Roger Fingas
The review version of the Apple Watch is experiencing performance problems that Apple says will be fixed in upcoming software updates, one of which is expected to arrive before the device lands on the wrists of consumers, according to an early review of the device.
On Wednesday The Verge said that the Watch can sometimes stutter loading notifications, and take too long to load apps or pull data and location from a paired iPhone. In some cases third-party apps may not load at all, and the Watch can periodically become unresponsive for a few seconds.
Apple told the publication about the updates in response to those concerns. The company said it is at least hoping to improve the speed of third-party apps ahead of the offcial April 24 launch, but didn't specify when subsequent updates might arrive or which problems will be fixed in each release.
Third-party apps from companies like Twitter and the New York Times are expected to be central to the Watch's appeal. Combined with the product's built-in apps, they should let people handle many tasks without pulling their iPhone out of their pocket. If the Watch is too slow however, it may simply be easier to resort to the phone.
A spate of Watch reviews are being publsihed today following the lifting of Apple's review embargo. Preorders are going live on Friday, April 10 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time, and the company is presumably hoping to drum up further anticipation. Complaints about performance could hurt preorder sales.
At the same time, launch supplies could be constrained, so people wanting a Watch in the near future may be tempted to place an order as soon as possible regardless.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
28 Comments
Oh, FFS.
Guess the cots were rolled into the software development office...
Let us look at what is available at launch to make a judgment of the product. Prerelease isn't a good indicator of the final product.
[quote name="SpamSandwich" url="/t/185653/apple-watch-performance-problems-to-be-fixed-with-software-update-ahead-of-april-24-launch#post_2705965"]Oh, FFS.[/quote] I remember the Verge re-scored a Nexus phone review after there was an update to the camera software. I wonder if Nialy will do the same with ?Watch?
[quote name="Rogifan" url="/t/185653/apple-watch-performance-problems-to-be-fixed-with-software-update-ahead-of-april-24-launch#post_2705990"] I remember the Verge re-scored a Nexus phone review after there was an update to the camera software. I wonder if Nialy will do the same with ?Watch?[/quote] I can't count the number of times I've seen him in interviews and presentations where he's clearly drunk.
So like with all other products, a software update will improve it. Makes sense.