General Battery Information

Apple Watch is so capable you’ll want to wear it all day long. So we made sure we gave it a battery that lasts all day, too. Our goal for battery life was 18 hours after an overnight charge, factoring in things like checking the time, receiving notifications, using apps, and doing a 30-minute workout. And because everyone will use Apple Watch differently, we tested several other metrics as well.

Apple Watch battery testing was conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software. Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

All-Day Battery Life

Up to 18 hours

Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software. All-day battery life is based on 18 hours with the following use: 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 30-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth, over the course of 18 hours. Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

Talk Time Test

Up to 3 hours

Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software with a call placed from Apple Watch. Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

Audio Playback Test

Up to 6.5 hours

Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth. Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

Workout Test

Up to 6.5 hours

Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software with a workout session active and the heart rate sensor on. Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

Watch Test

Up to 48 hours

Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software with 5 time checks (4 seconds each) per hour. Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

Power Reserve

Up to 72 hours

If your battery gets too low, Apple Watch automatically switches into Power Reserve mode so you can continue to see the time for up to 72 hours. Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software with 4 time checks (4 seconds each) per hour. Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

Charge Time

About 1.5 hours to 80%

About 2.5 hours to 100%

Testing conducted by Apple in March 2015 using preproduction Apple Watch and software paired with an iPhone using preproduction software. Charge times are from 0% to 80% and from 0% to 100% using the included MagSafe inductive charger. Charge time varies with environmental factors; actual results will vary.


Apple Watch battery performance claims are based on test results from the 38mm Apple Watch. A 42mm Apple Watch typically experiences longer battery life.