The software update, which hit alongside iOS 12.1, appears to have bricked some Series 4 Apple Watches.
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| © CNET The Apple Watch Series 4 keeps tabs on how your heart's doing. |
By Scott Stein, CNET
Apple has suspended its Watch OS 5.1 software update after some users on Twitter and Reddit reported
the update was "bricking" their Series 4 watches, causing an endless
boot loop. The software update had gone live only hours earlier, alongside iOS 12.1.
The
problem wasn't happening to everyone: I was able to update the Series 4
without issue. But enough users were experiencing problems that Apple
pulled the update -- it's no longer available to download.
Here's Apple's official statement on the issue:
Due to a small number of Apple Watch customers experiencing an issue while installing watch OS 5.1 today, we've pulled back the software update as a precaution. Any customers impacted should contact AppleCare, but no action is required if the update installed successfully. We are working on a fix for an upcoming software update.
News of the problems with the software update was previously reported by 9to5mac.
The
big improvement in Watch OS 5.1 was an enhancement to its fall
detection system. Once 5.1 was successfully installed, a detected fall
would be followed by a recorded message to emergency services, offering
location information (latitude and longitude). Previously, that location
information was sent to a key emergency contact instead.
The
added audio message is intended for anyone who falls and is unable to
speak, or falls unconscious. In the event the person who falls can still
speak, there's also an option to stop the recorded message and speak
directly. (The Apple Watch Series 4 has already been credited with
helping at least one person who fell and needed assistance.)
Apple
had previously pledged to deliver a software update to the Apple Watch
Series 4 that adds electrocardiogram (ECG, also known as EKG)
functionality before the end of the year, but the company hasn't
specified a date.
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