{"id":576524,"date":"2026-05-10T14:33:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T14:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/576524\/"},"modified":"2026-05-10T14:33:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T14:33:16","slug":"free-apple-watch-update-fixes-two-annoying-bugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/576524\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Apple Watch update fixes two annoying bugs"},"content":{"rendered":"

A free Apple Watch update is about to land, and while it\u2019s not a major flashy overhaul, it does fix a couple of irritating issues for one of the best smartwatches<\/a> \u2013 along with adding a new watch face for good measure.<\/p>\n

According to release notes spotted by MacRumors<\/a>, Apple\u2019s watchOS 26.5 is likely to roll out widely next week following its release candidate build. As always, it\u2019ll be a free update for compatible devices.<\/p>\n

The headline changes are bug fixes \u2013 one tackles an issue where the Messages app could default to SMS instead of iMessage when paired with a dual-SIM iPhone \u2013 not ideal if you\u2019re expecting those blue bubbles. The other fixes a problem with the Workout app, where audio alerts could fail to play if your iPhone wasn\u2019t nearby.<\/p>\n

Granted, they\u2019re fairly specific bugs, and ones that you might not have even noticed. But hey, it\u2019s nice to know that things are being regularly polished post-launch.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, the update also introduces the new Pride Luminance watch face. First announced as part of Apple\u2019s 2026 Pride Collection, the face is designed to complement the latest Pride Edition Sport Loop band, with bold colour patterns and geometric layouts.<\/p>\n

When the update does roll out next week, you can follow Apple\u2019s guide to updating your Watch<\/a>. You can kick off the update using your iPhone or on the Watch itself (if your watch has watchOS 6 or newer).<\/p>\n

Apple\u2019s watchOS 26 is compatible with the Apple Watch SE 2 and later, the Watch series 6 and later, and the Apple Watch Ultra, and later.<\/p>\n

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