Apple launches a new tool that can help users fix their Apple Watch using watchOS 8.5 and iOS 15.4. Instead of users going to the Apple Store to repair their Apple Watch, users can now fix it all by themselves using their iPhones.
Apple Watch Firmware Fix
Apple firmware problems can now be fixed using the iPhone. According to 9to5Mac, Apple Watch does not have any data ports that can be accessed by users, which means that only Apple is capable of repairing a user's watch if its firmware becomes corrupt.
This is no longer a problem.
Both iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5 now include a new tool that allows users to wirelessly restore the Apple Watch firmware using their iPhone. Apple recently released the fourth version of iOS 15 today, since it launched in September 2021.
Apple updated its support article on Monday, shortly after releasing iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5 to the general public.
The update included information on what users should do if their Apple Watch stops working properly. Apple usually advises users to turn in their Apple Watch to the customer's nearest Apple stores for repair.
However, Apple now provided steps for users to fix the common problems encountered with the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Firmware Problems: How to Fix it?
In any circumstances that a user's Apple Watch is encountering a problem, an alert will appear on a user's iPhone prompting to restore the Apple Watch to its previous state.
According to Apple, these steps should be followed if a user's Apple Watch running watchOS 8.5 or later displays an animation showing a watch and an iPhone being brought close together.
- Make sure that an iPhone is within reach. In order to engage, the iPhone must be running iOS 15.4 or later, be connected to Wi-Fi with Bluetooth turned on, and be unlocked.
- Plug in the user's Apple Watch to its charging cable.
- Double-click the side button on the user's Apple Watch (the button that is located below the circular Digital Crown).
- Follow the instructions that appear on the iPhone.
Apple also stated that "If these steps don't work for you, check your Wi-Fi. Try using a 2.4GHz network instead of 5GHz, and make sure that you're not on a captive or 802.1X network."
Apple notes that even with the new technology, it does not solve all the errors and problems the Apple Watch can have. With that, Apple still recommends users to bring their Apple Watches to an Apple Store for repair after the firmware fix in the iPhone has been unsuccessful.
Apple WatchOS 8.5
WatchOS 8.5's release comes two months after the release of watchOS 8.4. The earlier version of the two is the fourth significant update to the watchOS 8 operating system since its initial release. WatchOS 8.4 notably addressed a charging problem.
WatchOS 8.5 can be downloaded using the Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General> select Software Update.
To install this latest update, users need a fully charged Apple Watch with a charger and ot must be within range of the iPhone.
As reported by MacRumors, with the new software upgrade, the Apple Watch now has new features, improvements, and bug fixes.
- Apple Watch now has the ability to authorize Apple TV purchases, and subscriptions are available.
- Updates to irregular heart rhythm notifications have been made in order to improve the detection of atrial fibrillation. There are a plethora of countries and regions that have the feature, including the United States, Chile, Hong Kong, South Africa, and many more.
- Improved audio on the movements that have been visually demonstrated in Fitness+.
