Prior to WWDC 2022, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reported based on his own sources that Apple had been working on a new low-power mode for watchOS 9. However, watchOS 9 was announced without any news in this aspect. Now Gurman is back with a related report, but this time he claims that the low-power mode will be exclusive to the new Apple Watch Series 8.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman revealed that he still expects a new low-power mode by the end of the year. However, instead of a watchOS 9 feature, the new Low Power Mode is expected to be announced as one of the new features in the Apple Watch Series 8, which is likely to be introduced later this year.
Current Apple Watch models already have a feature called “Power Save Mode.” However, as detailed by 9to5Mac, this feature disables virtually all Apple Watch features and only shows the time to save battery. While this works for emergencies, users must restart the Apple Watch to access applications and other features.
According to the original Gurman report, the new low-power mode will allow users to continue using Apple Watch apps and features without consuming too much power. It should work similarly to the low-power mode already available on iOS and macOS, which basically suspends background activities and reduces device performance to save some battery life.
However, it’s also unclear why Apple would keep this option available exclusively for the new Apple Watch model, as it is rumored to keep the same chip as the Apple Watch Series 7.
What to expect from the Apple Watch Series 8
According to recent rumors, the Apple Watch Series 8 will be a minor upgrade compared to the current 7 Series. Apart from having the same internal specifications as the Apple Watch Series 7, which is already based on the 6 Series despite the larger screen, the 8 Series is expected to maintain the same current design with the 41mm and 45mm versions.
However, Apple is also working on a “robust edition” of the Apple Watch Series 8 aimed at extreme sports. The company may also introduce an updated Apple Watch SE, which will still be based on the Apple Watch Series 6 design with larger bezels, but this time with the same processor as the Series 8.
Since hardware upgrades will be minimal this year, it will come as no surprise that Apple will maintain some software features exclusive to the new Apple Watch models to increase sales.
watchOS 9
watchOS 9 brings incremental updates to the Apple Watch operating system. The update includes several new clock dials, an enhanced training app with more data, a new app for medication reminders, improved sleep monitoring, and a full Podcasts app.
Apple Watch Series 4 and later users will be able to upgrade to watchOS 9 this fall. Developers can now test watchOS 9 beta, while the first public beta will be available in July.
Read also:
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links to earn revenue. Month.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: