You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

hiltoger Author

Level 1

41 points

Watch OS 4.3.1 battery drain

I am experiencing massive battery issues after updating my Apple Watch (1st gen) to os 4.3.1

Before the update it would last for a full day with some charge (~20%) left in the evening. Now, after the update the battery is completely drained after 4 hours from disconnecting it from the charger, making the watch completely unusable.

Is there a way to downgrade the software, so I can use it back again? Such a decrease in battery performance the next day after the update cannot be a coincidence, clearly something is wrong with the new software.

Apple Watch, watchOS 4.3.1

Posted on Jun 6, 2018 3:46 AM

Top-ranking reply

hiltoger Author

Level 1

41 points

Posted on Jun 15, 2018 1:03 AM

I have followed all the steps mentioned here, on top of that I’ve removed all apps from my watch. This resulted in a small increase in battery life, however the issue remains - the battery won’t last through a long day.

I get a feeling that Apple is simply trying to force people to replace their watches by making them unusable through software updates.

Also a lesson for me not to install updates without checking online forums first.

View in context

Similar questions

58 replies

Aug 12, 2018 5:16 AM in response to Opuscat67

I ended up getting my third swap on the watch from Apple. This new replacement is working way better since the replacement. I will not be doing another update on the watch though. I really think that’s what killled the battery. It will go 2 days on a charge now. My phone is on iOS 11.4

Aug 16, 2018 12:11 PM in response to hiltoger

I’m having the same issue with my series 2 watch. Just called Apple Support and was told that since my watch is out of warranty (I’ve had it since Jan 2017) and this battery issue is not a recognized issue with Apple, I would have to pay $79 + $7 shipping for them to look at my watch. If this becomes a recognized issue by Apple then they’d give me a refund of PART of the price. This is ridiculous! I guess that Apple is laughing all the way to the bank because I’ve now got a bedside statue for what ever this Christmas present cost. #shameonyouapple

Aug 26, 2018 10:57 AM in response to Rock562

Mine was still in factory warranty. There seems to be multiple battery issues, especially on earlier models, that are arising. Battery swell with age, this force touch issue with battery life loss. Not a good look for Apple.

Sep 15, 2018 1:43 PM in response to hiltoger

My (1. gen) went from 1,5 - 2 days to 9 -10 hours after update. Useless ! Apple support did remote diagnoses on battery, which was ok. Did a complete reset to factory mode, turned light from 50% to minimum. Youse it only as a simple watch. NO chance. Apple support said that these figures is to be expected with new firmware !!! Come on !!! Looks as if Apple wants us to buy the new 4. gen. watch. Totally unacceptable. Awaiting another software update to correct this behavior.

Jpdeman

Level 1

9 points

Jun 11, 2018 12:15 AM in response to hiltoger

I have a series 3 and having the same issue after update. My battery would last at least 2 1/2 days before and now it barely lasts 12 hours. We need a fix ASAP!! Someone please help!!!!!!!

vijay195

Level 1

4 points

Jun 11, 2018 4:42 PM in response to hiltoger

How many users apple need to complain before they work on fix. It’s really irritating

Jun 11, 2018 8:21 PM in response to mjdindc

Well, this is the worst of the worse iOS I have ever experienced. My battery drains pretty fast as soon as I upgraded to 4.3.1 on my Apple Watch. Please do the needful and fix the bugs.

Jun 13, 2018 10:00 PM in response to Jpdeman

I have a series 3 stainless steel and having same issue after update.Now my battery barely last 12 hours. Please fix that stupid update.

taro4791

Level 1

4 points

Jun 13, 2018 10:03 PM in response to Branta_uk

same problem here, apple watch 1 generation. before update battery lastst for 1-2 days, after update not one day.

Hard reset did not help...

Jun 14, 2018 7:54 PM in response to hiltoger

Same issues here. Battery before lasted a day and a half, now it’s lasts maybe 7-8 hours. Also it killed my force touch. Haven’t seen anyone else report this either? Really hoping for a fix.