WatchOS 8.7.1 UPDATE fails to install every time when pairing my reset Series 3 gps+cellular to my iPhone X 256GB? When is Apple going to release a fix for this?

I paid $1000+ for this watch 4-5 years ago! It should not suddenly be a piece of garbage along with my $1500+ phone due to OS16 update on my phone!

Posted on Jan 19, 2023 7:32 PM

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Unable to get past update ‘watchOS 8.7.1’ I recently received an Apple Watch Series 3 from a relative who was the previous owner of said watch. When I tried to pair the watch to my phone (iPhone XR updated to iOS 16) I discovered that the watch needed to update to 8.7.1. I tried this, and after taking about an hour to complete the update, it did it again. This continued a few times. I tried restarting the watch (one of the limited things I can do with it due to the fact it is not set up yet) and also tried restarting my iPhone. It has been 2 days of trying this repeated process now. I have also fully backed up my iPhone as that was suggested by another forum. If anyone has any advice as to how I can get past this issue, it would be greatly appreciated.
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1 reply

Jan 19, 2023 7:38 PM in response to Lady_Filomena

The watch is 5 generations old at this point. Many are having issues updating these older, out of date watches. But if you take it to your Apple Store Genius Bar, people have reported Apple was able to help them get the watches updated, so try that as your next option.

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WatchOS 8.7.1 UPDATE fails to install every time when pairing my reset Series 3 gps+cellular to my iPhone X 256GB? When is Apple going to release a fix for this?

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