Apple recently rolled out the third beta of watchOS 11.1 to developers. This update was accompanied by tvOS 18.1, HomePod Software version 18.1, and visionOS 2.1. Strangely, Apple did not release new betas for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 with the above-mentioned updates, all of which carry the first set of Apple Intelligence features.
Strangely, Apple has withdrawn watchOS 11.1 beta 3, as pointed out by @aaronp613 on X (formerly Twitter). This move indicates a serious flaw within the beta, as it took place amidst concerns regarding frozen Apple Watch devices, along with issues in the Messages App.
Several beta testers have provided feedback on this under a Reddit post, with most having issues with messages and notifications. Here are some of the replies:
“Anyone else having issues with the Messages app/notifications post-update? Experiencing a lock up of my Ultra 2 whenever I get a message notification and I can’t get the message app to successfully load – restarting phone and watch doesn’t seem to fix the issue. For now I was able to get around the issue by disabling message notifications on my watch” – zayl3x
“My watch isn’t syncing messages and locked up after updating.” – bklynraised
“Is anyone else having issue with wallet cards disappearing? I need to restart watch daily for them to show up. Have been reporting to apple since first public beta of watchos11” – SodaPreen
“Same. Completely locking up every single boot. I hold the side button and crown to restart it, it reboots, and not even a minute later is completely frozen. Time won’t update, nothing. It happened right when someone had text me and it’s nonstop since. It’s currently locked up for the 7th time and it just started 15 minutes ago.
The messages app is also unresponsive. Continues to load until it crashes.” -tbone338
“Tons of problems with messages. Either rebooting the watch or closing the entire messaging application on the watch. Can’t receive or do anything with messages on the watch. Pretty surprising mess.” – gkfisher
It was a good move by Apple to withdraw the beta before it did any further damage, as users cannot themselves restore an Apple Watch if it is frozen, but rather have to send it to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Center to get it fixed.
Apple might re-release the third beta or entirely skip it and move on to the fourth beta of watchOS 11.1 which should hopefully bring in the necessary fixes.
If your Apple Watch is currently unusable, you might want to take it to a nearby Apple Store to get the latest public firmware installed. This will result in data loss and you would need to restore a backup with certain limitations.
Did you update to watchOS 11.1 beta 3? How was your experience? 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!
