Garmin Reacts to Apple Watch Ultra: 'We Measure Battery Life in Months. Not Hours.'

[Alan Wynn]

I was looking at the Garmin "How Long Will My Garmin Smartwatch Battery Last?" page, and I thought it was interesting that they list the "Up to This Much Battery Life in Smartwatch Mode" with Always On displays off, and then in parentheses the much smaller number (usually about a 1/3 of the top line number) with the Always On display on.

Apple's top line number (36 hours) assumes that: All-day battery life is based on the following use: 180 time checks, 180 notifications, 90 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth, over the course of 36 hours; Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) usage includes a total of 8 hours of LTE connection and 28 hours of connection to iPhone via Bluetooth over the course of 36 hours. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2022 using preproduction Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) paired with an iPhone; all devices tested with prerelease software. Battery life varies by use, configuration, cellular network, signal strength, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

Garmin's top line number (14 days) for the Forerunner 945 LTE makes the following assumptions: 90 Notifications per Day, 160 interactions, 2 device generated alerts, 1 hour outside bluetooth range, default display brightness and timeout, default face, gestures disabled, pulse ox disabled, no music streaming, no LTE usage.

In other words, to get to 14 days, one is never far from one's phone, never uses LTE, receives very few notifications, does not really use any other apps and has all the gestures and pulse ox turned off.

 

[Uofmtiger]

I was looking at the Garmin "How Long Will My Garmin Smartwatch Battery Last?" page, and I thought it was interesting that they list the "Up to This Much Battery Life in Smartwatch Mode" with Always On displays off, and then in parentheses the much smaller number (usually about a 1/3 of the top line number) with the Always On display on.

Apple's top line number (36 hours) assumes that: All-day battery life is based on the following use: 180 time checks, 180 notifications, 90 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth, over the course of 36 hours; Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) usage includes a total of 8 hours of LTE connection and 28 hours of connection to iPhone via Bluetooth over the course of 36 hours. Testing conducted by Apple in August 2022 using preproduction Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular) paired with an iPhone; all devices tested with prerelease software. Battery life varies by use, configuration, cellular network, signal strength, and many other factors; actual results will vary.

Garmin's top line number (14 days) for the Forerunner 945 LTE makes the following assumptions: 90 Notifications per Day, 160 interactions, 2 device generated alerts, 1 hour outside bluetooth range, default display brightness and timeout, default face, gestures disabled, pulse ox disabled, no music streaming, no LTE usage.

In other words, to get to 14 days, one is never far from one's phone, never uses LTE, receives very few notifications, does not really use any other apps and has all the gestures and pulse ox turned off.

Just don’t use the watch and get lots of battery. Next they will say battery lasts years as long as its on a charger. Lol

 

[d4cloo]

Awesome! Apple Watch Ultra stole the thunder!

This is an Apple Watch we are talking about. Garmin doesn't do more than half of the things Apple Watch can do.

Like what?
Are we talking about actual useful things or just more apps?

The Garmin does Solar Charging and has flashlight function.

They’re just different watches. Garmin makes good stuff.

 

[Queen6]

Just don’t use the watch and get lots of battery. Next they will say battery lasts years as long as its on a charger. Lol

Equally possible, my Casio GPR rarely if ever sees the charger. Admittedly I live in the sub tropics and the GPR's navigation is basic, yet it's never let me down and remains to be deadly accurate in the most difficult of conditions.

Garmin just needs to work on its implementation of solar to extend the watches runtime. Solar isn't in Apple's future and a dead smartwatch is what it is...

Different horses for different courses...

Q-6

 

[telefono]

A CASIO LCD watch from the 1980s etc lasts for 10 years (10 Year Battery Life) for a reason.........it tells you the time, has a simple alarm, and a simple stopwatch, nothing else............................So, CASIO WATCHES LAST FOR 10 YEARS NOT MONTHS LIKE A GARMIN, Try and beat that Garmin

Seriously, nothing wrong with Garmin Watches but they need to continue doing what they do and allow people with brains to select the brand and watch they prefer. I won't buy a Garmin watch because it lasts more that 36 hours, also won't buy a CASIO watch because it lasts 10 YEARS.

Looking forward to my Apple Watch Ultra, it will do everything my Apple Watch Series 6 does and much more with a better screen in a rugged case

Or should I buy a CASIO with a battery that lasts for 10 years

 

[Queen6]

A CASIO LCD watch from the 1980s etc lasts for 10 years (10 Year Battery Life) for a reason.........it tells you the time, has a simple alarm, and a simple stopwatch, nothing else............................So, CASIO WATCHES LAST FOR 10 YEARS NOT MONTHS LIKE A GARMIN, Try and beat that Garmin

Seriously, nothing wrong with Garmin Watches but they need to continue doing what they do and allow people with brains to select the brand and watch they prefer. I won't buy a Garmin watch because it lasts more that 36 hours, also won't buy a CASIO watch because it lasts 10 YEARS.

Looking forward to my Apple Watch Ultra, it will do everything my Apple Watch Series 6 does and much more with a better screen in a rugged case

Or should I buy a CASIO with a battery that lasts for 10 years

Or opt for a solar Casio, I've still got multi-function ABC Protrek's that are pushing past 17 year's and still going strong. Only replaced due to newer and better tech now including GPS Navigation.

