Apple watch plays music/podcasts on iPhone instead of connected headphones -- after the recent update

Everyone in this thread is already doing that, so the answer you provide is no help at all.

The earphones show as connected, and the sound is directed to the IPhone. The earphones are not listed as one the devices to direct the sound to even though they show as connected in the Bluetooth menu.

The only way to get the sound to the earphones is to turn off the iPhone, or start your run without sound and wait until you are far enough the watch can no longer connect to the iPhone. Definitely a bug.

Same here! This new update is trash. I don't like the layout and now this audio issue has completely ruined my apple watch for me. I like to use my watch to listen to podcasts and sometimes I'll watch sports on my phone with the sound off. Now with this update, as soon as video starts playing on my phone, my phone starts playing the podcast instead even if I have my Bluetooth off on my phone so as to not connect to my headphones. I also have trouble getting my watch to use the cellular service when I leave my phone behind. I've had to leave my house, then restart the watch to get it to connect. I wish I never would have updated the watch because now it's worthless.

I’m having the same issue and tried this solution. The Bluetooth headphones are selected in the control center but it still plays on the phone instead of the headphones. This definitely seems like a bug. Any other ideas to fix this? Very frustrating.

Thanks

Restart did not work for me. I’m waiting for that embarrass moment as there’s nothing much I can do here.

Hi fernandor93,

For help with using your Apple Watch to play content directly to your headphones, check the steps for choosing the audio output below found in the article here: Connect Apple Watch to Bluetooth headphones or speakers - Apple Support

"Choose an audio output

1. Press the side button to open Control Center.
2. Tap , then choose the device you want to use.

For important information about avoiding hearing loss, see Important safety information for Apple Watch."

The articles below also have helpful information for playing content from Apple Music and Apple Podcasts with the new watchOS.

Play music on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Play podcasts on Apple Watch - Apple Support

You can also check the section "Play audio on iPhone" from the article here: Use Now Playing on Apple Watch to ensure you're not inadvertently selecting this option.

Cheers.

Ye agreed, having the exact experience you’re having.

This used to work near flawlessly; I could easily play from watch to headphones. Now with the recent update it keeps overriding my choice each time I select a Podcast episode to play; keeps switching to play out-loud on my phone.

Hesdphones Shokz Openrun Pro - multipoint pairing on

So far, restarted my iPhone and it seems to be working now.

Restarted phone and watch and it seems to behave as I expect now.

Very same issue. After a lot of trial and error resolved it by switching off iphone - this then allows you to play the podcast through your apple watch and then you can set off for a run (leaving iphone at home).