3 Reasons Not to Install the Apple Watch OS Update Now

The first Apple Watch update is finally here with a focus on improving the performance of the Apple Watch. Even with the promise of a better experience and performance, there are some reasons you may want to skip installing the Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 update right now.

Apple released the Apple Watch in April, and this is the first Apple Watch update. The device runs on Watch OS, which is similar to iOS in many ways, but Apple does not tie it to an iPhone update like iOS 8.4.

There is no precedent for Apple Watch updates, which is part of why we caution some users to wait before installing Watch OS 1.0.1 on the first day.

Some users should wait to install the Apple Watch update.

Here is a short list of three reasons the average Apple Watch owner should wait before installing the Watch OS 1.0.1 update. We don’t know about any specific issues yet, but unless you are willing to be on the front edge of the update it is often better to let others test it first.

Wait for Feedback

The Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 update includes a lot of performance upgrades that make it tempting to install right away. Users need to remember that this is also the first real world update for the Apple Watch and there is a potential for problems with the installation process or with the update itself.

It is worth waiting for other users to deliver Apple Watch 1.0.1 feedback.

When the first iOS 8 update arrived last fall, it broke many iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices until another update came. We did not experience this problem with the Apple Watch update, but it is still a good idea to let others go first.

We are working on an early Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 review to share our impressions of how well it performs.

The potential for problems alone is a reason that many Apple Watch owners should consider waiting a few days before installing.

In addition to our upcoming impressions, you can check the Apple Watch Support Forums for other users discussing the update.

You aren’t Ready to Update

Another straightforward reason to wait before you install the Apple Watch 1.0.1 update is that you are not prepared. This may be an obvious item like your Apple Watch is not charged to 50% or you don’t have your charger, but there are other things to consider.

The good news is that the Apple Watch backs up automatically to your iPhone, so there is no need to check a backup.

You should make sure you are familiar with the Apple Watch 1.0.1 update changes and also that you are aware of how to upgrade the Apple Watch.

Another simple reason to wait is if you are holding out for an Apple Watch jailbreak. There is success on an Apple Watch jailbreak, but there is no public release. Apple may fix some holes that made this possible. If this is, the case users on Watch OS 1.0.1 may not be able to use an eventual public release.

If You Rely on it For Work or are Traveling

If you are traveling, you should wait until you are home before you install the Watch OS 1.0.1

The Apple Watch update is not one that we suggest you try to install in the middle of the work day if you rely on the Apple Watch for your day to day business. Although not as integral as the iPhone or iPad to running a business, the Apple Watch is an indispensable tool for many users.

Also the lengthy update process and the possibility of something happening that forces a user to set the Apple Watch up again is enough to earn a warning if you are traveling. Backups don’t include synced playlists or Apple Pay cards, so if something happens and you need to restore from a backup you will be without those items until you have the time to re-add cards or to sync playlists.

There is no outright reason to skip the Apple Watch update forever, but many users should consider doing research and letting others discover any problems before updating their own Apple Watch.

Set Your Apple Watch Ahead 5-10 Minutes

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If you are always running behind and you are used to setting clocks ahead so that you leave early enough to get there you'll love the Apple Watch. There is a setting on the Watch that lets you set the Apple Watch time ahead up to 59 minutes fast. Most people will set the watch a few minutes early or 15 minutes early if they are always late. Alarms and timers should stick to the real-time, but when you look at the time on your Apple Watch you will see the time you want, instead of the real-time. Here's how to set your Apple Watch ahead so you're always on time.

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