Here is an early look at the first Apple Watch Update performance and speed. Early this morning Apple released Watch OS 1.0.1 for the Apple Watch, with a focus on performance upgrades, security fixes and the option to see the new diverse emoji that arrived with iOS 8.3.
The overall Watch OS 1.0.1 update is pretty small, but the installation takes a good amount of time and unlike iPhone updates you’ll need your charger handy.
Apple surprised users with the Watch OS 1.0.1 release this morning. In typical fashion, Apple did not issue a formal announcement, but the roll out did arrive for all Apple Watch users to install without any further waiting.
Watch OS 1.0.1 is available to download for the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition and it is available for both 38mm and 42mm sizes. No matter which model you buy, the Apple Watch internal hardware and the software are essentially the same.
After spending several hours with the Apple Watch update the overall performance is good, but it does not magically fix all problems that I’ve noticed. Here is an early review of the Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 update so you can decide if you should install it.
The Watch OS 1.0.1 installation is not fast and at times it is easy to think that something is wrong due to unclear progress bars. After walking through the Apple Watch update progress it becomes clearer, but expect to look at the iPhone and the Apple Watch at least twice while wondering if something is wrong.
Set aside at least 30 minutes to install the Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 update. The update needs to download to the iPhone, prepare and then install on the Apple Watch. Here is a guide on how to install the Apple Watch update.
Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 Performance
Keep in mind that the Apple Watch performance may vary based on how many apps you install on it and other factors. Including the default apps there are roughly 50 apps installed on my Apple Watch.
With the iPhone, we often see problems appear well after the first day of an update. Another potential issue is that the performance may vary from one device to the next due to a variety of factors.
Here is how the Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 update performs on my Apple Watch after several hours.
Apps
In the Watch OS 1.0.1 release notes Apple specifically mentions improved performance for third-party apps. Overall I do not see a night and day change, but occasionally some apps will load faster.
I’ll be updating the apps on my iPhone throughout the next week to see if Apple’s changes and any developer changes will deliver faster app launching. I am not experiencing any App crashes at this time.
Battery Life
Although it is too early to make any big proclamations about the Apple Watch battery life on Watch OS 1.0.1, the good news is that there is no fast drain. The battery is at 79% at 4:30, after a full day of use, that included 30 minutes on the charger for the update.
Here is an early Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 review.
Connectivity
The Apple Watch does not do much without the iPhone, so connectivity is important. After the update, the iPhone and Apple Watch connected automatically and remained connected throughout my day. Usage included leaving the iPhone upstairs while working in the basement and still seeing notifications.
Speed
There are two places I see improved Apple Watch speed after installing Watch OS 1.0.1. The first is when raising the Apple Watch to see the time. Wrist detection was not a major problem for me, but the screen was sometimes slow to come to life. With Watch OS 1.0.1 the screen appears to turn on quicker.
The other area where the Apple Watch is faster is on the App screen. Moving around the screen of apps feels more fluid and faster.
Is it Worth Installing Watch OS 1.0.1?
It's a good idea for some users to wait a few days before installing, even though we did not run into problems yet.
While it is a good idea for some users to wait for early adopters to discover any potential problems or bugs, after using the Watch OS 1.0.1 update for a full workday there are no major problems apparent.
If you are experiencing any Apple Watch problems on Watch OS 1.0, liek not being able to send taps or poor battery life, this is an update that may be worth installing right away.
Most users should wait a few days to see if any problems develop after extended use, especially if you use the Apple Watch for work or you are traveling.
19 Things You Didn’t Know the Apple Watch Could Do
Low Power Mode as a Watch
Low Power Mode as a Watch
The Apple Watch is about more than notifications and apps. It can also tell you the time. If you need to make it last longer you can use Power Reserve Mode to show just the time.
The Apple Watch automatically goes into Power Reserve Mode if the battery is too low. You can also turn it on by holding the side button and then sliding the Power Reserve Option to the right.
