New watchOS fixes restart errors on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
Buyers of the newly released Apple Watch models should update their operating system. watchOS 27.0.1 fixes an annoying crash problem.
Apple Watch Series 12 with new sensor array on the back: Currently prone to crashes.
(Image: Apple)
Neither the new Apple Watch models Series 12 and Ultra 4 nor the new iPhone variants 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max have been on the market for long; they have been available since last Friday. Nevertheless, Apple is now releasing a first bugfix update for its new smartwatches, at least: watchOS 27.0.1 was made available for download on Thursday night. The update is exclusively for the two new models, i.e., Series 12 and Ultra 4; it does not appear on older watches like Series 11 or Ultra 3. Apple aims to fix a bug that, in rare but regular cases, led to unwanted device restarts.
Quick Update in the Evening
The update can be installed as usual, either directly on the watch via the Settings app or via the Apple Watch app on the iPhone. The battery must be at least half full, and the watch must be on the charging puck. According to Apple, errors will be fixed, including those that force the watch to restart unexpectedly.
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Previously, there were reports that, among other things, Apple’s AI unit Neural Engine could briefly “hang,” leading to a kernel panic and restart. This occurred not only when using Siri and co., but even when idle. In the EU, Siri AI is not yet active on the smartwatch because the AI system is not yet available on the iPhone either. However, crashes also occurred when using other applications, such as the telephony, maps, or App Store apps. These should now be fixed. Security-relevant error fixes do not seem to be included in watchOS 27.0.1.
iPhone Errors Likely to Be Fixed Too
Early buyers of the new devices had also reported difficulties using the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max meanwhile. However, this concerned the new Face ID facial recognition sensor hidden under the screen. When unlocking, crashes or freezes could also occur if the face could not be identified correctly. Kernel panics with restarts and freezes were also observed here, although not on all devices.
Apple also seems keen to address this problem as soon as possible. In a statement to US media, Apple stated that the company is working on an update – presumably iOS 27.0.1 – that will fix the errors. It is expected to be released early next week.
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