Apple introduced watchOS 8.4.1 on Wednesday, and promised that it offer “bug fixes.” It didn’t reveal what these are, but Apple Watch users are hoping it takes care of a nasty problem with the Wallet app.
The update definitely includes no new features.
watchOS 8.4.1 is on a bug-killing mission
Apple’s release notes for the update say only, “watchOS 8.4.1 includes bug fixes for Apple Watch Series 4 and later.” And the official list of security updates says, “This update has no published CVE entries.” That means it has no Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures.
But many Apple Watch wearers are hoping it fixes a bug that caused Wallet sync problems between iOS 15.3 and watchOS 8.4. Whether that problem is taken care of with Wednesday’s update is not yet known.
watchOS 8.4 came out in late January with a serious bug fix of its own. Unfortunately, it added the Wallet bug at the same time. Those who frequently use the Wallet app on their Apple Watch might consider skipping versions 8.4 and 8.41 if it’s not too late.
A quick ‘how to’ on updating Apple Watch
The watchOS 8.4.1 update can be installed directly onto an Apple Watch, as long as the wearable is connected to Wi-Fi. From the Settings app just navigate to General > Software Update. Alternatively, it can be installed from an iPhone by opening the Apple Watch app and going to My Watch > General > Software Update.
