Systems (100) and methods (400) for extending battery life on a Communication Device (“CD”). The methods involve: configuring operations of CD and an accessory such that they operate in a first operational mode in which the accessory has a first functionality; and detecting the occurrence of a trigger event. The trigger event occurs when: (a) CD's power source has a State-Of-Charge (“SOC”), capacity or voltage level that is not optimal for powering the accessory, (b) a voltage level of the accessory's power source is below a lowest voltage level at which the accessory can fully operate, or (c) a power source of the accessory is sufficiently charged/re-charged such that the accessory can once again operate in the SOM. In response to the trigger event, operations of CD and accessory are re-configured such that they operate in accordance with a second operational mode in which the accessory has a second functionality.