Apple pulls the update of Watch OS 5.1

Apple has suspended the update of its Watch OS 5.1 software after some users Twitter and Reddit have reported that the update "was punctuating" their Series 4 watches, causing an endless start-up loop. The update of the software had been put online a few hours earlier, alongside iOS 12.1.

The problem did not arise for everyone: I was able to update the series 4 without any problem. But enough users were having problems so that Apple pulled the update – this one was no longer available for download.

Here is the official statement of Apple on the issue:

Due to the small number of Apple Watch customers experiencing a problem while installing watchOS 5.1 today, we removed the software update as a precaution. All affected customers must contact AppleCare, but no action is required if the update is installed correctly. We are working on a fix for an upcoming software update.

The news of the problems with the software update had already been reported by 9to5mac.

My brand new series 4 is totally brick 🙁

– Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) October 30, 2018

The big improvement in Watch OS 5.1 was an improvement in its fall detection system. Once the installation of 5.1 successful, a detected fall would be followed by a recorded message to the emergency services providing information about the location (latitude and longitude). Previously, this location information was instead sent to a key emergency contact.

The added audio message is intended for anyone who falls and is unable to speak or falls unconscious. If the falling person can still talk, there is also an option to stop the recorded message and speak directly. (The Apple Watch Series 4 has already had the merit of helping at least one person who has fallen and needs help.)

Apple has already committed to providing a software update to the Apple Watch Series 4 that adds an electrocardiogram (ECG, also called EKG) feature before the end of the year, but the company has not specified a date.

First published Oct. 31 at 14:50 PT.

Update, 7:30 pm: Adds confirmation that the update has been extracted, with Apple's declaration.

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