Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Always On Display

Heck, it was "worth it" when the Series5 came out.

Prior to my Series2, the last watch I owned with a blank inactive display was a LED watch in the late 1970's / early 80's.

With the S4, I was happy to return to being able to glance down to see the time without having to flick / move my wrist.

As for battery / day to day usage -- I've seen no perceivable difference with AOD. My S2, S3, and S4 without AOD typically always lasted from wakeup to bedtime, watch on charger overnight. My S5 also typically always lasted from wakeup to bedtime, watch on charger overnight. My S6 follows the same pattern.

EDIT: checking my usage today - which hasn't had any Workout stuff, so just basic usage - I'm at 73% with 10h13m standby and 1h20m usage. So that's 2.64% battery per hour. Better than I had with my S5.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Captain Trips, LFC2020, edhchoe and 1 other person
For me, yes. Best change to AW since it came out (well, maybe gps in series 2). I can’t imagine going back to an inert black screen. And I charge it once a day, just like my series 3, so if there’s any impact on battery life, it’s not enough to change my usage.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Captain Trips and ivanwi11iams
I will admit, from time to time, I will flick my wrist, to see the screen time, etcetera, and it won't activate. Almost as if I did not flick my wrist enough.

So, it would be interesting using the AoD option. And, to confirm, you can turn said feature on/off, no?
 
I've been surprised with two things since coming to the S6 from the S4:
1. It doesn't seem to use any more battery
2. I actually do use the AOD more than I thought I would, by simply glancing at the "inactive" watch face rather than raising to wake
 
  • Like
Reactions: edhchoe and ivanwi11iams
I currently have an AWS3 SS and AWS4, and don't even keep it on when washing dishes.
I really need to give it a go...

Cbarnett202 said:
I’m also a huge fan - especially when working out!

And - my battery on S6 is awesome. Charging while reading (in bed - right before sleep) and while taking a shower - easily have 40-50% charge at end of day!
Click to expand...
 
Side question:
Will the bands for my AW3 and AW4 (44mm), fit the AW6?

Currently have no way to print the paper measuring thingy. And, I have plenty of nice colour bands as is (Lime/Green, Yellow, Red, all official Apple bands)...
 
tee_cup said:
Side question:
Will the bands for my AW3 and AW4 (44mm), fit the AW6?

Currently have no way to print the paper measuring thingy. And, I have plenty of nice colour bands as is (Lime/Green, Yellow, Red, all official Apple bands)...
Click to expand...

Yes, S3 and S4 bands fit.

You can configure an S6 with any of the sport bands or sport loops or other bands. No need to buy the new Solo loop or braid if you don’t want. Bought one with the Cyprus green sport band.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Captain Trips and ivanwi11iams
The flicking of the wrist is starting to become annoying for me.
From time to time, I would flick it, and the screen would not come on!?!

BasicGreatGuy said:
I like it and the battery impact hasn’t been noteworthy for me. It beats having to tap the screen all the time or trying to flick your wrist enough to get the display to come on.
Click to expand...
 
tee_cup said:
The flicking of the wrist is starting to become annoying for me.
From time to time, I would flick it, and the screen would not come on!?!
Click to expand...
Not had an issue with any of the watches. Its not so much a flick thats required. Just lift and turn your wrist towards you naturally and that should be fine. The S6 with AOD negates the need to lift my wrist all the time as its so bright but when I do need to see the watch face face on, it lights up so much faster than the earlier generations.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Captain Trips and ivanwi11iams
Ah, thanks for the tip. As Steve Jobs would say, "You're doing it wrong..." - LOL :D

Bazooka-joe said:
Not had an issue with any of the watches. Its not so much a flick thats required. Just lift and turn your wrist towards you naturally and that should be fine. The S6 with AOD negates the need to lift my wrist all the time as its so bright but when I do need to see the watch face face on, it lights up so much faster than the earlier generations.
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bazooka-joe
For my usage, I turned mine off after having it on for a short time. Didn’t seem to need it and now I can save a little battery life so that’s a plus plus for me.
 
I upgraded from S4 to S6. I skipped S5 because I didn’t think AOD was a big deal. Now I don’t know how I lived without it. I like it much more than I thought I would. Battery life is totally fine for me, and I go for a run using GPS every day, sometimes up to an hour and a half. No issues keeping AOD on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Captain Trips, Szcziggy, deeddawg and 1 other person
I found that I don't have to flick my wrist, but do have to move it somewhat rapidly to make it go back to fully-on display. I also have found that if it is in Always On Mode, it will not logon to my Mac for me (2020 iMac or 2020 MacBook Pro 13") but must be in fully-on mode. I realize that's not supposed to be that way, but...
 
Gmouse said:
I also have found that if it is in Always On Mode, it will not logon to my Mac for me (2020 iMac or 2020 MacBook Pro 13") but must be in fully-on mode. I realize that's not supposed to be that way, but...
Click to expand...

Yes, the watch/unlock-mac stuff is buggy in watchOS7. Always worked fine in watchOS6 on my S5 regardless of whether the watch was active or inactive (AOD). I'd expect this will get addressed in time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fstevens
I just finished up a two week test of AOD on and AOD off... all things being relatively equal. 1.5-2 hours of workout over a two day period. With AOD ON, I can get to about 36 hours before hitting 10% remaining, with AOD OFF, I can get to 48 hours with 10% remaining. This is also with sleep tracking enabled across a couple apps. For now, I’m just going to keep AOD OFF, since for me it doesn‘t really add enough value and having the extra HALF A day of battery life is preferred.
 
I like the AW 6 AOD and was getting approx 40/44 hours battery life ( 40mm size ) before needing to charge. That included approx 2 hours of GPS activity. For the last few days I’ve turned the AOD off and now I’m getting approx 60 hours battery life with approx 4 hours activity which I think is pretty impressive, given Apple’s advertised battery life. Also, charging is very quick and is usually only a bit more than an hour from 10% to 100%. Given the choice I prefer the extra battery life without the AOD.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Captain Trips
MJ22 said:
I upgraded from S4 to S6. I skipped S5 because I didn’t think AOD was a big deal. Now I don’t know how I lived without it. I like it much more than I thought I would.
Click to expand...
Similar to my experience. I was perfectly happy with my series 3 and didn’t think AOD would be a big deal, but now that I actually have it I cant imagine going without it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back