Apple today is releasing watchOS 6.1 to the public after developer beta testing. The update includes performance improvements, and brings watchOS 6 to the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2.
Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2 were excluded from the initial release of watchOS 6 last month. At the time, Apple said the update would come sometime in the fall.
Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 users can now update to watchOS 6.1. In addition to support for the older Apple Watch models, watchOS 6.1 includes support for AirPods Pro, as well as performance improvements and bug fixes. During beta testing, the update appeared to improve battery life performance for the Apple Watch Series 5 as well.
Here’s are the release notes for today’s update:
Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 users can look forward several new watchOS 6 features. watchOS 6 brings new first-party apps to the device, including apps for the Calculator, Voice Memos, and Audiobooks. watchOS 6 also marks the introduction of a dedicated App Store for Apple Watch apps. Users will be able to search, discover, and download apps directly from their watch, making the device less reliant on iPhone.
Apple has also released watchOS 5.3.3 to the public. This update is for people who don’t have an iPhone that is capable of running iOS 13, and therefore can’t update to watchOS 6. Apple says this update “provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.”
Read more:
- watchOS 6 is now available, here are the top 6 new Apple Watch features
- watchOS 6 will give customers with older Apple Watches new reasons to upgrade
- iOS 13.2 now available with Deep Fusion, new emoji, Siri privacy settings, more
- watchOS 6: Hands-on with the top new features for Apple Watch [Video]
