
If you're on the hunt for the best smartwatch, chances are you're looking at an Apple Watch. From the affordable Apple Watch SE to the extreme Apple Watch Ultra, every price point is covered by the iconic rectangular timepiece.
With the release of WatchOS 9, the Apple Watch got a host of new features to improve the quality of the user experience. Everything from new watch faces to updated workouts and improved sleep tracking was featured, leaving something for just about everyone to get excited by.
But one feature that wasn't mentioned has been spotted online, offering another reason to get excited about the Apple Watch. Images circulating on Twitter suggest that the Apple Watch now features optimised charging.
What is Optimised Charging?
Optimised Charging is Apple's way of trying to prolong the life of your battery, by intelligently adjusting when your devices get charged. By learning when you normally take your device off charge, the last 20% of the charging can be saved until just before.
This is better for the battery. Instead of being charged to 100% and then kept there, the battery is kept at a lower level – around 80%. This is a sweet spot with lithium ion batteries and should help to keep them going for much longer.
The downside, of course, is that you may find your device isn't fully charged if you break from your usual cycle. If you leave early one morning, for example, you may risk spending the day with a depleted battery.
It's a feature that we've seen on the iPhone before now. From personal use, I can tell you that it absolutely works. I'm currently using an iPhone 13 with Optimised Charging enabled. After a full year of use, the battery capacity is still at 100%. Compare that to my previous device, which didn't have the optimised charging and had dwindled to 87% after around seven months.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
It's a welcome addition to the Apple Watch. I've written previously about my gripes with the battery life on Apple's wearables, which leave a lot to be desired. And while is doesn't directly boost the lifespan of a single charge, this should help to increase the overall battery longevity. It's a step in the right direction.

Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Samsung's flagship phones will reportedly maintain one key advantage over iPhone
Apple is said to be struggling to match Samsung in a specific tech area
-
New Apple Vision Pro tipped for early 2026, but might not be what you expect
The second generation Vision Pro may not be the game-changing model you're hoping for
-
Apple Watch users will be jealous of three features on the new Motorola Watch Fit
The budget smartwatch has an enviable spec sheet
-
If the iPhone 17 Pro adds these 4 new features I'm already sold
Apple needs to make a big swing
-
Apple's Severance computer may have been a joke, but the keyboard is coming for real
Tell us where we can sign up!
-
Apple Watch is set to get Apple Intelligence this year, but only with a little help from a friend
Bring on watchOS 12
-
iPad reportedly getting major makeover and your current model could benefit too
Apple is said to be making a change that iPad power users have been wanting for years
-
AirPods Max finally get the great free upgrade Apple promised
Here's how to make sure your headphones are running the right firmware