Apple watch update. How to update WatchOS on Apple Watch? WatchOS versions to which you can update your Apple Watch

Apple's smartwatches impress with their built-in functionality, attract attention with their non-standard design, which can be changed with new straps and dials, and with a meticulously thought-out interface, which, however, is not always 100% intuitive and sometimes turns standard actions and tasks into an unsolvable problem. . This is how things work with the update in WatchOS software. The required item can never be found in the system settings smart watch or in neighboring sections (and you definitely shouldn’t even wait for notifications). So where to look for such a desired parameter and how to update Apple Watch?

Preparatory stage

As Apple developers suggest, updating is impossible without an iPhone, and therefore, first of all, it is worth preparing your smartphone for the upcoming work:

The preparatory stage ends in ten minutes, and then the main actions begin.

Update

Before starting the main procedure, it is worth remembering three things:

The watch should be charged and not removed until the update is completed;
You should neither touch your iPhone nor use it for calls during the procedure. It is advisable to switch the system to “Airplane” mode;
Do not close the Apple Watch app until a notification appears on the screen.

Has the basic data been sorted? It's time to get started!

Having problems on your way to updating your software? It's worth understanding three things:

Does Apple Watch Really Charge?
Due to a technical glitch, you need to restart the watch by holding down the side button until the corresponding notification and the “Turn off” slider appear;
Perhaps the current problem is related specifically to the iPhone - a reboot will not hurt here either. In a critical situation, you should delete the Apple Watch application and then download it again from the App Store. It seems to be a banality, but in some cases it is a useful tool for dealing with emerging problems.

watchOS 5 has become available for download, and in it, developers from Cupertino have prepared a number of new features for users. Let's take a closer look at the new features.

Walkie Talkie

The Walkie Talkie feature turns your Apple Watch into a conversation device of sorts. Tap the corresponding icon, select a contact from your list of contacts and contact him using Wi-Fi or LTE. The conversation lasts as long as you keep your finger on the icon and ends when you remove your finger from the screen. Looks pretty cool, in the spirit of Bond.

Podcasts

The Podcasts app is now available on Apple Watch. Podcasts are automatically synced to your iPhone and saved to your watch, so you can listen to them even without an Internet connection. If you have Internet access, you can ask Siri to download new podcasts directly to your Apple Watch—no iPhone needed.

Another nice little thing: the application remembers where you stopped while listening. So you can listen to a podcast on the street with just your watch, and then pick up where you left off on your iPhone or iPad when you get home.

Improved Siri

In the new version of watchOS, the Siri voice assistant has become even smarter. By adapting to your habits, he will guess what you want. For example, Siri will be able to play certain music when you leave for a workout. Or send a message to your household that you are returning home when the work day is over.

One of the frustrating things about voice assistants is that you have to access them using a passphrase. Saying “OK Google” and “Hey Siri” every time you change tracks or lower the volume... It seems pretty stupid. Apple has figured this out, and in watchOS 5 you don't have to say "Hey Siri." Just raise your wrist to your face, say what you want, and Siri will do it. However, the Raise and Talk feature only works on Apple Watch Series 3 and later.

Sport competitions

The Apple Watch is undeniably a great watch and smartphone addition, but it's also a great watch. A new feature of watchOS 5 is sports competitions with friends. You can challenge your friends and compete to see who can score the most points in a week by playing certain sports. The built-in personal trainer will encourage you and show you how to win. Unfortunately, for now you can only compete one on one, so it won’t be possible to organize marathons with mass races yet.

In addition to the competition mode, Apple Watch has received many other small improvements for sports activities. Now watchOS 5 automatically recognizes when you start exercising and automatically turns on the desired tracking mode physical activity. And in the “Training” application, modes for yoga and hiking have appeared.

And that's not it

Here are a few more innovations:

Setting up notifications. Apple Watch's Notification Center is now customizable. Swipe up clockwise, then down, and select Edit. In this mode, you can move notification icons around.
Grouping of notifications. The new watchOS 5 doesn't display notifications one at a time, but rather groups information from the same app. You can view or delete all notifications from groups with one tap.
Improved Do Not Disturb mode. When you turn on Do Not Disturb mode, you can choose whether to turn off notifications for an hour, until tomorrow, or while you're in your current location.
Preview web content. They sent you some link, but you don’t have your iPhone with you? Click on a message and you'll see the content of the linked page optimized for the Apple Watch screen. If desired, you can enable “Reading Mode”.
More data in Weather. The Weather app now shows wind direction and speed, air quality and UV index.

On the official watchOS 5 page you can find full list new features.

How to update to watchOS 5

The update is available for all versions of Apple Watch, except zero-generation devices, which were released in 2015. If you are not sure which model you have, refer to the instructions. Once you've made sure your watch supports watchOS 5, you can update.

To do this, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to the My Watch tab and select General → Software Update, then simply follow the instructions. For the watch to run smoothly, the battery needs to be at least 50% charged.

The update should be available for over-the-air installation, but you can install it manually if you prefer. Below we will tell you how this is done.

