Apple Releases watchOS 2.2 With Multi-Watch Support for iPhone, Maps Improvements

[MacRumors]

Apple today released new software for the Apple Watch, upgrading watchOS 2 from version 2.1 to version 2.2. WatchOS 2.2, which has been in testing since January 11, comes more than three months after the release of watchOS 2.1 and brings a couple of important new features alongside bug fixes and performance improvements.

The 2.2 update can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General --> Software Update. To install the update, the Apple Watch must have 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the Apple Watch charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone.

WatchOS 2.2, along with iOS 9.3, introduces support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone. Both updates are required, and each watch paired with an iPhone running iOS 9.3 must have watchOS 2.2 installed.

There are few other outward-facing changes included in watchOS 2.2, but the update brings improvements and a new look to the built-in Maps app. Maps now supports the Nearby feature first introduced with iOS 9, allowing users to quickly locate local points of interest, and it has new buttons for quickly accessing directions to home and work.

Along with multi-watch support and a revamped Maps app, watchOS 2.2 also brings under-the-hood performance improvements and bug fixes to address issues that have been discovered since the release of watchOS 2.1.

Article Link: Apple Releases watchOS 2.2 With Multi-Watch Support for iPhone, Maps Improvements

 

[frumpy16]

I was surprised to not hear of this update at first. Didn't feel right that they would release a new iOS and not this new WatchOS at the same time.

 

[KPATVPOD]

Anyone seeing this in the UK yet?

 

[Camato]

I don't see the update in Germany. (iOS 9.3 beta 7 6+)

 

[iGeek2014]

Is showing here in the UK on iOS 9.3 PB 7 just now

 

[Stuipdboy1000]

Full release notes?

 

[iGeek2014]

Full release notes?

 

[ianrip]

Here

 

[btrach144]

No amount of updates can fix how slow the Apple Watch is.

 

[WilliamG]

No amount of updates can fix how slow the Apple Watch is.

Likely true. It can be painfully slow.

 

[frumpy16]

No amount of updates can fix how slow the Apple Watch is.

Says the guy with the Microsoft-themed avatar located in Redmond. ::eyeroll::

 

[Jozone]

Has there been any mention of being able to listen to Apple Music (Beats One) via Wifi only? (Outside of range of phone)

 

[Macwick]

Says the guy with the Microsoft-themed avatar located in Redmond. ::eyeroll::

His avatar doesn't make the Apple Watch any less slow.

Also, I really hope this update somehow improves the accuracy of distance measurements for indoor runs. Currently my treadmill runs are logged about 25% off the actual distance, even after calibrating the watch with multiple outdoor runs. Would also be nice if they actually backed up the calibration so that you don't have to recalibrate every time you re-pair the watch.</grumble>

 

[0098386]

Says the guy with the Microsoft-themed avatar located in Redmond. ::eyeroll::

Does solely having an avatar you don't like make his comments, backed up by others, untrue?

I'd hate to be *that* much into a company.

 

[ianrip]

How many times do we (try to) open an app, and the screen dims out forcing us to flick the wrist to get it to wake up again. its painfully slow.
however notifications are fine, glances seem to be okay, and changing straps are fine.

 

[Boatboy24]

His avatar doesn't make the Apple Watch any less slow.

Also, I really hope this update somehow improves the accuracy of distance measurements for indoor runs. Currently my treadmill runs are logged about 25% off the actual distance, even after calibrating the watch with multiple outdoor runs. Would also be nice if they actually backed up the calibration so that you don't have to recalibrate every time you re-pair the watch.</grumble>

My indoor runs are pretty spot on with my treadmill and have always been. Is your stride dramatically different on the treadmill than outside?

 

[jonnysods]

No amount of updates can fix how slow the Apple Watch is.

This is all I need to hear to convince me to wait longer. I want one really bad, but I hear that there are so many improvements that are needed that I have to wait until 2nd gen. Just hope it's not a 2 year thing!

 

[Macwick]

My indoor runs are pretty spot on with my treadmill and have always been. Is your stride dramatically different on the treadmill than outside?

Interesting. My stride may be different - I generally run slower outside. How many times did you calibrate yours with an outdoor run?

On a related note, they could also just allow you to calibrate it by manually adjusting your distance after the fact (as other run trackers do)......

 

[testcard]

Updating now. Started off at 2 days, then down to 60 minutes, now showing 18 minutes. Painfully slow as always.

 

[spiderman0616]

My Apple Watch feels a lot snappier after updating to 2.2. Not just saying that either. Apps are launching quicker and animations are smoother.

 

[xtcv2k]

My Apple Watch feels a lot snappier after updating to 2.2. Not just saying that either. Apps are launching quicker and animations are smoother.

Could you update us on the battery life? Mine became worse after I updated to 2.1

 

[caskin8a]

What's the consensus around speed and battery with 2.2?

Still baffles me that Apple have hundreds of billions in cash and some of the worlds best engineers/designers and this thing only has a few stock watch faces to choose from.

 

[Zorba]

Update still not showing here.

 

[Danielcoleman90]

I powered down my watch and back on and then the update appeared on the phone.

 

[frumpy16]

Does solely having an avatar you don't like make his comments, backed up by others, untrue?

I'd hate to be *that* much into a company.

You're going to have to show me where I said I don't like his avatar. When you choose your outward representation on a Mac forum to be a nod to Microsoft and the person purports to live where Microsoft is headquartered, I question whether the feedback is objective. That's the point.