Apple Releases watchOS 6.1.3 and 5.3.5 with These Critical Bug Fixes

Apple today released a pair of watchOS updates, 6.1.3 and 5.3.5, that patch critical bugs in the wearable operating system.

Like past point releases for watchOS 6.1, the latest updates don’t appear to contain any significant user-facing features. That being said, the updates do contain important bug fixes and likely other under-the-hood changes.

In addition to watchOS 6.1.3, Apple also today released watchOS 5.3.5, which contains the same bug fixes but is compatible with iPhones that aren’t able to update to iOS 13.

What’s New in watchOS 6.1.3?

The most important part of the update is a fix for an issue that prevented irregular heart rhythm notifications from working for Apple Watch users in Iceland. Although that’s weirdly specific, it likely has to do with local health regulations and laws.

Since irregular heart rhythm notifications are an important and life-saving feature of the watchOS ecosystem, it makes sense that Apple would resolve the problem for both current and legacy devices. If you live in Iceland, you should update it as soon as possible.

While Apple really only highlighted that fix in its release notes, it does say that watchOS 6.1.3 and watchOS 5.3.5 contain other important improvements and bug fixes.

Because of that, we recommend updating to the latest available watchOS version — particularly if you’re running into buggy behavior or other issues. The updates may fix them.

How to Update to watchOS 6.1.3

New watchOS updates can be downloaded and installed in the Watch app on a user’s connected iPhone.

1. Open the Watch app.
2. Tap My Watch.
3. Tap General.
4. Tap Software Update.

Your Apple Watch should update automatically, as long as it’s at least 50 percent charged, placed on a charger, and within range of your iPhone.

The watchOS 6.1.3 update is compatible with iPhones that can update to iOS 13, while the watchOS 5.3.5 update is specifically geared for users with iOS devices that iOS 13 doesn’t support.