When in Power Reserve Mode you can see the time on your Apple Watch by pressing the side button.
The overall Watch OS 1.0.1 update is pretty small, but the installation takes a good amount of time and unlike iPhone updates you’ll need your charger handy.
Apple surprised users with the Watch OS 1.0.1 release this morning. In typical fashion, Apple did not issue a formal announcement, but the roll out did arrive for all Apple Watch users to install without any further waiting.
Watch OS 1.0.1 is available to download for the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition and it is available for both 38mm and 42mm sizes. No matter which model you buy, the Apple Watch internal hardware and the software are essentially the same.
After spending several hours with the Apple Watch update the overall performance is good, but it does not magically fix all problems that I’ve noticed. Here is an early review of the Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 update so you can decide if you should install it.
The Watch OS 1.0.1 installation is not fast and at times it is easy to think that something is wrong due to unclear progress bars. After walking through the Apple Watch update progress it becomes clearer, but expect to look at the iPhone and the Apple Watch at least twice while wondering if something is wrong.
Set aside at least 30 minutes to install the Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 update. The update needs to download to the iPhone, prepare and then install on the Apple Watch. Here is a guide on how to install the Apple Watch update.
Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 Performance
Keep in mind that the Apple Watch performance may vary based on how many apps you install on it and other factors. Including the default apps there are roughly 50 apps installed on my Apple Watch.
With the iPhone, we often see problems appear well after the first day of an update. Another potential issue is that the performance may vary from one device to the next due to a variety of factors.
Here is how the Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 update performs on my Apple Watch after several hours.
Apps
In the Watch OS 1.0.1 release notes Apple specifically mentions improved performance for third-party apps. Overall I do not see a night and day change, but occasionally some apps will load faster.
I’ll be updating the apps on my iPhone throughout the next week to see if Apple’s changes and any developer changes will deliver faster app launching. I am not experiencing any App crashes at this time.
Battery Life
Although it is too early to make any big proclamations about the Apple Watch battery life on Watch OS 1.0.1, the good news is that there is no fast drain. The battery is at 79% at 4:30, after a full day of use, that included 30 minutes on the charger for the update.
Here is an early Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 review.
Connectivity
The Apple Watch does not do much without the iPhone, so connectivity is important. After the update, the iPhone and Apple Watch connected automatically and remained connected throughout my day. Usage included leaving the iPhone upstairs while working in the basement and still seeing notifications.
Speed
There are two places I see improved Apple Watch speed after installing Watch OS 1.0.1. The first is when raising the Apple Watch to see the time. Wrist detection was not a major problem for me, but the screen was sometimes slow to come to life. With Watch OS 1.0.1 the screen appears to turn on quicker.
The other area where the Apple Watch is faster is on the App screen. Moving around the screen of apps feels more fluid and faster.
Is it Worth Installing Watch OS 1.0.1?
It's a good idea for some users to wait a few days before installing, even though we did not run into problems yet.
While it is a good idea for some users to wait for early adopters to discover any potential problems or bugs, after using the Watch OS 1.0.1 update for a full workday there are no major problems apparent.
If you are experiencing any Apple Watch problems on Watch OS 1.0, liek not being able to send taps or poor battery life, this is an update that may be worth installing right away.
Most users should wait a few days to see if any problems develop after extended use, especially if you use the Apple Watch for work or you are traveling.
19 Things You Didn’t Know the Apple Watch Could Do
Low Power Mode as a Watch
Low Power Mode as a Watch
The Apple Watch is about more than notifications and apps. It can also tell you the time. If you need to make it last longer you can use Power Reserve Mode to show just the time.
The Apple Watch automatically goes into Power Reserve Mode if the battery is too low. You can also turn it on by holding the side button and then sliding the Power Reserve Option to the right.
When in Power Reserve Mode you can see the time on your Apple Watch by pressing the side button.
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