Apple Releases watchOS 8.7.1 for Apple Watch Series 3 [Updated]
Apple today released watchOS 8.7.1, a minor update to the watchOS 8 operating system that launched in September 2021. watchOS 8.7.1 comes a month after the launch of watchOS 8.7, and it focuses on bug fixes. The watchOS 8.7.1 update is only available for Apple Watch Series 3 models, and those who have a newer Apple Watch will not see the update.
watchOS 8.7.1 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.
According to Apple's release notes for the update, watchOS 8.7.1 fixes a bug that could cause the Apple Watch Series 3 to unexpectedly restart for some users.
watchOS 8.7.1 is expected to be one of the final updates to the watchOS 8 operating system as Apple has now shifted focus to watchOS 9, the latest version of watchOS set to be released this fall.
Popular Stories
Apple released watchOS 27 on September 14, bringing a new Audio Intelligence feature set to its latest Apple Watch models, but as a result, owners of previous models are set to lose out doubly in the process.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 models later this year will get Live Rewind, a feature that provides a transcript of any spoken audio that was picked up by the device in the last 15...
After releasing watchOS 27.0.1 for the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 last week to address a bug that was causing devices to restart unexpectedly, Apple has now released the update for all eligible watches, which includes Series 9 and later.
Apple's release notes say only that the update "provides bug fixes for your Apple Watch" and the company does not list any security fixes,...
Wednesday September 23, 2026 12:44 pm PDT by
Juli CloverApple today released watchOS 27.0.1, a minor update to the watchOS 27 operating system that came out last week. The update is limited to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4.
watchOS 27.0.1 can be downloaded through the Settings app on the watch or the Apple Watch app on a connected iPhone. Software can only be installed when the Apple Watch is on the charger and has over 50...
/https://forums.macrumors.com/attachments/2044223/)
/https://forums.macrumors.com/attachments/2044182/)
/https://forums.macrumors.com/attachments/2044186/)
