Apple Watch Series 3 Connectivity Problems Fixed In watchOS 4 Update

Apple released an update for watchOS 4 Wednesday, following the official launch of operating system for the Apple Watch a couple of weeks ago.

watchOS 4.0.1 fixes a problem many ran into when reviewing the Apple Watch Series 3 before its release: connectivity.

When journalists and bloggers tested out the Apple Watch Series 3, their reviews described problems with the LTE connection. One of reviewers said she had cellular connectivity issues on three separate pre-production models, in two different states and on two different carriers. At the time Apple said it would look into the matter and that it had not seen problems with connectivity during any of its testing.

Apple said the new update fixes the problem. watchOS 4.0.1 includes:

“watchOS 4.0.1 fixes issues that in rare cases were causing Apple Watch to join unauthenticated (captive) Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in public places like coffee shops and hotels, which direct the user to a webpage before the network can be accessed.”

How To Download The New Apple Watch Update

The new update can be downloaded by going to the Apple Watch app on the iPhone, going to General, then Software Update. The Apple Watch has to be near the iPhone in order to install the update, the device must have at least 50 percent battery and must be charging. watchOS 4.0.1 will only be available for Apple Watch Series 3 devices that support GPS and Cellular. Those who have the Apple Watch Series 3 without the LTE support won’t be able see the update when checking in Settings, instead it’ll say their device is is up to date.

Fixing the connectivity issue should be a major headache relief for those who bought the device. The Series 3 has a $399 starting price for the cellular and Wi-Fi model, while the standard version is priced at $329. Besides the price for the device, users also have to pay $10 a month to their carrier for connectivity, plus activation fees.

The Apple Watch Series 3 was released a few weeks ago, and the price and reviews didn’t stop people from going out and buying it. The device was exceedingly popular during the launch. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on the day the Watch was released that it was “sold out in so many places around the world.”

Apple also released the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus on the same day it launched the Apple Watch Series 3. The company is set to begin taking pre-orders for the iPhone X this month.