Why doesn’t WatchOS automatically update installed apps?

[Buadhai]

I have always incorrectly assumed that when an app was updated on a paired iPhone, the corresponding Watch app would get updated promptly. This seems not to be the case.

For example, I have an app (WorkOutDoors) that needed an update to operate properly. I updated the iPhone app to 5.3.4; the most recent.

But, that didn’t fix the Watch app. When I checked the version on the Watch app it was still 5.2.7; several versions behind.

I manually updated the Watch app from the App Store. It is now functioning properly.

Is it really necessary to manually check and update apps on the Apple Watch?

Apple Watch Ultra OS 10.1. iPhone 14Pro OS 17.1.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Make sure your watch is set to mirror your phone and that you have 'background app refresh turned on.'

 

[Buadhai]

Background App Refresh is enabled everywhere.

Mirror iPhone is enabled everywhere I can find it (many places).

 

[bricktop_at]

I didn’t change any of the settings and my Apps update automatically on all my watches as soon as they are connected to my iPhone.

There is a setting in the Watch app on the iPhone related to the App Store, maybe automatic updates are disabled there?

 

[i505]

In the Settings app on your watch, go to App Store and turn on Automatic Updates.

 

[Buadhai]

I didn’t change any of the settings and my Apps update automatically on all my watches as soon as they are connected to my iPhone

So, what I experienced is an anomaly at best or a nasty bug at worst?

 

[bricktop_at]

So, what I experienced is an anomaly at best or a nasty bug at worst?

Yes I guess that or a disabled setting, I have edited my post

 

[Buadhai]

In the Settings app on your watch, go to App Store and turn on Automatic Updates.

It’s on. Always has been.

 

[Mercenary]

I too have the same issue since os 10.

On 9 it used to reinstall the watch app when I updated the phone app. But now it doesn’t and checking the updates on the watch store app says no updates.

I either have to remove/reinstall the watch app or find it in the App Store on the watch itself and then it shows the update button

 

[MitzEclipse]

I have the exact same issue, with WOD as well. Still on 5.2.7 but on Watch OS 10.1 and updated everything - tried to force update and even within the Watch App Store update but no updates avail.

 

[Buadhai]

So, perhaps a WatchOS 10 bug.

 

[xraydoc]

Seems to update for me… 🤷‍♂️

 

[Buadhai]

Seems to update for me… 🤷‍♂️

Not every bug affects every user. The well documentated Watch OS10 battery drain issue severely affected my wife’s watch but not mine.

 

[OriginalAppleGuy]

You might try turning it off, waiting a minute or so, then turn it back on. And/or, turn it off, restart the watch. Turn it on, restart the watch. Could be it "looks" like it's on, but the OS isn't treating it as such.

 

[Buadhai]

That’s probably a good suggestion, but how do I know it’s working? I only discovered it wasn’t working because a single app failed to get a crucial update. Otherwise, I would have never noticed.

 

[OriginalAppleGuy]

Good point, @Buadhai. If you are aware of any other apps that need updating, you could check those. Otherwise, keep your eyes on it over time.

Something else that comes to mind is "hard resetting" the watch. It's not taking it back to factory settings where you have to set it up, it's restarting the watch and all volatile memory. It's a good thing to do on you phone and watch if things don't work as they should.

For the watch, you hold both side buttons (digital crown and one below it) until the screen goes dark and the apple logo re-appears.

 

[Buadhai]

I had hard reset the watch and phone in an attempt to fix this.

I have toggled Automatic Updates, as you suggested. We'll see how it goes.