Apple watchOS 9’s New Low Power Mode Disables These 12 Features

Last Updated on September 13, 2022 by Anu Joy

Apple had announced a new low power mode alongside the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and Apple Watch SE 2. This mode promises to extend the battery life by sacrificing certain features. However, low power mode isn’t limited to the aforementioned devices, all Apple Watch models that are updated to watchOS 9 can get the new mode. This means that devices such as the Watch Series 4 and newer support the feature.

Now, Apple has released a document explaining what low power mode does and how to enable it on your Apple Watch. Unfortunately, turning it on also disables these 12 features. Let’s have a look at what functions you’ll be missing out on.

Apple’s watchOS 9 Disables These Features

Enabling Low Power Mode completely disables these features:

• Always On display.
• Background heart rate measurements.
• Heart rate notifications for high heart rate, irregular rhythm, and low heart rate.
• Background blood oxygen measurements.
• Start workout reminder.

Meanwhile, switching on Low Power Mode will disable the following features only if your iPhone isn’t nearby:

• Incoming phone calls as well as notifications.
• Wi-Fi and cellular connections.

Although Low Power Mode doesn’t completely disable these features, it does impact how it functions. For instance,

• It can take longer to make a phone call.
• Complications update less frequently.
• Background app refresh happens less frequently.
• Some animations and scrolling might not appear as smooth.
• Siri may take longer to process a request.

How To Enable Low Power Mode On Your Apple Watch

To enable low power mode, first press and hold the bottom of your Apple Watch display. Swipe up when Control Center pops up and tap on the battery percentage button. Switch on Low Power Mode.

Alternately, you can also enable low power mode from Settings. You can scroll down in Settings and select Battery. You can then turn on Low Power Mode.

Although Low Power Mode sounds like a great way to preserve battery life, it comes at the cost of sacrificing a lot of essential features. However, the mode will come in handy when a user is desperate to save battery power for later.