Apple released watchOS 10.4 for Apple Watch users on March 7th. This update was aimed at enhancing the overall user experience coupled with improving the system’s stability and performance. Despite the promising update, the WatchOS 10.4 software upgrade has inadvertently introduced some glaring glitches. One of the most annoying issues reported by users is abnormal battery drain, something never observed before by regular users. It has been now almost 3 weeks since indexing began, and the battery drain continues to be a pain.
What is the Apple watchOS 10.4 battery drain issue?
Users have reported their experiences with the watchOS 10.4 update, especially concerning battery life on Apple Watch devices. People have reported an average of 4.5% drain per hour when they installed the watchOS 10.4 and after a couple of weeks, they are at 9% drain per hour. A few users are reporting overheating, frequent reboot rendering watch unusable.
Some users have reported an alarming 84% drop in battery charge within four hours, even during basic tasks like controlling music playback or checking notifications. Some have reported a battery loss of 40% in 5 hours, with a simple 15-minute workout. This rapid battery depletion has left users feeling uneasy, often needing to charge their watches up to five times a day.
Efforts to resolve the issue, like clearing app caches and power cycling the device, have been ineffective, leading to growing frustration among users. Many have turned to social media to voice their concerns, urging Apple to halt updates that significantly impact battery life.
It cannot be ruled out that the watchOS 10.4 update is causing issues with battery optimization on certain devices, leading to faster drain rates. However, factors like usage patterns, background apps, and individual device settings can also affect battery life.
Despite users expressing their concerns, Apple has not issued an official response regarding the reported battery problems. Users are desperately waiting for the next watchOS 10.4.1 update with the hope that it will carry the fix of insane battery drain.
Though Apple has not confirmed when the watchOS 10.4.1 and iOS 17.4.1 are coming by, but a Reddit user has confirmed that it can happen anytime soon. This has come by after his discussion with Apple support. However, it cannot be said with certainty that Apple will release the battery drain fix in it.
However, with so many users desperately waiting for a watchOS 10.4.1 and experiencing the battery drain issue, Apple is expected to acknowledge the problem and provide a fix in the next major update.
