Your apple watch is up to date with all the latest bug fixes

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Last updated on October 14th, 2022 at 06:25 pm

Posted in News by Mike on August 18, 2022

Your apple watch is up to date with all the latest bug fixes

watchOS 8.7.1 update

watchOS 8.7.1 not available for your Apple Watch? Update not showing up in the Software Update section. All that you get is watchOS 8.7 and the confirmation that Apple Watch is up to date with the latest bug fixes and security enhancements?

watchOS 8.7.1 Not Available

Your apple watch is up to date with all the latest bug fixes

This happens to all Apple Watch owners that run a watchOS 8 version but don’t own the Series 3 model. (Source: Apple Support document.)

According to Apple, unlike iOS 15.6.1 and macOS 12.5.1, watchOS 8.7.1 has been only released for the AW 3 model.

It’s fixing bugs that are affecting only the Series 3 watches!

watchOS 8.7.1 Security Content

Apple doesn’t even provide any CVE entries for this release, meaning that the update doesn’t bring any security improvements.

Vulnerabilities patched by iOS 15.6.1 and macOS 12.5.1 haven’t been found in watchOS 8.7 too.

watchOS 8.7.1 Release Notes

The only info that’s available about this version is available in the update log:

“watchOS 8.7.1 addresses an issue that may cause Apple Watch Series 3 to unexpectedly restart for some users.”

We couldn’t find any other notes in the news section of Apple’s Developer platform.

watchOS 8.7.1 Download

If you own an Apple Watch Series 3 you can install this update, over-the-air from the Watch app on the paired iPhone:

  • In the My Watch tab, tap on General -> Software Update.
  • Tap Download and Install after the update shows up.
  • Provide Passcode and follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.
  • Fact: Build number for this release is 19U67.

watchOS 8.7.1 Problems

Any issues reported for this release are mentioned below:

  • 1. watchOS 8.7.1 update stuck in ‘downloading to watch’. Reported by Susan.
    Fix: Reinstall Watch app or change Language & Region. More details here.
  • 2. Unable to verify update because you’re not connected to the internet error. Reported by Harrya.
    Fix: Workarounds available here.
  • 3. Update not installing on Apple Watch 3. Reported by K and Bob3.
    Fix: Same as above.
  • 4. To be updated!

Have you installed watchOS 8.7.1 on Apple Watch? Did you spot any changes? Share your feedback in the comments.

Related: This could be one of the last updates to the 8th watchOS generation. watchOS 9 is currently in its advanced beta testing stages.

Watchos 9 Beta Heart Rate Zone During Workout

(Image credit: Luke Filipowicz / iMore)

What's new in watchOS 9

October 10, 2022: Apple releases watchOS 9.0.2 for the Apple Watch Ultra

Apple has released watchOS 9.0.2 to users. The latest update fixes a number of issues affecting the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and more:

  • Interruptions to streaming audio on Spotify
  • Snooze alarm notifications continue after the alarm is deleted for AssistiveTouch users
  • Incomplete syncing of Wallet and Fitness data for newly paired Apple Watch
  • Audio from microphone interrupted for some Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra users

September 22, 2022: Apple releases watchOS 9.0.1 for the Apple Watch Ultra

Today, Apple released watchOS 9.0.1. The update, which is specifically for the Apple Watch Ultra, addresses an audio distortion issue when using the speakers for phone calls:

This update includes improvements and bug fixes for your Apple Watch Ultra.

September 12, 2022: Apple releases watchOS 9 to everyone

While watchOS 9 (opens in new tab) has been in beta since June, Apple has now released the new software for everyone.

watchOS 9 is by far the most significant update to the fitness tracking features of the Apple Watch we've seen in years and finally puts the Apple Watch in the conversation of top-tier fitness trackers. Plus, it should have the new Low Power Mode, which you can toggle on to stretch the battery life of your best Apple Watch (opens in new tab) to new heights.

If you have an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, you can download and install the newest software by following the steps below!

How to download and install the watchOS update

  1. Update your iPhone to iOS 15 or later.
  2. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and launch the Watch app.
  3. Make sure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% and connect it to the magnetic charger.
  4. Tap on the My Watch tab.
  5. Tap on General.
  6. Tap on Software Update.

  1. Tap on Download and Install.
  2. Enter your iPhone Passcode when prompted.
  3. Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions

downloading watchOS 3

downloading watchOS 3
  1. Tap Proceed on your Apple Watch to begin the download.
  2. Enter your Passcode on Apple Watch.

Entering passcode on Apple Watch

Entering passcode on Apple Watch

The watchOS update will download and transfer to your Apple Watch and Apple Watch will reboot to apply the update. You can follow the progress on the Apple Watch screen, and once it's done, you'll be all set.

How to speed up Apple Watch updates (and why you might not want to)

If you've ever been frustrated with how long it takes to download and install an update for your Apple Watch, you should know that you might be able to speed up the process by turning off Bluetooth at the right moment. But I would warn you against it.

While it is possible that the steps below could work just fine, if you time this wrong at all, it could result in serious consequences for your installation and your Apple Watch in general. If you're confident in your ability to time this all correctly, you can try this method at your own risk.

After tapping Download and Install is step 7 above, follow these instructions.

  1. Enter your Apple Watch or iPhone passcode if/when prompted.
  2. Open Settings on your iPhone AFTER you are given an estimate for the time remaining in your watchOS download on the Software Update page.
  3. Tap Bluetooth.
  4. Tap the Bluetooth switch so that it's in the white 'off' position.
  5. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  6. Tap Cancel on the prompt on the Software Update page. If you've done everything correctly (which is again, not guaranteed), your iPhone will fall back to using your home Wi-Fi network to deliver the update rather than Bluetooth.
  7. Open Settings on your iPhone AFTER the Install button becomes available at the bottom of the Software Update page.
  8. Tap Bluetooth.
  9. Tap the Bluetooth switch so that it's in the green 'on' position.
  10. Open the Watch app.
  11. Tap Install.

Once again, I would highly caution you against doing this, as it could cause major problems with the update.

Updated September 2022: Updated for watchOS 9.

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 

Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.

What do I do if my Apple Watch says its up to date?

Apple Watch Stuck on Update?.
Wait It Out..
Check Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Status. ... .
Connect Apple Watch to Charger..
Keep iPhone and Watch in Range..
Force-Quit and Relaunch Watch App..
Delete watchOS Update File and Retry. ... .
Restart iPhone and Apple Watch. ... .
Free Up Storage on Apple Watch..

What to do if your Apple Watch is up to date but won't pair?

You need to take the beta software off the phone and update it with the latest version of ios NOT beta software. and you need to remove/unpair the watch from the other phone it was paired to. From a web browser,sign in to iCloud.com with your Apple ID. Go to Find iPhone.

Why does it say error when I try to update my Apple Watch?

Remove media and apps. Free up storage on your Apple Watch by removing any music or photos that you've synced to your watch. Then try to install the watchOS update. If you still can't update, remove some apps to free up more space, then try to update.

Why does my Apple Watch say it will take a day to update?

If your Apple Watch says it needs 3 or 5 days to install the latest updates, first restart your iPhone and watchOS device. Then delete the update file, and check for updates again. If the issue persists, reset your network settings, and then unpair and re-pair your devices. Did these solutions help you fix the problem?