Apparatus and methods for performing reduced hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) operations for a user equipment (UE) during a data communications session, e.g., for voice over LTE (VoLTE) communications. The UE can initially inform the network, via an enhanced NodeB (eNodeB), that the UE is capable of performing advanced HARQ functions. The eNodeB can further evaluate various network conditions to determine when reduced HARQ operations should be employed. When network conditions allow, the eNodeB can transmit an RRC message to the UE, including reduced HARQ timeline configuration information. Thereafter, the UE and the eNodeB can collaborate to institute the reduced HARQ timeline to schedule an application data retransmission during the data communications session. The reduced HARQ operations can be performed in conjunction with various semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) and connected mode discontinuous reception (C-DRX) operations, to further conserve UE device resources.