Apple pulls watchOS 11.1 beta 3 after users report frozen devices

As spotted by Aaron Perris on X, Apple has pulled the watchOS 11 beta 3 update. It was initially released to developers yesterday, and public beta testers got the update today.

Users on Reddit reported issues with their Apple Watch models after updating to the new beta, including “locked up” devices and issues with Messages notifications syncing. These users report that their devices remain frozen, even after reboots. One person commented the following:

Completely locking up every single boot. I hold the side button and crown to restart it, it reboots, and not even a minute later is completely frozen. Time won’t update, nothing. It happened right when someone had text me and it’s nonstop since. It’s currently locked up for the 7th time and it just started 15 minutes ago.

This is quite a large concern, especially given the fact that there’s no way for users to revert firmware without taking their Apple Watch to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, and having it sent to an off site repair facility.

Hopefully, it won’t take too long for Apple to resolve these concerns. However, it’s been over 2 weeks since the iPadOS 18 update was pulled due to bricking concerns with M4 iPad Pros, and Apple is yet to resolve a patch.

We’ll see what happens, and we’ll keep you updated when Apple eventually releases a new build of watchOS 11.1 beta 3.

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