Before watchOS 9, Apple Watch’s low-power mode turned the smartwatch into a dumb watch that could only tell the time. However, when using watchOS 9 on an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, a new low power mode reduces the functionality of the watch while maintaining most of its functionality. It turns off the always-on display, heart rate notifications, background heart rate and blood oxygen measurements, and auto-start workout reminders. When your iPhone is not nearby, it disables Wi-Fi and cellular connections as well as incoming calls and notifications. Other functions will be slower: making phone calls, refreshing background apps and complications, Siri requests, and some UI interactions. (You can still use the Workout app in Low Power Mode and record metrics like heart rate and pace. On your Apple Watch, go to Settings > Workout to automatically turn on Low Power when you start exercising mode.”) watchOS 9 will prompt you to turn on Low Power Mode when battery drops to 10%, or you can enable it manually by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center, tapping the battery percentage button, and enabling the option.
(Featured image courtesy of Adam Engst)