watchOS 3.1 For Apple Watch, Apple Watch 2 Released; Update Fixes Bugs, Brings Subtle Changes To Messages

Apple is rolling out a software update for its Apple Watch operating system. The update reportedly upgrades watchOS 3 to watchOS 3.1, which comes with fixes for bugs found in the smartwatch OS.

According to MacRumors, the new software update comes more than a month since watchOS 3 was released to the public, and it is the first update to the new OS for Apple’s famous wearable line. Prior the final release, Apple issued three beta versions to developers and beta testers.

On the whole, watchOS 3.1 brings subtle upgrades to the features of the OS. Such subtle changes are found in the Messages app where bubble and screen effects can now be replayed. Minor enhancements are also present in Timer, Activity and Force Touch.

However, for Apple Watch 2 owners, the update brings a needed repair to the error that prevents the device from charging. Furthermore, the update also improves battery life and addresses a slew of bugs, as per 9To5Mac.

The changelog for the update also indicates that Messages effects can now be played even when Reduce Motion is enabled. It also repairs the problem that’s causing Force Touch options to not appear even when they are available in supported third-party apps.

To install watchOS 3.1, MacWorld reports Apple Watch owners should ensure that their smartwatch is nearby its paired up iPhone that has WiFi connection. The wearable should have at least 50 percent of battery life and should be connected to a charger during the process. To start downloading the update, the user should launch the Watch app on the iPhone, go to General and click Software Update. Once the update is downloaded, it can then be installed to the device.

Apple’s watchOS 3 is the main update that was released to the Apple Watch and other models in the series. It came with a new interface, new watch faces and instant launch apps, among many others.