those who can boast of the new Apple Watch Ultra can increase the battery life to 60 hours and even more. The low power mode will be more useful for those who plan to spend time without a charger on activities such as a hike or a short trip.