Sure, they have their limitations, however they are generally bulletproof and rarely fail. While I like the concept of AW Ultra & Garmin until they can produce something as utterly durable & standalone as the GPR I'll stick with that.

Sadly, I doubt there will be any similar replacement as I doubt Casio made a decent profit on the GPR. It was massively over engineered to withstand every extreme, it's a very big watch at 60x20mm and had a relatively short production cycle. I rather think the GPR was more an exercise in technology; what we can produce versus the money we can make...

n.b. ABC = Altimeter, Barometer & Compass

Q-6

 

[telefono]

Or opt for a solar Casio, I've still got multi-function ABC Protrek's that are pushing past 17 year's and still going strong. Only replaced due to newer and better tech now including GPS Navigation.

Sure, they have their limitations, however they are generally bulletproof and rarely fail. While I like the concept of AW Ultra & Garmin until they can produce something as utterly durable & standalone as the GPR I'll stick with that.

Sadly, I doubt there will be any similar replacement as I doubt Casio made a decent profit on the GPR. It was massively over engineered to withstand every extreme, it's a very big watch at 60x20mm and had a relatively short production cycle. I rather think the GPR was more an exercise in technology; what we can produce versus the money we can make...

n.b. ABC = Altimeter, Barometer & Compass

Q-6

Since the mid 90s I've enjoyed wearing and using many CASIO ABC watches, one I had was around 55mm+ with the sensors sticking out and looking very stupid but in the right environment they were ok and very useful. Also owned many SUUNTO ABC watches.

Even though the Apple Watch and also the Garmin's are way more advanced I enjoyed what was available way back then

I get a lot of use out of the Apple Watch for all the sport I do but was more excited getting a new ABC watch many many years ago

Looking forward to the ULTRA..........

 

[Queen6]

Since the mid 90s I've enjoyed wearing and using many CASIO ABC watches, one I had was around 55mm+ with the sensors sticking out and looking very stupid but in the right environment they were ok and very useful. Also owned many SUUNTO ABC watches.

Even though the Apple Watch and also the Garmin's are way more advanced I enjoyed what was available way back then

I get a lot of use out of the Apple Watch for all the sport I do but was more excited getting a new ABC watch many many years ago

Looking forward to the ULTRA..........

I very much like the design of the Ultra, but it remains not for me as a field watch and while home I've got some very decent mechanical watches and few of Casio's higher end analogue sports watches.

Had a couple of Suunto's but never really trusted them as they rely on standard battery technology and one the strap broke Been very close to picking up a Fenix 7 Solar or a Tactix 7 but in reality, I would likely not use many of the features and as said I trust the GPR as its well-tried and proven.

Being ex-military, I just have a thing that a field watch needs to be a standalone unit and not depend on another device or need frequent charging. Which is why I tend to pass on Smartwatches until the technology advances to an acceptable level.

If you can navigate the GPR is a great tool, if you can't not the best option as its more akin to a GPS compass than a sat/nav. Enjoy your Ultra and ignore all the haters

Q-6

 

[telefono]

Hey Q6,
Trust me I ignore haters, hate is a waste of everyones time.

Like yourself I also enjoy mechanical watches and wear them when I'm not exercising, another reason why I don't care about the 36 hour battery on the ULTRA.

We all have our reasons in selecting a brand and type of watch, no need for haters

Mechanical Watches, now that's another story

 

[Queen6]

Mechanical Watches, now that's another story

Well, there's worse ways to spend money LOL...


Q-6

 

[zerozoneice]

Apple's response:

"We measure unit sales in millions, not thousands".

that's what Microsoft's been saying & doing for decades now in the so-called "PC vs Mac" soap.
funny eh?

still a mistery to the world how Apple is incapable of delivering a week-long battery in late 2022.
competition's having more or less same sensors & functions (HR, SpO2, Steps, Floors, Sleep, Notifications, Workouts, Alarms, whatever...)

must be something seriously wrong with the AW architecture since they can't have a breakthru in battery life even 8 iterations (years) later.....

i bet they're working already on a "M" variant of the watch CPU & AW architecture, since they can't squeeze or fit more battery in there, the Li-Ion technology has its limits.

 

[agmr]

It already runs on a „M“ architecture or at least what became M later.

 

[Mrjoedot]

they can measure bankruptcy in month

 

[russell_314]

Before the Apple Watch Ultra I didn't know Garmin made watches. I'm pretty sure most people didn't. It's nice to see Apple helping out small businesses like Garmin with a little free publicity!

 

[Uofmtiger]

Before the Apple Watch Ultra I didn't know Garmin made watches. I'm pretty sure most people didn't. It's nice to see Apple helping out small businesses like Garmin with a little free publicity!

Wow! I know people that have Garmin watches. Most could easily get buy with an AW (regular version) but are on Android, so went this route. I think Android users will still be Garmin‘s main bread and butter, so they should be okay unless Apple untethers the watch from the iPhone.

