Apple Watch Series 3 Owners Now Required to Perform Restore When Updating Due to Storage Constraints

[MacRumors]

Following the iOS 14.6 and watchOS 7.5 updates, Apple Watch Series 3 owners who update their devices to a new version of watchOS are prompted to unpair and re-pair the Apple Watch from the iPhone during the update process because of storage space constraints.

The GPS-only version of the Apple Watch Series 3 only has 8GB of internal storage, which limits the amount of space available for software updates, and Apple's solution to this problem is to wipe the Apple Watch Series 3 and start fresh from a backup whenever an update is required.

As 9to5Mac points out, prior to the iOS 14.6 update, Apple Watch Series 3 owners who attempted to install new versions of watchOS continually ran into an issue with not having enough storage space to download and install new software.

Rather than requiring users to clear apps and media from their Apple Watches, iOS 14.6 prompts users to go through the extra step of unpairing and re-pairing. "To install the watchOS update, unpair your Apple Watch and pair it again in the Apple Watch app on your iPhone," reads the notification that Apple Watch Series 3 owners receive. The popup is depicted below, but shown in Portuguese.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1398001140541820928

It's worth noting that prior to this update, Apple did recommend unpairing and re-pairing for Apple Watch Series 3 owners experiencing issues, but now it appears to be part of the installation process.

Given the age of the Apple Watch Series 3, the limited storage space, and the extra step to install new software, it's likely that Apple is planning to discontinue the Apple Watch Series 3, likely when new Apple Watch models are released later this year. Apple is at the current time still selling it as a low-cost option, but we do not recommend purchasing it over a Series 6 or an Apple Watch SE, both of which feature much newer technology.

Article Link: Apple Watch Series 3 Owners Now Required to Perform Restore When Updating Due to Storage Constraints

 

[keco185]

The fact that Apple still sells these things new is a crime

 

[kiensoy]

It just works.

 

[HeavenDynamic]

This is an absolutely terrible consumer experience. Especially for a device that is still sold to this day.

 

[neoelectronaut]

Stinks that the extra step is necessary, but good on Apple for continuing support for the device nonetheless.

 

[Apple_Robert]

That is still an awkward workaround. The series 3 is still a good watch. It is a shame users have to go the extra step.

 

[TheWatchfulOne]

This is only just now a news item? I've had to use that process on my Series 3 for the last several updates. And I don't keep 3rd party apps, photos, or music on it at all.

I recently upgraded to a Series 5, so I no longer have this problem.

 

[keco185]

Stinks that the extra step is necessary, but good on Apple for continuing support for the device nonetheless.

They need to support it because they still sell it.

 

[jz0309]

unpair/pair is a p.i.t.a. process and I cannot imagine how long it takes on a S3 (I just had to do my S4 for a replacement, ApplePay setup, unlock Mac, unlock iPhone when wearing mask ... took at least 45 min) - bad news for S3 owners, I feel for you

 

[bearda]

Stinks that the extra step is necessary, but good on Apple for continuing support for the device nonetheless.

They kind of have to considering the Series 3 is still being sold new.

 

[kytiger]

This is really bad. It’s a current product.

 

[esposimi]

This has been an issue since at least watchOS 7. Not new at all. Extremely frustrating for a still supported product.

 

[minik]

I still have the Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) as a back up. The watch is painfully slow in every aspect and I have the Series 5 currently. Apple should have put the Series 4 at that price range and 40/44mm model across the board.

 

[Isengardtom]

I guess this will be the year that I upgrade

 

[6787872]

is apple not installing delta updates for these things?

 

[Radeon85]

If this is their fix then the Series 3 needs to be discontinued ASAP, just imagine having to wipe my PC in order to install an update every time. Absolutely ridiculous.

 

[symphony]

Imagine having to unpair and repair your Apple Watch every time there’s an update, and having to also add all your Apple Pay cards, verifying your Apple Pay cards, enabling Auto Unlock on iPhone, and Auto Unlock for your one or more Macs, syncing data to your watch anf stuff

 

[oldmanyoung]

Maybe allowing me to remove the dozen built-in apps I never use would free up enough space??

 

[ouimetnick]

That is still an awkward workaround. The series 3 is still a good watch. It is a shame users have to go the extra step.

I know a friend with one, it’s junk, slow and choppy. Apple should have discontinued it last year.

 

[siddavis]

This happened to my wife and she didn't understand. I was brought in midstream to help, and I just made fun of her saying it was operator error. What a horrible experience if she has to do this every time.

 

[ouimetnick]

The Apple Watch Series 3 has become the new iPod touch 6th gen.

The iPod touch 6th gen was sold with an outdated A8 chip until May 28, 2019. Apple only released the 7th gen because the 6th gen wouldn’t run iOS 13 that was announced only 6 days later on June 3, 2019 at WWDC 2019. That old A8 iPod touch was sold as is since 2015.

Tim really likes to milk old tech (2013 Mac Pro, AW3, iPod touch 6th gen, Apple TV HD) I’m quite surprised Apple doesn’t still sell an iPhone with 16GB🤣

I remember Apple under Jobs, they didn’t sell junk that couldn’t run the latest software properly. Apple Watch Series 3 should have been discontinued when the SE came out, and the SE should have been priced lower.

You shouldn’t have to restore your brand new Apple Watch just to update it because of Apple’s cheapness. If they planned on selling this model for as long as they have, why didn’t they add more storage when designing it?

 

[dojoman]

You guys would be bitching if Apple didn't support Series 3 anymore and yet if they still support it you STILL be bitching why it's cumbersome to update. When it rains it pours.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I know a friend with one, it’s junk, slow and choppy. Apple should have discontinued it last year.

Yea, it is slow compared to today and current OS. it is ok for basic tasks.

I gave my SS series 3 to my brother a few years ago and he still uses it. I may give him my series 6 if I upgrade.

 

[Felixo]

I did not have to do this at all with my Apple Watch 3. I deleted the Apple Music app from my iPhone and this also removed the Watch Music app, which uses 1 GB of the watch memory. The space savings were sufficient to allow for the installation of watchOS 7.5. After I updated the watch I added the Apple Music app to the iPhone/watch.

 

[macduke]

I thought all Apple Watches had 8GB. They must've upgraded it at some point and since they never talk about it, I don't even know how much storage my Series 4 SS has or why I should care, lol.