Apple accidentally removed the ability to update on some older Apple Watch models

If you're using an older Apple Watch and are finding that your device isn't updating properly, you're not alone. According to a recent report circulating on social media, Apple has inadvertently prevented many users from upgrading their Apple Watch to the newer version of watchOS.

Affected Apple Watch models

The issue focuses on the Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and first-generation Apple Watch SE models. X (formerly Twitter) user @MasterMike88 shared that if these Apple Watch models are running a version of watchOS prior to 10.6.1, they will not be able to upgrade to this version.

This causes serious problems, as users of older Apple Watch models cannot receive important security and feature updates included in watchOS 10.6.1.

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Additionally, some Apple Watches running older versions of watchOS 10 may have difficulty pairing with their iPhone. If pairing fails, users will not be able to sync data between their Apple Watch and iPhone.

However, this issue appears to only affect Apple Watch models that can run watchOS 10 but cannot be upgraded to watchOS 11, such as the Series 4, Series 5, and first-generation SE. Newer Apple Watch models are not affected by this issue.

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According to @MasterMike88, the issue may stem from Apple changing the update requirement from CV (Compatibility Version) 22 to CV 24, which is typically associated with late versions of watchOS 11. Since the affected Apple Watch models cannot run watchOS 11, they also cannot install the watchOS 10.6.1 update that they should have access to.

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While you wait for Apple to fix this issue, you should double-check that your Apple Watch is running the latest version of watchOS that your device supports. Hopefully, Apple will release a fix soon to address the issue, ensuring that users of older devices continue to receive important updates.

Samuel Daniel

Update 02 February 2025