This post will walk you through downloading and installing a new update on the Apple Watch 7. Read on to learn how to manually update Apple Watch Series 7.
watchOS 8.3 update
The current version of watchOS is 8.3. Officially released in public on December 13, 2021, the watchOS 8.3 update mainly features support for App Privacy Report and Apple Music Voice Plan.
This update was also pushed to fix widespread charging issues faced by many Apple watch series 7 users when installing the prior watchOS version 8.1.
Aside from the previous charging bug, the recent Apple Watch update is also aimed to deliver new features and system improvements to all compatible Apple Watches.
It also fixes an issue where notifications seem to interrupt Mindfulness app sessions unexpectedly in some Apple Watch series.
Installing watchOS updates on Apple Watch Series 7
Just like iOS devices, Apple watches also receive periodic updates. These updates are generally rolled out to add new features, system enhancements and bug fixes.
The watchOS 8.1.1 update for example was specifically pushed to address a problem with the Apple Watch series 7 that doesn’t charge properly.
The latest watchOS version available for Apple’s newest series 7 is watchOS 8.3. This update is also available for prior series down to the Apple Watch series 3.
The new watchOS version 8.3 is available via over-the-air (OTA) download in the Apple watch app on the paired iPhone. You may also opt to update directly on your Apple Watch home screen.
If you’re new to the Apple Watch series and need some input on how to download and install new updates for your Apple Watch 7, I’ve mapped out the steps below.
Easy Steps to Update Apple Watch Series 7
The following steps are also applicable when updating other Apple Watch models like the Apple Watch SE and other models that meet the minimum system requirements for the latest watchOS released.
The Apple Watch model can be viewed through the Apple Watch app on its paired iPhone, particularly in the About section.
Prerequisites:
- Before updating, make sure that your Apple Watch is nearby its paired iPhone and both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Also ensure that your Apple Watch has ample storage space to allocate the new update file. The watchOS 8.3 update file is 345MB so your Apple Watch must have available storage not less than the update’s file size.
- Aside from ample storage, make sure that your Apple Watch and paired iPhone are sufficiently, if not fully charged.
Once everything is set, you may go ahead and start updating your Apple Watch with these subsequent steps.
Updating Apple Watch using the iPhone Apple Watch app
Installing new watchOS updates on an Apple Watch is typically done using the iPhone that it’s paired with, particularly with the Apple Watch app.
Just keep your devices within reach and follow these steps when ready:
Step 1: Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone by tapping on its icon from Home.
Step 2: While on the Watch app main screen, tap the My Watch tab at the bottom-left corner.
Step 3: On the succeeding menu, tap General.
Step 4: Then, tap Software Update to continue.
Step 5: Wait for the new update details and then tap Download and Install. Follow the rest of the onscreen prompts to start downloading the recent watchOS update on your Apple Watch.
If prompted, enter your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode to proceed.
Wait for the progress wheel to show up on your Apple Watch and wait until it reaches a hundred percent.
The updating process may take several minutes to an hour so better connect your Apple Watch to its charger to ensure it won’t run out of power while updating. Also keep the watch within range of your iPhone and connected to Wi-Fi.
Updating directly on the Apple Watch Series 7
New Apple Watch models, particularly those that are running in watchOS 6 or later version are also able to install subsequent watchOS updates without using an iPhone.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
Step 2: While on the Settings menu, tap General.
Step 3: Tap Software Update to continue.
Step 4: On the update menu, tap Install and then follow the onscreen instructions.
Do not use your Apple Watch while updating to avoid interrupting the process. If your watch has at least 50 percent of battery life, then you better charge it. You can leave the watch connected to its charger until it’s finished updating.
When the update is completely installed, your Apple Watch will reboot automatically. If it doesn’t, then restart your Apple Watch to ensure that all recent software changes, bug fixes and system enhancements are properly implemented.
Cannot Update Apple Watch Series 7?
Among the common factors that you should consider ruling out when dealing with updating issues include internet connection, storage and system requirements.
As mentioned earlier, both the paired iPhone and Apple watch must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that the internet connection must be stable. That said, clearing out any transpiring internet problems on both devices is recommended.
Aside from internet problems, memory issues are also among other factors to consider ruling out. So better check the available storage space on your device and see if that would be sufficient.
Restarting both the iPhone and the Apple Watch is also recommended to clear out random software glitches that might have halted the updating process.
If you’re getting any error prompts pertaining to some server issues like “unable to process update request at the moment,” “server timeout” and the like, then that must be a problem with the Apple server. Should this be the case, you can try updating at a later time.
Also take note that some software updates aren’t available for specific device models.
And that’s all about manually installing the most recent watchOS update on the new Apple Watch series 7.
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