Apple’s new Adaptive Power mode, first introduced with iOS 26 on the iPhone, is now making its way to the Apple Watch. Starting with watchOS 26, Adaptive Power is enabled by default on all compatible Apple Watch models that are set up through Apple Watch For Your Kids, previously known as Family Setup. This also applies to devices that were already set up and then updated to the new software.
Apple Watch For Your Kids lets parents configure a watch for a child who doesn’t have their own iPhone, provided the model has cellular connectivity. In this setup, the Apple Watch serves as a child’s primary communication device, which makes power management especially important.
Adaptive Power on the Apple Watch functions similarly to its iPhone counterpart. Apple says the feature can extend battery life by reducing performance in certain areas, such as Siri processing times, animation smoothness, and scrolling responsiveness. While these changes may be noticeable, they are designed to prioritize keeping the watch running longer during a full day of use. Parents can turn off Adaptive Power from the Battery section in the Settings app if they choose.
Unlike the iPhone, Adaptive Power is not available for adult Apple Watch setups. The feature is exclusive to devices set up for children, which reflects Apple’s focus on ensuring reliable all-day performance for young users who may rely on the watch more heavily than adults. On the iPhone, Adaptive Power is available on iPhone 15 Pro and newer, with the setting enabled by default on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air.
The addition of Adaptive Power on Apple Watch highlights how Apple is tailoring its power management tools to different use cases. For kids, a watch that unexpectedly runs out of battery could mean losing their main way of contacting family. By enabling this feature by default, Apple is making sure the device remains dependable, even if performance sacrifices are occasionally noticeable.
