watchOS 5.1 - I think my watch is bricked

[klymr]

watchOS 5.1.1 later this week to fix the issue?

No. Apple will re-release 5.1 once they fix the issue.

I would rather wait for a fresh factory order than one in stock even if a replacement has WatchOS5.1 already installed. Just because some people upgraded successfully yesterday, doesn't mean that there aren't underlying issues in the current version of WatchOS5.1.
With a factory order, Apple should have resolved the issues with the OS by the time its built.
Apple will release 5.1.1 within the next week or so to fix the issues. It will require a brave person to be the first to risk their S4 upgrading to 5.1.1. when it arrives lol

A very, very similar scenario happened on the watchOS 3.1.1 update, but it took much longer for Apple to pull the faulty software. At that time, my Series 2 was just over a month old and it was bricked late at night. I opted for the express replacement through AppleCare+ and had a "new" watch the following day. That one came with 3.1 installed, and when they released 3.1.1 a few days later, I updated successfully. I never had any issues with that watch again (it sits on my bedside table now that I have a Series 4). I learned my lesson, never update within the first few days. Now I tell all my family members to hold off until I give them the go-ahead. To this day—nearly two years later—I still get that uneasy feeling in my gut when updating my watches.

 

[buzzman]

No. Apple will re-release 5.1 once they fix the issue.

I'm curious why it worked well with my watch and if I have to re-install the 5.1

 

[joeob]

Just walked out of the Apple Store having exchanged my bricked SSSB 44mm with loop. I called ahead, explained and they offered to reserve the watch for me. No questions asked when I arrived. Swapped one box for another.

 

[Steve686]

I'm curious why it worked well with my watch and if I have to re-install the 5.1

Both my series 2 & 4 accepted the update, no issues.

 

[klymr]

I'm curious why it worked well with my watch and if I have to re-install the 5.1

If you are on 5.1 now, you more than likely will not have to reinstall. You should be fine.

 

[BillGates1969]

Has anyone on 5.1 and a S4 rebooted since the update?

 

[ipaine]

Wow. Never get that kind of service at my store

I just made the point that I shouldn't end up without a watch for 3-4 weeks because of something entirely not my fault.
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I hope you are correct, but it's entirely possible a replacement will have 5.0 or 5.0.1 installed if it was manufactured last week.

You're right - my replacement has 5.0. However, as they've now pulled 5.1, it prompts me to download 5.0.1.

 

[Jeff Barlow]

Just walked out of the Apple Store having exchanged my bricked SSSB 44mm with loop. I called ahead, explained and they offered to reserve the watch for me. No questions asked when I arrived. Swapped one box for another.

In tempted to drive in this morning and do the same. The watch I have is in stock at my store and I picked up AppleCare for it this morning.

 

[OllyW]

If you are on 5.1 now, you more than likely will not have to reinstall. You should be fine.

Apple have confirmed that.

"Due to a small number of Apple Watch customers experiencing an issue while installing WatchOS 5.1 today, we've pulled back the software update as a precaution," Apple said in a statement.

"Any customers impacted should contact AppleCare, but no action is required if the update installed successfully.

"We are working on a fix for an upcoming software update."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46045414

 

[tromboneaholic]

"Due to a small number of Apple Watch customers experiencing an issue while installing WatchOS 5.1 today, we've pulled back the software update as a precaution," Apple said in a statement.

"Any customers impacted should contact AppleCare, but no action is required if the update installed successfully.

"We are working on a fix for an upcoming software update."

Interesting wording. It's "Apple Watch customers" experiencing an issue, rather than the watches having an issue. Subtle spin.

 

[nasa25]

Just walked out of the Apple Store having exchanged my bricked SSSB 44mm with loop. I called ahead, explained and they offered to reserve the watch for me. No questions asked when I arrived. Swapped one box for another.

were you outside of the 14 day return window? I'm tempted to try this (as my store has stock) but I bought mine about 30 days ago.

