Apple today released watchOS 3.1 and tvOS 10.0.1 to the public, following the public launch of iOS 10.1 as well. This is the first minor update for tvOS 10 since its launch earlier this year, and this release is focused primarily on fixing bugs and tweaking performance, improving the quality of the software for end users.
During the beta testing period, no major outward-facing changes or feature tweaks were discovered, so watchOS 3.1 focuses mainly on performance improvements and bug fixes to address issues that have popped up since the release of watchOS 3. The release notes list several bug fixes and improvements:
– New option to replay bubble and full screen effects in Messages
– Messages effects can play with Reduce Motion enabled
– Fixes an issue that could cause the notification for Timer complete to be delivered twice
– Resolves an issue that could prevent Apple Watch Series 2 from fully charging
– Resolves an issue where Activity rings may disappear from the watch face
– Fixes an issue that prevented Force Touch options from appearing in some third-party apps.
To install watchOS 3.1, owners will need to use the dedicated Watch app on their iPhone, and then head into Settings –> General and then Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch must have at least 50 percent of its battery charged, and it needs to be connected to the charger as well. It must also be within range of the iPhone.
As a minor 10.x.x update, tvOS 10.0.1 focuses on performance improvements and bug fixes to address issues discovered since the release of tvOS 10. During the beta testing process, no major outward-facing changes or obvious bug fixes were discovered.
To install tvOS 10.0.1, Apple TV 4 owners can head into System, and then Software Update to download the over-the-air (OTA) update. For owners that have automatic software updates turned on, the new software should automatically be installed onto the set-top box, and owners should be upgraded automatically.
The new software for both devices is available now.