Apple introduced watchOS 9.6.1 to remove a single bug affecting Apple Watch. The problem being taken care of relates to applications that track the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
The update is available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
Even one bug is too many
watchOS 10 is likely to launch in September, but Apple won’t make users of its wearable wait a month or so for a bug fix. The fact that this is a medical-related issue might give it extra priority. Hence Tuesday’s release of watchOS 9.6.1.
The official release notes state,”This update includes a fix for an issue that prevents access to motion data for apps that use the Movement Disorder API to track tremors and symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.”
That appears to be the sole change. There are no security fixes, according to Apple.
How to install watchOS 9.6.1
The watchOS 9.6.1 update can be installed directly onto and Apple Watch, as long as the wearable is connected to Wi-Fi. From the Settings app, 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.
