5 Things to Know About the watchOS 6.2.6 Update

Apple released watchOS 6.2.6 on June 1st, as a free update for the Apple Watch. This is connected with the iOS 13.5.1 update, and both updates are focused on security fixes. This comes two weeks after Apple released watchOS 6.2.5, and it is an important update for some users.

There are no features called out with this update, but it does include security fixes that Apple will likely outline in the coming hours. We believe the iOS 13.5.1 update is in response to the iOS 13.5 jailbreak that arrived in May.

Our guide covers watchOS 6.2.6 performance, any known problems with watchOS 6.2.6, the compatibility of the update, any known changes or new features, and what’s next for the Apple Watch in 2020.

Let’s start with what’s new in watchOS 6.2.6, and the performance after a short period of testing with the update on the Apple Watch 5.

watchOS 6.2.6 Update: What’s New

This is a bug fix and security-focused update, and that means there are no new watchOS features announced. There could be something under the hood, but that seems unlikely given the timing and release notes.

Apple did not update the security page yet with specific security fixes for watchOS 6.2.6 or iOS 13.5.1. This is likely bringing fixes for the security holes that allowed an iOS 13.5 jailbreak tool in May.

watchOS 6.2.6 Review

What you need to know about watchOS 6.2.6.

I’ve been testing watchOS 6.2.6 on the Apple Watch 5 for the last hour. This is what I’ve learned so far from this update.

Connectivity

• WiFi connected and working.
• Bluetooth connected immediately to my iPhone 11 Pro Max after reboot.
• AirPods Pro connected.
• GPS and Compass are both working.

Apps

• Third-party apps launch and work as expected including Audible, Ecobee, and others.
• Apple’s apps like Apple Music, Messages, Calendar, and Podcasts are working.

Speed & Battery Life

• The update performance is good so far, but this is the latest Apple Watch.
• It is too early to offer any battery life performance.

watchOS 6.2.6 Compatibility

The watchOS 6.2.6 update is compatible with all Apple Watches that run watchOS 6. This includes the Series 1 through Series 5. You need to install iOS 13.5.1 before you are able to install this update, so you need an iPhone that supports this update.

You will not likely be able to use an Apple Watch on watchOS 6.2.6 with an iPhone on iOS 13.5 that is jailbroken, so keep this in mind.

watchOS 6.2.6 Problems

This is a small update that focuses on security issues. That is a sign that we may not see a lot of issues. We are checking our Apple Watch devices for watchOS 6.2.6 problems and we are monitoring social media. The good news right now is that we did not experience any major issues and overall there are no widespread reports of watchOS 6.2.6 problems yet.

What’s Next for watchOS?

We will likely see at least one more watchOS 6 update this year that adds in new features and fixes issues. We should be learning about watchOS 7 at WWDC in June, which will allow us to understand what new Apple Watch features are coming in 2020 and which models will get the update.

WWDC is scheduled for June 22nd, which is when we will know a lot more about the future of watchOS updates.

Answer Calls on the Apple Watch

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You can answer a call on your Apple Watch using it as a small Bluetooth speakerphone. You only want to use this for shorter calls because the audio quality isn't as good as when you are talking on speakerphone on your iPhone.  The Apple Watch only allows you to answer your calls on Speakerphone, so you won't want to use this all the time. It is very handy when you are working on a project or busy with your hands. Definitely be conscious of where you are taking calls. If you wouldn't talk on speakerphone, you shouldn't talk on your Apple Watch. If you buy the new Apple Watch with LTE, you can even make calls on the Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby. This requires adding the watch to your plan for $10 a month. You cannot answer a FaceTime video call on the Apple Watch.

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