Mike Wuerthele
Not only does watchOS 6.1 add compatibility with Apple's new AirPods Pro, but it can now be loaded on the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2.
Apple Watch's new software, watchOS 6.1, has been in testing since just a week after watchOS 6 was releases for the Apple Watch Series 3 and newer. Beyond the new device compatibility, it doesn't appear to have much in the way of new features for the user.
The watchOS 6.0 release in September included a slew of new features. That update included an Apple Watch-specific App Store and new watch faces. New faces include Solar Dial, Modular Compact, Gradient, California, Numerals Duo, and Numerals Mono. Several existing watch faces were also updated with new design elements.
New to Apple Watch with watchOS 6 was a redesigned Reminders app, and new versions of Apple's own Audiobooks app, Calculator, Voice Memos, and Noise.
Cycle is a new enhancement for watchOS 6. Users can track their menstrual cycle right from Apple Watch and get intuitive notifications which is all synced to the accompanying Health app on iPhone with iOS 13.
How to get watchOS 6.1
The update requires at least 50% battery life to install as well as a connected iPhone with a compatible iOS version. To update Apple Watch, users should place Apple Watch on a charger and launch the Watch app on their iPhone. From there, Head to General > Software Update.
As of this release, Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4 and Series 5 are all supported by watchOS 6.1, although some features may be limited to the newer models.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
35 Comments
Does it fix the problem with Siri Shortcuts not being available on the watch? By far my biggest problem with the watchOS 6 update.
I think I’ll wait a few days before upgrading...
I sure hope they’re working on a battery fix for the Series 5...my experience is much worse than my Series 3
I hope this fixes an issue I have with scrolling on my Series 5. It will sometime not scroll with the dial and I'll have to scroll with the touch screen...then after I do that, the dial starts to work again. Another issue I hope is fix, is that a digital overlay clock comes on the screen and that usually locks up my display. I can do anything when it does that and usually have to reboot....
I've only had one minor issue. I hope it fixes the bug where Mickey always speaks when you tap the screen, even when it was turned off in settings. LOL