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42mm Apple Watch 2 May Have 35% Larger Battery

Sunday August 28, 2016 1:38 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol
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 Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5
Tag: Apple Watch Series 2
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
[ 226 comments ]


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joshwenke
34 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.
Rating: 33 Votes
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newdeal
34 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
Rating: 13 Votes
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SandboxGeneral
34 months ago
For such a rather small device, 35% sounds quite significant.
Rating: 12 Votes
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marvz
34 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).
Rating: 10 Votes
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matjamca
34 months ago
I might get one this time round.
Rating: 10 Votes
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OneMike
34 months ago
If you workout for any length of time, the watch battery life sucks. First thing in the morning I do is hit the gym. Usually at about 60% battery before 7AM. Granted I let it charge while I get ready for work when possible.

Improved battery life will be welcomed though.
Rating: 8 Votes
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Schwyz
34 months ago
Can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually wish thinness was improved over battery in the watch.
Rating: 8 Votes
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Schwyz
34 months ago
If only this was an iPhone rumor... I'd go running for a 35% increase.
Rating: 7 Votes
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Traverse
34 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.

It's the only Apple product that I feel this way about. I get home after wearing it for 12 hours with casual use and notifications all day as well as 45 minute workouts and I still have between 45% and 50%. Some days I have as much as 65% left.

However, I anticipate Watch OS 3 with its new always active 10 apps to negatively impact battery life.
Rating: 7 Votes
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ethanwa79
34 months ago
I may have to wait a decade or so, but I will NOT buy an Apple Watch of any kind unless it's thinner, can be completely independent (meaning GPS+Cell+WiFi+Bluetooth+NFC), and have week-long battery life.

Until then, it's simply not a practical enough item for me to buy.
Rating: 6 Votes

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