At first update yourself beforeiOS 12

Before installing watchOS 5, you'll need to update your linked iPhone or iPad to iOS 12. Without this, the watchOS 5 update will not be available for installation.

Which models supportwatchOS 5

watchOS 5 is compatible with all versions and variants of Apple Watch, exceptSeries 0 . If you're still using your original Apple Watch, you won't be able to install the update.

How to delete a beta profilewatchOS 5

If your Apple Watch is running watchOS 5 beta, you'll first need to remove the beta profile from it.

Step 1: Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone, go to the My Watch tab, then select Basic -> Profile.

Step 2: You will see a list of installed profiles. Select the one you want and click Delete profile.

How installwatchOS 5

Step 1: After updating your iPhone to iOS 12, connect it to a Wi-Fi network. Then open the Apple Watch app.

Step 2: Select the My Watch tab, and then Basic -> Software Update. An update should be available here.

Step 3: Click Download and install, and then Accept.

Step 4: On Apple Watch, tap Continue and enter your password.

When your iPhone downloads the watchOS 5 update, it will automatically install on your Apple Watch. We strongly recommend that you charge your watch before installing the new version.

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Owners of the first watch models cannot fully enjoy the functionality of the software of more modern products. Apple Company annually releases operating systems for the Apple Watch, which can be updated independently.

What do new versions of WatchOS provide?

Improved Apple Watch security.
Increasing the speed of programs running on the watch.
Adding new features to core Apple Watch apps.
Possibility of installing new themes and wallpapers on the main screen, choosing an interesting and unusual dial.
With each new version of WatchOS, system languages and dialects are added.
Each time functions are added in the “Training” and “Health” programs.
New opportunities for using third-party applications are emerging.
Apple Pay and Wallet improvements.

WatchOS versions to which you can update your Apple Watch

WatchOS 2.2 (WOS 2.2.1, WOS 2.2.2) – updates are available for Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Edition, and Apple Watch Hermes.

(WOS 3.2.3) – OS available for all watch models.

(WOS 4.1, WOS 4.2, WOS 4.2.2, WOS 4.2.3, WOS 4.3, WOS 4.3.1, WOS 4.3.2) - OS available for all watch models.

(WOS 5.1, WOS 5.1.2, WOS 5.1.3, WOS 5.2) – can be installed on Apple Watch series 1 and watches of later series.

Photo: WatchOS 5 presentation

Preparing to update your iWatch

First, you need to update your iPhone to the latest possible version of iOS.
You need to make sure that the devices are charging, and the charge level should be at least 50% (it is important that the gadget does not turn off during installation).
You need to connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network.
You should place your mobile device near your iWatch.

Attention! The update takes some time (from 30 minutes to 1 – 2 hours).

iWatch update

Apple sends messages to users of its products about available device system updates. Gadget owners can use the Update Tonight service in notifications.

To confirm the operation on your watch, you should also install a similar update on your companion phone. Before going to bed, it is recommended to charge devices next to each other. This way the clock will be updated automatically.

How to check for new versions of WatchOS yourself:

You should go to the iWatch application on your iPhone.

Then select "My Watch".

Go to the “Basic” item.

Next, select “Software Update”.

An update needs to be downloaded.

Sometimes the installer asks for a password for your phone and watch. In this case, you need to enter them.
A loading indicator should appear on your iWatch.

Attention! While the update is being installed, you cannot remove devices from charging, restart the download, or close the application. Once the installation is complete, the iWatch will restart the system.

What to do if WatchOS is not updated?

First, you should make sure that your Apple Watch is compatible with the new firmware version:

WatchOS 5 (and later) is not supported on devices prior to iPhone 5s.
The OS on the phone must be at least iOS 12.
First generation watches are not compatible with WatchOS 5.

If all conditions are met, but the update does not download, it is recommended to perform a number of manipulations:

In the instructions below we will tell you how to update operating system watchOS Apple Watch.

In contact with

To install the update, you will need an iPhone with the latest current firmware version and Charger for Apple Watch. The watch battery charge must be at least 50%. The process of installing the watchOS update itself takes about 30 minutes, so be prepared for the fact that the installation may take several hours depending on the speed of the Internet channel and a number of other factors.

1 . Connect your Apple Watch charger to a power source and connect your watch. Make sure that the iPhone is located close to the gadget. While updating, keep your Apple Watch charging.

2 . On iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and go to the " My watch» -> « Basic» -> « Software Update».

3 . After the iPhone checks for the update, click on the option " More details» in order to obtain information about the innovations in the update.

When you're ready, click on " Download andbecome" to begin the installation process.

You will need to enter the passcode on your iPhone.

4 . Wait while your iPhone downloads and prepares the update.

After a few minutes, a notification about the availability of an update will appear on the watch. Next you can click " Install» or wait 15 seconds for the installation process to begin automatically. During the update process, the Apple Watch screen will turn black and the Apple logo will appear on it. If you're asked to enter your iPhone or Apple Watch passcode, enter it.

The process for installing an update for Apple Watch looks like this:

5 . When the installation is complete, the device will restart automatically.