 

[SadChief]

Has anyone on 5.1 and a S4 rebooted since the update?

I did it twice after installing 5.1 update: on my SBSS LTE series 4 and on my SBSS LTE series 3 (backup). So far so good.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Cheapskate aluminium here but bricked for more than 2 hours now. What is the common factor? Where is everyone having this problem? Maybe it’s Regional?

Just seen it’s Europe and USA.

Mine updated with no issues so it was not everyone.

 

[nasa25]

Canadian watches are being bricked too. Mine was one of them.

 

[Newtons Apple]

How are you guys getting an express replacement? I have AC+ and they never even mentioned that to me. Rep just scheduled a status update call for tomorrow.

You need to call Apple and tell them you want an express replacement. If you have AC+, they will do it with a temp hold on your CC.

 

[oeagleo]

Indeed. I’m thoroughly amazed that something like this made it to release. This didn’t turn up in beta? Wow!.

I believe the problem with bricking the watches has to do with the ECG function, and that ability isn't in the beta's, so they "thought" they had it figured out, decided to release it, and BOOM, it broke. It seems the "feature" that broke the watches isn't one that's included in the beta's, and that makes me strongly suspect some enabling being done for the ECG.

 

[nasa25]

You need to call Apple and tell them you want an express replacement. If you have AC+, they will do it with a temp hold on your CC.

thanks. I do have AC+. I have a genius appt for tomorrow and a senior tech callback scheduled for today but I might just cut through all the BS and ask for an express replacement.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I'm curious why it worked well with my watch and if I have to re-install the 5.1

I am pretty sure they will change the name of the replacement update maybe 5.2

 

[ahmede]

Updated to 5.1 , call handover from my 6s to watch 4 worked perfectly

Updated 6s to 12.1 , handover of calls from phone to watch no longer working.

No pop up option when the speaker icon is tapped

 

[OllyW]

I believe the problem with bricking the watches has to do with the ECG function, and that ability isn't in the beta's, so they "thought" they had it figured out, decided to release it, and BOOM, it broke. It seems the "feature" that broke the watches isn't one that's included in the beta's, and that makes me strongly suspect some enabling being done for the ECG.

I think you are making a big assumption there. The bricking is not restricted to watches in the USA and the ECG function will be unavailable elsewhere until it receives the necessary approval.

 

[Newtons Apple]

thanks. I do have AC+. I have a genius appt for tomorrow and a senior tech callback scheduled for today but I might just cut through all the BS and ask for an express replacement.

Yep, I would cancel as they are wanting to send it off while you wait. Express Replacement could have you a new working watch in 24-48 hours.

 

[ab06deg]

This is becoming more and more infuriating. No apple stores in my country and no properly equipped services, as I just found out! The watch must be sent in an apple service, God knows where. They can take our money, but not have a decent authorised service? Seriously? I must pay for a courier to send it so they kindly fix their fault? They should be ashamed, and still they put their heads under the sand. Not even a half-mouth “sorry”...

 

[Newtons Apple]

I believe the problem with bricking the watches has to do with the ECG function, and that ability isn't in the beta's, so they "thought" they had it figured out, decided to release it, and BOOM, it broke. It seems the "feature" that broke the watches isn't one that's included in the beta's, and that makes me strongly suspect some enabling being done for the ECG.

5.1 does not even include the ECG function. My 5.1 updated fine on my AW4 and there is no ECG function anywhere on my watch or phone.

 

[joeob]

were you outside of the 14 day return window? I'm tempted to try this (as my store has stock) but I bought mine about 30 days ago.

I have owned the watch exactly 40 days today. The store London store staff didn’t even hesitate when I told them that. Perhaps call ahead. It’s basicslly up to “managers discretion”. If they have stock you might be in luck.

 

[pixel_junkie]

What do you get with Express Replacement, new or refurbished?