Apple limits updates for some older Apple Watch models after watchOS 11.3 release

With the watchOS 11.3 update, Apple accidentally made the update process more difficult for some older Apple Watch models, as reported by users on social media.

Here's What We Know

For Apple Watch models that can't update to watchOS 11, such as the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5, an unexpected bug has appeared that prevents the installation of the latest version of watchOS 10, watchOS 10.6.1.

If your Apple Watch was not updated to watchOS 10.6.1 before watchOS 11.3 and iOS 18.3 were released, then this update cannot be installed now. This means that owners of Apple Watch SE 1, Series 4, or Series 5 running an older version of watchOS cannot install watchOS 10.6.1.

Additionally, some Apple Watch models running on earlier versions of watchOS 10 may not be able to sync with iPhone.

This issue only affects Apple Watch models that only support watchOS 10, and is being experienced by those who have not yet updated their device to watchOS 10.6.1, which was released last August.

Apple is expected to fix this issue in the near future.

Apple has recently released a new beta version of watchOS 11.3 beta 3, just hours after releasing the beta version for tvOS and HomePod.

Apple has also responded to a class action lawsuit alleging that some Apple Watch bands contain toxic substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances). The company stated that all Apple Watch bands are safe to wear.

Source: MacRumors