I’ve tried everything, literally everything to fix this issue. Including wiping and reloading the software of my phone and watch and re-pairing them. The Apple Watch is basically worthless to me without the exercise functions for my running. Just like all of you, it does not track GPS, does not transfer my exercise data to the fitness app on the phone, the rings sometimes update, sometimes not. I have found a work-around that some of you have discussed:
Gear: 2020 iPhone XR, Apple Watch Series 4.
1) take your iPhone on your run.
2) start your run on the workout app on the watch.
3) when you are done running, PAUSE your workout.
4) open the Fitness App on your iPhone. (my app takes about 25 seconds to load- another bug)
5) with the Fitness App open on your iPhone, end your workout on your watch and choose done.
6) this will USUALLY transfer your run data to the Fitness App, but not always.
7) this will NOT transfer GPS run course data. I lost that functionality after the upgrade.
Suggestion: get the Garmin 45 for your exercise. It’s affordable and works perfectly every single time.
Dear Apple, I’m all in with your ecosystem. If you sell it, I buy it. Please for the love of God, make this a freaking priority!!!!!!