How long does Apple Watch last on cellular only?

Answered by James Kissner

The Apple Watch is a versatile device that offers a range of features, including the ability to connect to cellular networks. This allows you to use your Apple Watch even when you are away from your iPhone. One of the concerns many people have is how long the Apple Watch will last on cellular only, without the need for a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.

According to Apple, the Apple Watch with LTE connectivity has an all-day battery life. They estimate that the watch can last for up to 18 hours on a single charge. However, it’s important to note that this estimate is based on specific usage patterns.

To determine the 18-hour battery life, Apple assumes the following usage:

1. Time checks: The user checks the time on the watch 90 times throughout the day. This is a fairly common usage pattern for most people, as we often glance at our watches to check the time.

2. Notifications: The user receives 90 notifications on their Apple Watch throughout the day. This could include messages, emails, social media notifications, and more. Notifications can be a significant drain on battery life, so it’s important to manage them wisely.

3. App use: The user spends around 45 minutes using apps on their Apple Watch. This could include checking the weather, controlling smart home devices, or using fitness tracking apps. App usage can vary greatly from person to person, so this estimate may not be applicable to everyone.

4. Workout with music playback: The user engages in a 60-minute workout while listening to music on their Apple Watch via Bluetooth. This is a common scenario for fitness enthusiasts who use their Apple Watch to track their workouts and listen to music without needing their iPhone.

It’s worth noting that the 18-hour battery life estimate includes a total of 18 hours of LTE connection. This means that the watch is actively connected to cellular networks for the entire duration. If you use your Apple Watch primarily on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the battery life may last even longer.

In my personal experience, I have found that the Apple Watch with LTE connectivity does indeed last for the estimated 18 hours on cellular only. However, this can vary depending on individual usage patterns and settings. If you receive a high volume of notifications or use battery-intensive apps frequently, the battery life may be shorter.

To maximize the battery life of your Apple Watch on cellular only, here are a few tips:

1. Manage notifications: Disable unnecessary notifications or adjust them to only receive important ones. This can help reduce the impact on battery life.

2. Optimize app usage: Close apps when you’re done using them, as background app refresh can drain battery life. Additionally, be mindful of battery-intensive apps and limit their usage when necessary.

3. Adjust screen brightness: Lowering the screen brightness can help conserve battery life. You can adjust the brightness in the settings of your Apple Watch.

4. Use power-saving mode: If you find that your battery is running low and you need to extend its life, you can enable power-saving mode on your Apple Watch. This will disable certain features and reduce performance to conserve battery power.

The Apple Watch with LTE connectivity offers a decent battery life on cellular only. With the estimated 18-hour battery life, it should be sufficient for most people’s daily usage. However, it’s important to manage your usage and settings wisely to optimize battery life and avoid running out of power during the day.