watchOS 7.0.2 fixes Apple Watch battery problem

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watchOS 7.0.2 is a ‘bug fix’ update to watchOS 7.
Watch face sharing is an important new feature in watchOS 7.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch got an update Monday that fixes a couple of bugs, including one that’s a real doozie. The bug could drain the smartwatch’s battery rapidly, so anyone experiencing that problem should quickly install watchOS 7.0.2.

Apple’s release notes say:

“watchOS 7.0.2 contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

    • Addresses an issue that could cause the battery to drain more quickly
    • Resolves an issue that prevented some users from accessing the ECG app in regions where it is available.”

Apple doesn’t get more specific about what caused the battery problem.

But the ECG app problem is related to limitations some governments around the world place on this feature. Recent Apple Watches include an electrocardiogram designed to detect atrial fibrillation and other medical conditions. As such, it needs approval from each country’s medical regulatory agency, and not all countries have signed off yet. Apparently, some Apple Watch owners could not use the ECG app in countries where they should have access to it.

Install watchOS 7.0.2 today

Today’s update can be installed directly onto the Apple Watch, as long as the wearable is connected to Wi-Fi. From the Settings app, just navigate to General > Software Update. Then tap Download and Install.

Alternatively, this update can be installed from an iPhone by opening the Apple Watch app and going to My Watch > General > Software Update. Note: Cupertino says the Apple Watch needs to be connected to its charger during installation.

This is a bug-fix update to watchOS 7, which Apple released last month. Major new features include watch face sharing and sleep tracking.

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