Apple Watch Ultra features up to 36 hours of battery life, however, it could go up to 60 hours with a new Low Power Mode, which is listed as “coming soon” on Apple’s website. The large 49mm watch already has the best battery life of any Apple Watch, and it would get even better with a future software update.
Apple Watch Series 4 and later will also get a new Low Power Mode with watchOS 9, which will release on September 12.
Apple Watch Ultra’s Low Power Mode
Unlike the current Low Power Mode in watchOS, this software update will add an additional low-power setting that will reduce the frequency of GPS and heart rate readings. Users who are away from a power source or watch charger for extended periods of time will be able to take advantage of this feature, as it will allow them to continue using their Apple Watch Ultra with minimum impact on functionality.
Apple’s footnotes reveal the following information regarding the Low Power Mode, for the GPS + Cellular model (there’s no GPS-only version for Ultra):
Multi-day adventure battery life is based on the following use while in Low Power Mode and with workout settings enabled for fewer heart rate and GPS readings (coming soon): 15 hours of workout, over 600 time checks, 35 minutes of app use, 3 minutes of talk, and 15 hours of sleep tracking, over the course of 60 hours; Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) usage includes on-demand LTE connection and 5 hours connected to iPhone via Bluetooth over the course of 60 hours. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2022 using preproduction Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) paired with an iPhone; all devices tested with prerelease software. Battery life varies by use, configuration, cellular network, signal strength, and many other factors; actual results will vary.
Low Power mode in watchOS 9
Apple Watch Series 8 will also see a bump in its battery life to 36 hours (with an iPhone present) by disabling or limiting select sensors and features, the Always-On Retina display, workout autostart ability, heart health notifications, and more. The new Low Power Mode will be available on launch thanks to watchOS 9, while older Apple Watch models, Series 4 and later. This will be different than the Power Reserve that only shows the time when enabled, and disables all other functionality.
Read more:
- Apple Watch Ultra battery and screen repair costs
- Here’s how the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra looks on the wrist
- Apple debuts new watch bands for Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 and new SE
- Apple Watch Ultra can determine the temperature of the water you are swimming in
- Women’s health features in Apple Watch Series 8, SE 2 and Ultra
