Does the Apple Watch 5’s always-on feature heavily affects its battery life?

Apple Watch 5 was introduced to the world just 10 days ago, with the device only arriving today for anyone opted to upgrade to the latest version. Reviewing the device, it’s clear that Apple didn’t provide it with a lot of new features that would have it distinctly different from the fourth entry.

Indeed, Apple Watch 5 is quite identical to last year’s model barring a few exceptions, among which is an always-on display. While other smartwatches had already added this feature years ago, it’s only now that Apple decided to integrate it.

The reason behind the upgrade is that the Apple Watch 5 has been outfitted with a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) screen that allows the device to display information without draining too much power constantly. Here’s how Apple described it on their site.

Apple Watch 5’s LTPO display

“Several advanced technologies work together to deliver this [always-on] feature, including the industry’s only low-temperature polysilicone and oxide display (LTPO), ultra-low power display driver, efficient power management integrated circuit and new ambient light sensor. This combination of hardware innovation and incredible software design allows Apple Watch Series 5 to offer all-day 18-hour battery life,” the tech giant explained.

As such, even with the smartwatch constantly displaying information on the screen, it will not require too much battery to maintain. What’s more, the tech giant claims that the display rate of the Apple Watch 5 can go to as low as 1Hz to 60Hz, meaning it requires less power while it’s on idle mode, TheVerge reported.

Apple Watch 5 has the same battery life as the fourth entry

Unfortunately, the company didn’t upgrade the new version’s battery life, mirroring what the fourth entry offered last year. With the LTPO display, however, the Apple Watch 5 can offer a lot more and still go toe to toe with its latest predecessor.

Among the other features that the device brings in is a menstrual cycle app and noise app. The former can be used to enter significant data to determine a female’s monthly cycle, allowing for the monitoring of fertility. The latter, on the other hand, detects ambient sound to determine whether or not users are putting themselves in an area where the noise can damage their hearing. The Apple Watch 5 starts at $399 but can go up to $1200 depending on which model you buy.