Apple releases watchOS 4.0.1 with fix for LTE/Wi-Fi connectivity bug on Apple Watch Series...
A widely publicized bug that shipped with the new Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular has been addressed with a new software update, in the form of watchOS 4.0.1, which should improve the reliability of LTE cellular connections without an iPhone nearby.
Apple Watch owners can now download watchOS 4.0.1 via the official Watch app on a paired iPhone. Release notes accompanying the software say that it addresses the Wi-Fi bug that could prevent LTE connectivity when near a public hotspot.
Because LTE use is a significant drain on battery life, the Apple Watch prefers Wi-Fi networks when possible. And because of the small screen size of the Apple Watch, Wi-Fi information is shared from a connected iPhone, allowing the watch to use known Wi-Fi networks while on the go.
However, the watch failed to identify public Wi-Fi networks with portals, which cannot be accessed without accepting terms and conditions. Without a browser or full-fledged iOS operating system, watchOS is unable to connect to such networks.
But on watchOS 4.0, the Apple Watch still attempted to connect to those networks, rather than reverting to LTE, leaving users on the go without any data at all. With watchOS 4.0.1, that issue should be addressed.
Another update expected to arrive later this month, watchOS 4.1, will bring LTE music and radio streaming to the Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular. Currently, users must sync songs to their watch to listen on the go, and cannot stream from Apple Music or iCloud Music Library.
The Apple Watch Series 3 launched just a week and a half ago, giving the software update a relatively quick turnaround. AppleInsider found that the addition of LTE makes the Apple Watch Series 3 a much more mature platform.
Apple Watch owners can now download watchOS 4.0.1 via the official Watch app on a paired iPhone. Release notes accompanying the software say that it addresses the Wi-Fi bug that could prevent LTE connectivity when near a public hotspot.
Because LTE use is a significant drain on battery life, the Apple Watch prefers Wi-Fi networks when possible. And because of the small screen size of the Apple Watch, Wi-Fi information is shared from a connected iPhone, allowing the watch to use known Wi-Fi networks while on the go.
However, the watch failed to identify public Wi-Fi networks with portals, which cannot be accessed without accepting terms and conditions. Without a browser or full-fledged iOS operating system, watchOS is unable to connect to such networks.
But on watchOS 4.0, the Apple Watch still attempted to connect to those networks, rather than reverting to LTE, leaving users on the go without any data at all. With watchOS 4.0.1, that issue should be addressed.
Another update expected to arrive later this month, watchOS 4.1, will bring LTE music and radio streaming to the Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular. Currently, users must sync songs to their watch to listen on the go, and cannot stream from Apple Music or iCloud Music Library.
The Apple Watch Series 3 launched just a week and a half ago, giving the software update a relatively quick turnaround. AppleInsider found that the addition of LTE makes the Apple Watch Series 3 a much more mature platform.
Comments
/s
It's charged to 72% but won't let me install. WiFi is available ... how the heck do I force Apple Watch Series 3 to use a particular Wi-Fi network?
What I want is if it decides to associate with a WiFi connection it generally does some simple test to see if it actually can USE that connection-- and if it can't it should ABANDON it so you don't lose connectivity.
If the destination WiFi would consistently pop up the login screen I'd be OK with that-- but you're depending on the destination router to SEND the login screen and many of them need to be poked repeatedly to even get them to do that-- and auto-join frequently gets stuck on the login screen and you end up with non-working WiFi and a perfectly good cell connection that doesn't even get touched.
This is so bad I NEVER use auto-join on anything but my connection at home and at work.
That's why there's a new gold this year, for instance.
Whatever happened to personal responsibility? When I’m on a plane and they announce it’s time to turn off small electronic devices they don’t come around and verify everyone complied. What if I’m wearing my Watch and the cuff of my shirt is covering it? Now nobody will know I’m wearing a small phone.
The whole idea that Apple would put the red dot there so people will know it’s an LTE capable Watch and then advise the wearer to turn it off seems far fetched. It may be to indicate LTE, but I doubt it’s for those relatively uncommon times when using/carrying a phone is prohibited.
Had this issue crop up again this tuesday, again at baseball. The complex must have a public wifi, wouldn't doubt it, and I have reset my networks twice. Glad to hear this is getting fixed.
Yes, LTE worked everywhere else tested but that field.