Apple Watch 9 Problems: 5 Things You Need to Know

Apple Watch 9 users have run into an assortment of problems since launch last year. If you own an Apple Watch 9, or if you’re thinking about buying one, here’s what you need to know about these issues.

We haven’t heard about any widespread problems with the Apple Watch Series 9 though we have seen complaints about bugs and performance issues. Some of these issues are minor while others are far more problematic.

With that in mind, we want to run down everything current, and prospective, Apple Watch 9 users need to know about the device’s problems.

Our guide outlines the most common Apple Watch 9 problems, provides potential fixes for issues, highlight places to find feedback about the Apple Watch 9’s performance, and offers a look at what’s next in the watchOS 10 pipeline for the device.

Apple Watch 9 Problems

The list of Apple Watch 9 problems has grown since launch. Apple’s fixed some of the initial problems, but we’ll continue to see issues emerge as more people buy the device and as owners put more mileage on the watch.

We’ve heard about problems that plague every single version of the Apple Watch. The current list of Apple Watch 9 problems includes the following:

• Abnormal battery drain
• Issues with cellular service
• Pairing problems
• Charging issues
• Bluetooth issues
• Problems with first and third-party applications
• UI lag
• Software installation issues

We’ll continue to update this list as we push away from Apple’s latest watchOS 10 software release.

Apple Watch 9 Performance

If you’re thinking about buying an Apple Watch 9, or if you already bought one, it’s important to keep tabs on feedback about the device’s performance. This feedback will alert you to potential problems with the device’s hardware and software.

Fortunately, there are plenty of places to find feedback about the Apple Watch 9’s current performance.

We recommend keeping an eye on YouTube, Apple’s discussion forums, social media sites, and the MacRumors forums for the latest information.

We’ve published a quick watchOS 10.4 review that covers the software’s performance and we plan to release guides covering future watchOS 10 updates as well.

How to Fix Apple Watch 9 Problems

If you run into an issue on your Apple Watch 9, your first instinct might be to contact Apple for help. However, you may be able to fix the problem(s) on your own in a matter of minutes.

In many cases, restarting your Apple Watch and/or your iPhone will fix an issue. You might also want to try performing a hard reset as this can alleviate performance issues.

If you’re having issues charging your Apple Watch 9, make sure the device is situated properly on the charger. You may also want to try a different cord and/or outlet to see if that helps.

For more potential fixes, you should head on over to Apple’s discussion forums. If the users there can’t help you, you might want to get in contact with Apple via its website.

If you still can’t fix your issue(s), schedule an appointment to see a Genius at your local Apple Store. They should be able to diagnose your issue(s) relatively quickly.

watchOS Downgrade

This is a PSA for new Apple Watch users: You can move back to older software on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but downgrading isn’t an option for the Apple Watch.

In other words, once you install a new software update on your Apple Watch 9, you can’t move your device off that software until Apple releases new watchOS 10 firmware.

You can go to an Apple Store if your watch is completely broken, but they will replace it if the device is under warranty. They won’t help you downgrade to older watchOS software.

What’s Next

If your Apple Watch 9 is struggling, you’ll be on your own for a bit.

Apple’s confirmed the next version of watchOS 10 and watchOS 10.5 is currently in beta testing ahead of its release later on this year. We expect the software to drop in May.

If the problems on your Apple Watch are real bad, you might want to install the watchOS 10.5 beta and see if it improves the device’s performance.

After watchOS 10.5, we should see a few more updates before Apple deploys watchOS 11.

Wait for Blood Pressure Monitoring

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Gurman believes Apple is targeting 2024 for a blood pressure monitor on the Apple Watch. This is the earliest it will launch and there could be a delay. That being said, it's a feature worth waiting for.  He's outlined three health features Apple's working on: glucose and blood sugar monitoring, the ability to take blood pressure, and the ability to measure body temperature. Of these, it looks like the blood pressure tool is the closest to launch. If this pans out, the Apple Watch 10 would be able to detect a user's blood pressure from the wrist using infrared light. If you have blood pressure issues, or simply want a quick way to check, this feature alone might be worth the wait.

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