Apple Watch 'Series 6' could use smaller batteries than Series 5

The Apple Watch Series 6 may have a comparable or shorter battery life compared to previous models, with regulatory filings indicating there could be three different sizes of battery used, with two out of the three smaller than the last generation and one larger.

Apple's refinements with the Apple Watch series have led to wearable devices that are more power-efficient, extending their battery life as much as possible to get users though the day. Initial regulatory filings relating to the next model suggest Apple may be leaning on its power efficiency improvements.

Filings with 3D, Safety Korea, and UL Demco seen by MySmartPrice reveal a trio of batteries submitted by Apple for use in the Apple Watch Series 6. The filings, which includes photographs of the components, reveal three model numbers for the batteries: A2306, A2345, and A2327.

The three batteries have differing capacities, with the A2327 having the largest capacity at 303.8mAh. The A2345 and A2306 have lower capacities of 265.9mAh and 262.9mAh respectively.

The differing capacities could be for a few reasons, such as for different sizes of models, or for versions with LTE over models without cellular connectivity.

The capacities may have an impact on the battery life of the Series 6, as two out of the three are smaller than the battery used in the Apple Watch Series 5, which had 296mAh, and the Apple Watch Series 4 at 291.8mAh.

Depending on Apple's power-saving gains for the next generation, there is a good chance that it may offer the same battery life as the Series 5 at least, though the larger capacity model stands a chance of offering more time between charges.

Other rumors circulating about the Apple Watch Series 6 has the device including a new plastic option, the possible use of microLED, and increased wireless performance.

23 Comments

JinTech 1048 comments · 9 Years

About 4 years ago

Just what we need, an Apple Watch with an even shorter wear time.

lkrupp 10521 comments · 19 Years

JinTech said:

Just what we need, an Apple Watch with an even shorter wear time.

What leads you (and the author of this piece) to think a smaller battery will reduce battery life? Is it possible that the Series 6 will feature more power efficient components or possibly newer battery technology that will keep the wearing time the same or even better? Why does the hater sect always assume the worst, always prefer the negative narrative?

lkrupp said:

JinTech said:

Just what we need, an Apple Watch with an even shorter wear time.

What leads you (and the author of this piece) to think a smaller battery will reduce battery life? Is it possible that the Series 6 will feature more power efficient components or possibly newer battery technology that will keep the wearing time the same or even better? Why does the hater sect always assume the worst, always prefer the negative narrative?

Just going based on the article. I absolutely hope that we will see more power efficient components or possibly newer battery technology.

saarek 1575 comments · 16 Years

I was really hoping for a bigger battery coupled with more energy efficient components.

I’d love my Apple Watch to last longer, but that does not seem a priority to Apple for some reason.

bageljoey 1997 comments · 18 Years

saarek said:

I was really hoping for a bigger battery coupled with more energy efficient components.

I’d love my Apple Watch to last longer, but that does not seem a priority to Apple for some reason.

I can only speak for myself, but I am on a schedule where I charge mine at the same time 7 days a week. I never run out. If I didn’t do any workouts, I might make 2 days, but why? I’m used to charging every day.

If they offered 3 day battery charge, it wouldn’t go me a lick of good and might even hurt—if I get in the habit of only charging when it’s low, I can guarantee I will forget once or twice a month and I would end up occasionally being without charge and therefore with less functionality than I have now.

Again, I know this might not be true for everyone, but maybe it’s true enough for enough people to make a difference...