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Apple releases watchOS 8.1.1 with charging issue fix for Apple Watch Series 7

watchOS 8.1.1 fixes an issue with Apple Watch Series 7 charging

Apple has released watchOS 8.1.1, a minor update that addresses an issue that occurred when charging the Apple Watch Series 7.

According to the release notes, the update addresses a charging issue with the Apple Watch Series 7. No user-facing features were added or altered.

The new build number for watchOS 8.1.1 is 19R580, replacing build 19R570. watchOS 8.1 was originally released on October 25 with only bug fixes and performance improvements.

How to update the Apple Watch

The update will download and install automatically for users who have Automatic Updates enabled, when the Apple Watch is on its charger, charged to at least 50% battery, and within Wi-Fi range of the host iPhone. Alternately, users can manually update by navigating to the Apple Watch app on their iPhone.

  1. Open the Watch app
  2. Tap General
  3. Tap Software Update
  4. If there is an update available a prompt to download and install will appear
  5. Place the Apple Watch on its charger
  6. Once the Apple Watch is above 50% the update will begin
  7. Do not remove the Apple Watch from the charger until the update is complete and the time is displayed



7 Comments

libertykrs 11 Years · 63 comments

Update still not available . . . sigh . . .  :/

Japhey 6 Years · 1772 comments

I wasn’t aware that there was a charging issue with the Series 7. I’ve found mine to be quick and reliable. In fact, after a month of use, the newness of the larger screen has worn off, but the speed of the charging still surprises me every day. 

Kris2112 5 Years · 16 comments

Update still not available . . . sigh . . .  :/

watchOS 8.1.1 appears to be only for the Series 7. It’s not showing up for my Series 6 or Series 3.

MustSeeUHDTV 7 Years · 309 comments

I wonder what the charging issues is?

I know I have an odd charging issue since my Watch 5 (which carried over when I restored it to my Watch 6). My issue is when I place it on the charger, it does not go into clock mode, but starts to charge (shows watch face but the power circle complication is charging).......then several minutes later, it dings and goes in to clock mode and shows charging.

libertykrs 11 Years · 63 comments

Kris2112 said:
Update still not available . . . sigh . . .  :/
watchOS 8.1.1 appears to be only for the Series 7. It’s not showing up for my Series 6 or Series 3.

Yeah, I have Series 7 Nike, still no update even today.