Apple Seeds First Beta of watchOS 8.6 to Developers

[MacRumors]

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming watchOS 8.6 beta to developers for testing purposes, with the new software coming three weeks after the release of watchOS 8.5.

To install ‌‌‌watchOS 8‌‌‌.6, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center. Once installed, ‌‌‌watchOS 8.6 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update.

To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it must be placed on the charger, and it needs to be in range of the ‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌.

We don't yet know what's included in the watchOS 8.6 update, but if if we find new features after installing the beta, we'll update this article.

Article Link: Apple Seeds First Beta of watchOS 8.6 to Developers

 

[DeepIn2U]

These updates to WatchOS are getting so dry. Moreso as Apple refuses to recognize current n past issuexx as still waiting for remedies.

 

[legis_arvum]

Oh geez, that's insane

 

[AndiG]

I own my Apple Watch for about 16 months. Using it for payment but mainly for workout tracking/sports. Within this time I must have installed at least 30 updates or so (at least it feels this way).

But nothing changed from my point of view. I'm ok with security updates but all the rest? And if you install an update it probably ships with new bugs.

 

[terrapinjess]

All I want fixed is the ability to start music on my iPhone speakers from the watch. I used to be able to select and play any song out of my library and have it start playing from iPhone speakers. Now it comes up with an error every time.
Strangely enough, I can start playing any music that I purchased from the iTunes Store but nothing that I uploaded myself.

It's been broken for I think 2-3 years now and I'm not the only one with the issue.

 

[jman88]

I really hope this fixes the annoying bug introduced in Watch OS 8.5 which makes it sometimes impossible to pull down notifications. It happens only occasionally and I think it might happen after using my Apple Watch with a gym kit enabled device (like Peloton). I cannot pull down the little red dot. It's non-responsive. Only solution is to power the watch off an on again. Apple Watch series 4. Am I the only one?

 

[doerrmann]

I really hope this fixes the annoying bug introduced in Watch OS 8.5 which makes it sometimes impossible to pull down notifications. It happens only occasionally and I think it might happen after using my Apple Watch with a gym kit enabled device (like Peloton). I cannot pull down the little red dot. It's non-responsive. Only solution is to power the watch off an on again. Apple Watch series 4. Am I the only one?

Apple Watch S7 - I've had this a few times since 8.5. I've been able to restore by holding down the side button to get to the power/ID/SOS sliders, then press the side button again to go back to the Home Screen. I haven't had to do a full shutdown - except to re-enable fast charging, which is another fun 8.5 bug.

You can file a bug report using http://applefeedback in the Safari bar.

 

[Robert.Walter]

@Juli

FYI: I just installed the Public beta.

 

[drak22]

I am on watchOS 8.5.1 and fast charging is never activated, neither restarting nor restoring. I am about to install the beta, to see if it is solved. it is going well?

 

[jman88]

Apple Watch S7 - I've had this a few times since 8.5. I've been able to restore by holding down the side button to get to the power/ID/SOS sliders, then press the side button again to go back to the Home Screen. I haven't had to do a full shutdown - except to re-enable fast charging, which is another fun 8.5 bug.

You can file a bug report using http://applefeedback in the Safari bar.

I will try that next time this happens. Thanks for the tip!

 

[macrlz9]

I am on watchOS 8.5.1 and fast charging is never activated, neither restarting nor restoring. I am about to install the beta, to see if it is solved. it is going well?

Did the 8.6 beta resolve this fast charging issue?

 

[drak22]

Did the 8.6 beta resolve this fast charging issue?

I don't know, I haven't installed it, because since you can't easily get out of the betas on the clock I haven't even dared to install it.

 

[macrlz9]

I don't know, I haven't installed it, because since you can't easily get out of the betas on the clock I haven't even dared to install it.

I never ever do betas but I’m tempted as my watch is nearly unusable like this…

 

[doerrmann]

Agree with drak22 - I typically wait until the 3rd or 4th beta before installing on a watch. Betas can also decrease battery life due to extra logging.

In this case, I may install beta 2… No luck finding anyone at AppleCare who can give me real information.