Most people that have not even heard of Garmin in 2022, still haven’t.

 

[winglet69]

I'm a walking Apple store, MB Pro 15", iPad Pro 11", just got a 512gb iPhone 14 Pro on Friday.

But I have two Garmin watches (Forerunner 935 and Fenix 5 sapphire) and I have no desire to get an Apple watch now or in the future.

Not even sure why, I think it's just the aesthetic is too generic for something worn on the body. Just like phones are really just cameras that do other stuff an Apple watch looks like a Wrist Computer, not a watch. No number of custom watchbands or faces can disguise that black plastic square. To each their own.

Point is the target demographics for the two watches aren't that close. Garmin wearers aren't going to switch to an Apple watch in large numbers any more than the reverse is true. And the comments disparaging Garmin for highlighting a very real advantage of their products (battery life) or predicting the demise of a company that makes a huge range of products in other arenas such as aviation nav systems do sound just a bit...ignorant.

 

[agmr]

I just read comments disparaging Apple for not choosing to have the same battery life or watch face geometry. And that comment was raised by Garmin Apple did not even say they do a lot of things much better than Garmin, which is easy considering size and scale. They imho just said we want to be a better fit for more extreme sports experiences.

 

[OJK]

Still rather have an Apple Watch over a Garmin. I find Garmins software a mess.

That’s why it objectively IS a mess. Garmin is doing a horrible job with their software.
It’s a pity as their hardware is nice. Also, the watches actually looks nice (for me). I find the Apple Watch ugly and will never buy a watch that lasts only 1 day.
Having said that I would love to have an Apple Fenix instead of a Garmin Fenix. But such is life. 😄🤷‍♂️

 

[Uofmtiger]

I just read comments disparaging Apple for not choosing to have the same battery life or watch face geometry. And that comment was raised by Garmin Apple did not even say they do a lot of things much better than Garmin, which is easy considering size and scale. They imho just said we want to be a better fit for more extreme sports experiences.

Exactly. They haven’t targeted Garmin. Obviously, they have been adding fitness features to the watch from the beginning. I think this was an answer to some marathoners and backpackers that were running out of battery before day long events finished. As part of this redesign they needed to make it bigger so gave it a more rugged case, which also benefits that market.

If they wanted to really increase battery life they would have made a lot more trade offs which would have made it much less appealing to a broader market. Garmin made the battery life a big deal because they see the overlap and are obviously worried.

 

[DrScott]

Not really. Nobody would buy an ultra to use it instead of a Garmin.

I think a large proportion of Garmin users are runners and the Apple Watch, even now, is a much better option for many of them. I had many Garmins and for a time wore both a Garmin (for running) and an Apple Watch (for everything else). But I think the Apple Watch has surpassed Garmin now in terms of functionality for running. I solely use the Workoutdoors app on my Apple Watch now. It is more customisable and programmable than any Garmin and it lets me keep the data without being reliant on Garmin to upload it. I can easily share to whatever platform I like. I gave up on Garmins when I saw how easily my Apple Watch maintained a connection to my iPhone as opposed to the painful process when Garmins (regularly) refuse to connect via bluetooth. I've got an Ultra on order and can't see anything Garmin offers for runners that would make me go back.

 

[chucker23n1]

Not really. Nobody would buy an ultra to use it instead of a Garmin.

A ton of people (certainly a million a year, likely more) who would otherwise have bought a Garmin for lack of options will now pick Apple Watch Ultra instead.

The only question is how big a slice remains for Garmin, e.g. for people who truly need longer battery life.

 

[daveathall]

I prefer the Garmin watch, I have a Fenix 7 which is superb, I was looking at getting an Apple alternative but there is no integration with my Mac Book air (no app or browser support for Apple health) or for that matter no integration with my iPads, the Garmin connect is available on every Apple product I have. Battery life on the Garmin is a none issue, it just lasts and lasts. My Fenix is also connected to my Apple health app although, I can only see that app on my iPhone. Until I can see my progress and interact on my Mac Book Air M2, iPad Air, iPad mini, I won't be buying a Apple Watch in any form.

 

[daveathall]

A ton of people (certainly a million a year, likely more) who would otherwise have bought a Garmin for lack of options will now pick Apple Watch Ultra instead.

The only question is how big a slice remains for Garmin, e.g. for people who truly need longer battery life.

What options please?

 

[Johnly]

A ton of people (certainly a million a year, likely more) who would otherwise have bought a Garmin for lack of options will now pick Apple Watch Ultra instead.

The only question is how big a slice remains for Garmin, e.g. for people who truly need longer battery life.

It will definitely cut into their numbers, there is no doubt about that. And as iterations come up and current watches begin to age, I would imagine any sensible person would assess available options, and now with AWU, it really addressed a lot of the complaints of why people chose a garmen. I am not sure battery life alone is an issue to everyone especially when you can get 2-3 days with the AWU. This will allow everyone who goes out on very long days and doesn’t camp (quite a large crowd) to have reliable GPS. I just wonder if Garmen will respond again with something else or if all they really have left is a longer lasting watch that still needs to be charged.

 

[agmr]

Wonder when the first reviews will roll in.