iFixit has published a work-in-progress Apple Watch Series 2 teardown that reveals a 273 mAh battery in the 38mm model, which is 33% larger than the 205 mAh battery in the original 38mm Apple Watch. However, battery life is equal to Series 1 models, likely because of the additions of a GPS and brighter display.
The teardown says the Apple Watch Series 2's adhesive is "much stronger" than the original Apple Watch, and iFixit assumes this is related to improved water resistance. It also appears that Apple has added a larger metal shield next to the Digital Crown, which is also likely an improved waterproofing measure.
Apple Watch Series 2 is marketed as swimproof, with an improved water resistance rating of up to 50 meters that makes it safe to use while swimming, showering, fishing, washing hands, jogging in the rain, and similar shallow water activities. Apple does not recommend scuba diving, waterskiing, or other high-velocity water activities.
The teardown also revealed the Apple Watch's new S2 chip, larger Taptic Engine for haptic feedback, new antenna module with a GPS, the addition of a second microphone, and a redesigned speaker that is designed to fill with water, then vibrate to pump excess water from the body of the speaker.
Apple will unveil watchOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, June 8, and a handful of new features have been rumored already.
The first developer beta of watchOS 27 should be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. The update should be released to all users with a compatible Apple Watch model in September.
Below, we recap watchOS...
For many years now, it has been rumored that the Apple Watch will eventually gain non-invasive blood sugar monitoring capabilities, which would enable millions of people with diabetes to track their blood glucose levels without needing to prick their skin with a needle or wear a dedicated continuous glucose monitor.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple recently shifted oversight of...
Apple plans to hold an Apple Watch Activity Challenge to celebrate Global Running Day on Wednesday, June 3.
To complete the challenge, Apple Watch owners will be required to record a running workout of at least 5K on Global Running Day.
On June 3, the world runs as one. This Global Running Day, record a running workout of at least 5K (3.1 mi) to earn this award. Use the Workout app or any...
I'm more interested in a "new" S1 teardown. We know it has the newer chip, but does it also have the newer battery? If so, the newer battery with no GPS and not-so-bright screen might really help.
So the big question I wanna know: :does this mean if I don't use gps or anything like that, that the battery life for my everyday casual stuff will be much improved? Yes?
yes. at least according to some reviews.
especially if your phone is always nearby, because then it will use the gps from the phone.
So the big question I wanna know: :does this mean if I don't use gps or anything like that, that the battery life for my everyday casual stuff will be much improved? Yes?
I don't own an AW as of yet (waiting for AW Nike+), however I have read that the AW does not have an ambient light sensor, so the display brightness would not adapt and always run on full brightness...
Can one adjust manually the brightness of the display on the AW?
Apple Watch has an ambient light sensor. If you cover the top half of the display and then push the crown to wake the display, and then uncover the top half of display the display will adjust brightness. It's not the same technology as the iPhone and iPad so everyone assumes it's not there.
I'm more interested in a "new" S1 teardown. We know it has the newer chip, but does it also have the newer battery? If so, the newer battery with no GPS and not-so-bright screen might really help.
Doubtful, the Series 1 is slightly thinner and lighter.
