Apple is automatically updating a number of existing Apple Watch apps to ensure they work correctly with watchOS 27. Testers running the beta this summer reported that some apps failed to launch on the new software, and the company has now stepped in to resolve the problem on behalf of developers.
The fix arrives without any input required from the app makers themselves. Apple identified the root cause and is pushing the necessary changes directly through the App Store, meaning users and developers alike do not need to take any action for affected apps to keep functioning.
What the automatic updates include
The updates are being distributed with a specific What’s New note that reads: “This app has been updated by Apple to prepare for watchOS 27 compatibility. No new features are included.” In other words, the changes are strictly technical and do not add functionality or alter how the apps behave.
Apple notified developers this week that the rollout will be complete by August 31. That timing leaves a comfortable buffer ahead of the public release. watchOS 27, along with iOS 27 and Apple’s other new operating systems, is expected to reach users around the middle of September, so the compatibility work is being finished well in advance.
Why the fix was needed
According to Apple, the problem stems from an issue with the arm64 slice of certain watchOS apps. That binary incompatibility prevented some titles from opening on watchOS 27. To address it, Apple appears to be automatically reprocessing and repackaging the affected apps, correcting the binaries so that existing software continues to run smoothly.
The approach spares developers from having to submit fresh builds or manually rework their apps just to maintain support. For everyday Apple Watch owners who rely heavily on third-party apps, it also means fewer disruptions when they eventually move to the new operating system.
Apple has confirmed that the automatic update process for affected watchOS apps will conclude on August 31.
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Image: 9to5mac.com
