watchOS 8.7.1 Not Available On Apple Watch? (Here Is Why!)
Last updated on October 14th, 2022 at 06:25 pm
Posted in News by Mike on August 18, 2022
watchOS 8.7.1 update
watchOS 8.7.1 not available for your Apple Watch? Update not showing up in the Software Update section. All that you get is watchOS 8.7 and the confirmation that Apple Watch is up to date with the latest bug fixes and security enhancements?
watchOS 8.7.1 Not Available
This happens to all Apple Watch owners that run a watchOS 8 version but don’t own the Series 3 model. (Source: Apple Support document.)
According to Apple, unlike iOS 15.6.1 and macOS 12.5.1, watchOS 8.7.1 has been only released for the AW 3 model.
It’s fixing bugs that are affecting only the Series 3 watches!
watchOS 8.7.1 Security Content
Apple doesn’t even provide any CVE entries for this release, meaning that the update doesn’t bring any security improvements.
Vulnerabilities patched by iOS 15.6.1 and macOS 12.5.1 haven’t been found in watchOS 8.7 too.
watchOS 8.7.1 Release Notes
The only info that’s available about this version is available in the update log:
“watchOS 8.7.1 addresses an issue that may cause Apple Watch Series 3 to unexpectedly restart for some users.”
We couldn’t find any other notes in the news section of Apple’s Developer platform.
watchOS 8.7.1 Download
If you own an Apple Watch Series 3 you can install this update, over-the-air from the Watch app on the paired iPhone:
- In the My Watch tab, tap on General -> Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install after the update shows up.
- Provide Passcode and follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.
Fact: Build number for this release is 19U67.
watchOS 8.7.1 Problems
Any issues reported for this release are mentioned below:
- 1. watchOS 8.7.1 update stuck in ‘downloading to watch’. Reported by Susan.
Fix: Reinstall Watch app or change Language & Region. More details here. - 2. Unable to verify update because you’re not connected to the internet error. Reported by Harrya.
Fix: Workarounds available here. - 3. Update not installing on Apple Watch 3. Reported by K and Bob3.
Fix: Same as above. - 4. To be updated!
Have you installed watchOS 8.7.1 on Apple Watch? Did you spot any changes? Share your feedback in the comments.
Related: This could be one of the last updates to the 8th watchOS generation. watchOS 9 is currently in its advanced beta testing stages.
No matter what I do, the 8.7.1 stays in “downloading to watch” I can’t get it to complete. Tried the unpairing and resetting the watch, checked my storage to make sure there is enough space, had both the watch and the phone on chargers fully charged and still no luck.
Sorry to hear this Susan. What Apple Watch model? So there’s no error showing up, it just remains stuck in ‘downloading to watch’ mode?
I’m also having that same issue . If anyone finds a solution please let me know.
Thanks for reporting. Your watch is currently on watchOS 8.7?
Do you notice any profile when you open the Watch app and go for Settings -> Profile?
I am having the same exact issue, I am on IOS 15.7. I cannot get the watch to install the update. I have been trying for days
Please try the fixes mentioned in this article:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/apple-watch-unable-to-verify-update-watchos-8-7-1-stuck/
I am to. I’ve tried all day and it won’t fully download.
Is your iPhone running iOS 16?
I am having the same issue, except occasionally, the screen will show “watchOS 6.2.6 Your Apple Watch is up to date with all the latest bug fixes and security enhancements.” But the phone scans for a long while saying “Checking for update” and then says it’s preparing to install 8.7.1. It never finishes! My watch is a Series 3. My phone is an 8. Could this be because my watch was using version 6.2.6 before? I’ve reset my watch to factory settings in an attempt to make it work, but to no avail.
What iOS version is running on your iPhone?
I have the same issue too my iPhone version is 16.0 while my iwatch is version 7.0
You mean your Apple Watch is a Series 7 or the watchOS version on the watch is 7.0?
Same issue
What iOS version is running on the paired iPhone?
like me same error
is there any solution ??? please
What iOS version is running on the paired iPhone?
I’m also having the same error and now can not use my watch at all – is very annoying!
What Apple Watch model are you owning?
I have a new Series 3. Trying to get it started. iPhone has been trying to download watchOS 8.7.1 for two days now. Wi-Fi is good, no drop outs. I have turned the phone off and back on, removed the app and reinstalled, turned watch off and back on. Still no good
Same issue for me. I am working off ios 15.7 and no luck for days
Try to turn Off cellular data on the paired iPhone, force restart both devices and try again.
Same problem here. Running iOS 16.0.2. Apple Watch Series 3 factory reset, currently has Watch OS 6.3. I cannot install 8.7.1. Seems to be in a boot loop during download/install process.
Thanks for reporting. Please try to turn Off cellular data on the paired iPhone while the WiFi connection remains active.
Force restart both Apple Watch and iPhone and try again.
It should work. Let us know if it did.
I’m having the same issues on my series 3 watch. I have factory reset and now I can’t pair it. Every time I update it says “unable to verify update because you’re not connected to the internet” I’m connected to the internet and cellular data is off. Please help.
Did you manage to fix it by following the tips you mentioned? Changing country and language or deleting Watch app on iPhone and reinstalling it?
Can’t update. Broke for 12 hours. Been trying to install all night.
Connected to wi-fi. AW 3. Iphone se 2, iOS 15.7
Restarted, many times. Watch went to factory settings.
REALLY FREAKING ANNOYING. I didn’t want to update, but the notification keeps on popping up on my phone so I can’t DO ANYTHING! Still trying to reinstall/update/fix. I just want a watch to tell time….
This sounds very frustrating. Sorry to hear this. Unfortunately we don’t have a Series 3 around to test it out. I’m looking into this and will update you if I find a workaround.
Same issue everyone else is having about not installing the update to the watch. Does anyone have a solution?
This is ridiculous. Surely someone at Apple can come up with a fix, my watch is not usable until this update completes.
YES! Completely broke my watch!
We’re taking a closer look and will provide some fixes soon!
Same problem here – been trying for 3 days to update my AW 3, iPhone is updated to 16.0 – also reset watch to factory settings, etc — can’t use it at all. These things are not cheap and this is frustrating to say the least.
Have you tried the two troubleshooting attempts provided here:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/apple-watch-unable-to-verify-update-watchos-8-7-1-stuck/
Change coutry & language and reinstall Watch app?
Tricks that have worked for some users.
Thanks for providing the link. We’ve published a new article based on those working fixes. Let’s see if they work:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/apple-watch-unable-to-verify-update-watchos-8-7-1-stuck/
hmm, my apple watch series 3 stuck in “‘preparing”‘, but it reloads and goes back to the beginning
Yes, it’s an infamous issue and we’re all trying to find a fix for it without success. Let’s hope that iOS 15.7.1 and iOS 16.1 will address it. They’re due on Monday, October 24.
INfamous? lol
How would you describe it? ;)
Did anyone manage to solve it?