Optimized Charging is Opposite since watchOS 26.2

Since updating to watchOS version 26.2 on my Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS), with Optimized Battery Charging turned on, the Watch charges opposite to what it indicates it will do. In other words, when I place my Watch on the charger, the Watch either shows a partial circle with a hook to indicate it should charge to 80% or it doesn’t show any limitation which should indicate it will charge fully to 100%. Since the upgrade to watchOS 26.2, when the Watch shows me a partial circle with the hook when I place it on the charger, it charges all the way to 100%, rather than to 80%. And when I place the Watch on the charger and it doesn’t show any limitation, it charges it to 80%, rather than to 100%.

Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 26

Posted on Dec 26, 2025 9:18 PM

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3 replies

Dec 27, 2025 3:00 PM in response to Ingo2711

Thank you, Ingo2711. I am aware what triggers optimized charging. Perhaps I wasn’t clear in my description. What I’m seeing since updating to watchOS 26.2 is different than with earlier versions. With earlier versions, when you place the Watch on the charger, it effectively signals to you whether it will charge to 100% or to 80%. If it shows a partial circle with a hook in it, that is an indication that it will charge to 80%. But what I have been seeing frequently with watchOS 26.2 is that the Watch will charge to 100% despite displaying the partial circle with the hook on the Watch face when I place it on the charger. Likewise, when I initially place the Watch on the charger and don’t see a partial circle, indicating that the charger should charge to 100%, only to find out after being notified that my Watch is charged, that it stopped at 80%. There seems to be some sort of error with the indication the Watch gives me upon placing it on the charger with how fully it charges the Watch with 26.2, that is inconsistent with previous software versions. It doesn’t do it every time but it does so often enough that I felt it necessary to document my findings.

Dec 28, 2025 8:12 AM in response to DocSarvis

On my watch the optimized charging limit is enabled, but, as you see in the screenshot, the watch decides by itself, went to charge fully and when only charge up to 80%

My Apple Watch always charges to 100%, although the charge limit is enabled, because if the watch us being charged every couple of days, I need it right away, wearing it 24/7.


Optimized Charging is Opposite since watchOS 26.2

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