42mm Apple Watch 2 May Have 35% Larger Battery

apple_watch_ssA purported photo of a larger 334 mAh lithium-ion battery destined for the Apple Watch 2 has surfaced on Chinese microblogging service Weibo, foreshadowing expected battery life improvements coming to the wrist-worn device.

The battery is allegedly for the 42mm model, which currently has a 246 mAh battery, suggesting the next-generation 42mm model could have a 35.7% larger battery. The photo does not provide any clues about potential battery life improvements coming to the smaller 38mm model, which is currently equipped with a 205 mAh battery.

The veracity of the photo cannot be confirmed, as is often the case, but KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said an Apple Watch 2 with a higher capacity battery will launch later this year. The larger battery should unsurprisingly lead to longer battery life for the Apple Watch, which is currently rated for up to 18 hours of mixed usage and up to 72 hours in Power Reserve mode on a single charge.

apple_watch_2_battery_weibo
The much-rumored Apple Watch 2 is expected to be released in late 2016 with a faster TSMC-built processor, GPS, barometer, superior waterproofing, and a higher capacity battery -- but no cellular. Both 38mm and 42mm screen sizes will be retained with thinner display technology adopted. The device could launch in September alongside the iPhone 7 and spec-bumped Apple Watch 1 models.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

joshwenke Avatar
110 months ago
I've actually been very impressed with my watch's battery. The watch IS something I would like to see thinness improved on over battery, ironically.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newdeal Avatar
110 months ago
I've actually been very impressed with my watch's battery. The watch IS something I would like to see thinness improved on over battery, ironically.
I agree but when they add GPS it needs a much bigger battery
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S.B.G Avatar
110 months ago
For such a rather small device, 35% sounds quite significant.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
matjamca Avatar
110 months ago
I might get one this time round.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
marvz Avatar
110 months ago
Charging it everyday isn't impressive. It's a chour. But if I can do two full days with active use - then that's worth considering.
What's the big difference? It probably leads to forgetting to charge your Apple Watch every second night instead of making it a habit every night. And also I don't think that many people are wearing their watches while sleeping.. (only use case would be sleep tracking but therefore you will probably need a battery life of about 5-7 days to make it really useful).
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Schwyz Avatar
110 months ago
Can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually wish thinness was improved over battery in the watch.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)