Apple Releases watchOS 8.1.1 With Fix for Apple Watch Series 7 Charging Issue

Apple today released watchOS 8.1.1, a minor update to the watchOS 8 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 8.1.1 comes three weeks after the launch of watchOS 8.1, an update that added SharePlay Fitness+ group workouts and other features.

watchOS 8 on Apple Watch feature
‌‌watchOS ‌8.1.1 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the ‌‌‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌‌‌. watchOS 8.1.1 is only available for the Apple Watch Series 7.

According to Apple's release notes, the watchOS 8.1.1 update addresses an issue that could cause Apple Watch Series 7 models not to charge as expected for some users. Some Apple Watch Series 7 owners have noticed slow charging speeds for their devices, and this update should fix the bug causing the problem.

Related Roundup: watchOS 26
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Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
55 months ago
Thank you, Apple for this update.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fc4090 Avatar
55 months ago
I believe this update is only for the Apple Watch 7 GPS+Cellular models. OP please correct the posting details.

[TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]Name and information link[/TH]

[TH]Available for[/TH]

[TH]Release date[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]watchOS 8.1.1[/TD]

[TD]Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular)[/TD]
[TD]18 Nov 2021[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jclo Avatar
55 months ago
This is only for the Series 7, and may only be for cellular models. If someone sees it on a non-cellular model, can you let me know?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jimmie Geddes Avatar
55 months ago
not showing on my series 7.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheBuffather Avatar
55 months ago
Surprised MR hasn't updated this article, because this update is only for the "GPS + Cellular" AW7 models ('https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222').
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
boxermansr Avatar
55 months ago
This says it’s for GPS and Cellular but still don’t see it on mine (GPS) Series 7.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)