Battery life was flagged as a problem for the Apple Watch long before its launch. Although a fully charged watch will supposedly last a full day, users still need to carry a special charger with them and take the device off their wrist to power up.
However, a new accessory claims to solve the power issues. The powered strap from Reserve Strap not only provides longer battery life but can also charge the watch faster.
According to 9 to 5 Mac, Reserve Strap, which makes a special strap to charge the Apple Watch while it's on your wrist, has also discovered a way to charge the timepiece much more quickly. Apple uses a wireless, magnetic inductive technique to charge the watch but the accessory maker says the device will power up more quickly via a wired connection to its hidden 6-point pin.
"Our engineers have been able to independently confirm that the 6-pin diagnostic port underneath the Apple Watch case can be used for charging," Reserve Strap said in a statement. "By utilizing this port instead of wirelessly charging, we've been able to achieve a higher charge capacity and quicker, more efficient charging times while also improving durability and eliminating any interference with Apple Watch functionality, including taptic feedback and heart rate sensors."
The special 6-point pin which the Reserve Strap uses to attach to the watch face is covered but the accessory maker says it will provide a tool to access it. The pin wasn't designed for consumer use, but could end up solving a fundamental flaw for users. Now that the functionality of the pin has been highlighted we can expect a whole host of specialized 6-point pin chargers to arrive on the market as well as other accessories which could use the access point.
The Reserve Strap is currently available on preorder for $249, but the company has not announced a specific release date. The company says its strap will improve Apple Watch battery life by up to 125 percent. White, gray and black versions of the strap are expected to ship, sometime in the fall of this year.
