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.
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.
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