Apple Watch Software Update

The Apple Watch currently ships with Watch OS 1.0. Today Apple has released Watch OS 1.0.1, the first software update for the Apple Watch wearable device. Watch OS 1.0.1 contains performance improvements and bug fixes so you should upgrade your Apple Watch as soon as you can. The software update — which has a file size of about 51.6MB — is available through the Apple Watch app on the iPhone. The software update also includes support for over 300 new Emojis that were introduced in iOS 8.3 and OS X 10.10.3.

Improvements have been made in Siri, stand activity, calorie counting for cycling and rowing, distance and pace during outdoor walking and running, accessibility and third party apps. Apple also added language support for Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, Thai, and Turkish. More importantly, Watch OS 1.0.1 fixes potential exploits that have been noticed by engineers and researchers that work at Apple, Google and Kaspersky Labs. One of these exploits could have caused the Apple Watch to become vulnerable to system denials of services, according to the Apple Watch Support website.

The Apple Watch relies on the iPhone to download the update and install it. You will need to be on a WiFi connection and the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50% battery life to install the update, according to 9to5Mac. If the Apple Watch does not have at least 50% battery life, then the installation process will be paused. The Apple Watch also has to be within a certain range of the iPhone. To update your Apple Watch operating system, you will need to go to My Watch > General > Software Update in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. You will have to enter your passcode if necessary. Downloading the update and installing it takes about 15 to 20 minutes.