Skip to main content

Following reports of bricked devices, Apple’s WatchOS 5.1.1 fixes the issue

Apple Watch Series 4
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Last week, Apple Watch owners were reporting that after updating to WatchOS 5.1 their device was bricked. First spotted by 9to5Mac, Apple pulled WatchOS 5.1 shortly after the issue surfaced. The company finally released a new version of the update, WatchOS 5.1.1. This time around, users should be able to successfully install it.

A small group of users took to both Reddit and Twitter to report their Apple Watch was stuck on the Apple logo while the WatchOS 5.1. installation was taking place. Even restarting the Apple Watch and the iPhone it was paired with wasn’t been able to fix the issue.

Recommended Videos

Those who have yet to update their Apple Watches should have no problem downloading WatchOS 5.1.1. But if your Apple Watch was bricked, it will still have to be serviced through AppleCare in order to apply the new update, 9to5Mac notes.

Apple’s WatchOS 5.1.1 provides the same fixes as the original version, including improvements to fall detection alerts, Activity awards, and its Walkie-Talkie feature. There’s also access to 70 new emojis, more watch face options, and the ability to participate in Group FaceTime calls via audio.

WatchOS 5 first launched last month, following Apple’s annual hardware event each fall. The new operating system comes with a variety of features from improved health tracking to a walkie-talkie mode. There’s also an improved user interface that makes it easier to multitask — there are small status icons to indicate an app is in use, new watch faces, and grouped notifications (that are also featured on the iPhone with iOS 12).

While the latest operating system comes with new perks, there are a few additional WatchOS 5 features exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 4. While older models of the Apple Watch include an optical heart rate sensor to track resting heart rate, calories burned, and more, the Series 4 can also notify you if your heart rate appears to be too low. It’s also capable of screening your heart rhythm in the background — it will alert you if it detects irregular rhythm, which could point to atrial fibrillation. The device can’t diagnose an issue, but it can detect it for you so you can then consult a doctor.

But the most impressive feature on the Series 4, is the built-in electrical heart sensor that will allow you to measure the electrical activity of your heartbeat straight from your wrist. While it was the most exciting feature introduced on the smartwatch, it’s not even available yet. Apple says the supporting app will be released later this year.

Updated on November 5, 2018: Apple releases WatchOS 5.1.1.

Brenda Stolyar
Former Staff Writer, Mobile
Brenda became obsessed with technology after receiving her first Dell computer from her grandpa in the second grade. While…
Apple Intelligence is coming to the Apple Watch in a limited capacity
A person wearing the Apple Watch SE 2.

In his most recent Power On newsletter, Apple insider Mark Gurman says the Apple Watch won't be receiving onboard Apple Intelligence, but it will still get useful features that are powered by AI. While the Apple Watch isn't receiving a major overhaul, Gurman says it will get some new interface elements and give users a "smaller taste of the big shifts underway at Apple."

These upcoming changes will be announced in more detail at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC). Gurman says the two main subjects of the June event will be Apple Intelligence and something called Solarium, the internal name for a new design language Apple plans to implement for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

Read more
The Oppo Find N5 put a Mac in my pocket, and Apple needs to take note.
An Oppo Find N5 is being used for remote access to a Mac.

It’s no secret that the biggest strength of Apple’s ecosystem is the seamless cross-device connectivity it offers. Yet, despite commanding the world’s biggest mobile-computing duopoly, Apple hasn’t offered two-way control for iPhones and Macs to remotely operate each other. It’s a shame, because given Apple’s security-first approach, it’s in the best spot to offer such a facility. 

The situation only changed last year, but only halfway through. With the arrival of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, Apple finally introduced iPhone Mirroring. However, there’s still no equivalent that allows you to access and control your Mac desktop on your iPhone. Or an iPad. Some third-party options have existed, though, but haven't really been stellar. 

Read more
Apple just released the iOS 18.5 beta, and what’s not coming is clear
iOS 18 logo on the iPhone 16 Pro

Apple has only just released iOS 18.4 to the public and mere days later it is already starting to give access out for the next update in iOS 18.5.

Apple has begun seeding the latest iOS 18.5 beta 1 to those with compatible devices that allow for access. So mostly developers then.

Read more