Apple recently released watchOS 7.5 for the Apple Watch and iOS 14.6 for the iPhone. If you own an Apple Watch Series 3, you will need to restore your device when performing an update. This requirement stems from storage limitations on the device, which comes with only 8GB of included storage. Consequently, the available storage space for updates is quite restricted.
Understanding the Storage Issue
The Apple Watch Series 3’s limited storage capacity poses a significant challenge when it comes to installing updates. With only 8GB of storage, the device quickly runs out of space, especially when you consider that a portion of this storage is already occupied by the operating system and essential apps. This leaves minimal room for additional updates, which can be quite large in size.
To address these storage constraints, Apple has implemented a new procedure for updating the Apple Watch Series 3. Users are now required to unpair their Apple Watch from their iPhone, install the update, and then re-pair the device. This process ensures that there is enough free space to accommodate the update.
Step-by-Step Update Process
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to updating your Apple Watch Series 3:
1. Unpair Your Apple Watch: Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Navigate to the “My Watch” tab, tap on your watch at the top of the screen, and then tap the “i” icon next to your watch’s name. Select “Unpair Apple Watch” and confirm your choice. This will create a backup of your watch’s data on your iPhone.
2. Install the Update: Once your Apple Watch is unpaired, go to the “General” section in the Apple Watch app and select “Software Update.” Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest watchOS update.
3. Re-pair Your Apple Watch: After the update is installed, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone again. Follow the prompts to pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone. You will have the option to restore from the backup created during the unpairing process, ensuring that all your data and settings are preserved.
You can see the notification below that is now shown when performing the update:
“To install the watchOS update, unpair your Apple Watch and pair it again in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone,”
Why This Change Matters
Previously, Apple recommended this method as a workaround for storage issues, but it has now become a mandatory step for updating the Apple Watch Series 3. This change underscores the importance of managing limited storage effectively and ensures that users can continue to receive the latest software updates without encountering errors or interruptions.
While this process may seem cumbersome, it is a necessary measure to ensure that your Apple Watch Series 3 remains up-to-date with the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. By following these steps, you can avoid potential issues related to insufficient storage and enjoy a seamless update experience.
The new update procedure for the Apple Watch Series 3 highlights the challenges posed by limited storage capacity and the importance of following the recommended steps to ensure a successful update. By unpairing, updating, and re-pairing your device, you can continue to enjoy the full benefits of your Apple Watch without any storage-related hiccups.
Source MacRumors
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