Apple has started rolling out watchOS 10.1 to the public with important bug fixes and security improvements, along with features such as NameDrop and Double tap for supported models. This update addresses 9 security vulnerabilities with Find My, WebKit, and more.
watchOS 10.1 comes almost a month after the release of watchOS 10.0.2. Apple keeps refining the software experience with every watchOS update by fixing bugs and security flaws. The size of the update can vary depending upon the Apple Watch model that you have and the software version you’re updating from.
According to the release notes,
watchOS 10.1 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:
- Double tap gesture can be used to perform the primary action in notifications and most apps so you can answer a call, play and pause music, stop a timer, and more (Available on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2)
- NameDrop allows you to exchange contact information with someone new by simply bringing your Apple Watch near their iPhone with iOS 17 or Apple Watch (Available on Apple Watch SE 2, Apple Watch Series 7 and later, and Apple Watch Ultra)
- My Card is available as a complication for quick access to NameDrop
- Fix for bug that causes the climate section in the Home app to be blank
- Addresses an issue that causes a white selection border to be unexpectedly displayed after turning off AssistiveTouch
- Fixes an issue where cities may not sync between iPhone and watch in Weather
- Resolves an issue where the scroll bar may unexpectedly be visible on the display
- Fix for bug that causes elevation to be incorrect for some users
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
The new Double tap gesture is only limited to the latest Apple Watch models including the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. With this feature enabled, users will be able to control the watch without touching the screen to invoke certain functions.
According to Apple, “Users can tap the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice to quickly and conveniently perform many of the most common actions on Apple Watch Series 9. Double tap will also open the Smart Stack from the watch face, and another double tap will scroll through widgets in the stack.”
Apple adds that “Double tap controls the primary button in an app so it can be used to stop a timer, play and pause music, or snooze an alarm. The gesture can be used to answer and end a phone call, and even to take a photo with the Camera Remote on Apple Watch. Double tap will also open the Smart Stack from the watch face, and another double tap will scroll through widgets in the stack.”
Users can update their Apple Watch by going into the Watch App on their iPhone and navigating to My Watch>General>Software Update. The update requires your Apple Watch to be near your paired iPhone and have at least 50% Battery. The update is available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
Along with watchOS 10.1, Apple also released iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, tvOS 17.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1, and more to the public with several new features, bug fixes, and important security updates.
It is highly recommended to update your Apple Watch to the latest software for the best experience and the best security. Did you find any new features in this update? Let us know down in the comments or tweet to us on @appleosophy! Be sure to download the Appleosophy App from the App Store or visit our website to stay updated with the latest Apple news!
Author: Pururaj Dutta
Pururaj is the Vice President of Appleosophy and Silicon Report, in addition to being the Manager of popular Redfruit Media platforms such as TechPod Social and Apple Summit. His seasoned experience plays a pivotal role in the success of Redfruit Media, contributing significantly to shaping the ever-evolving tech landscape. As a tech aficionado, he enjoys exploring & reviewing new products, and sharing his insights with the community. With an unwavering passion for technology, Pururaj is committed to delivering accurate and insightful information to his readers.
