Watch messages not in sync with iPhone messages

Rick325456 wrote:

Sorry, but that's not right.

• Apple Watch DOES keep Mail in sync, just not Messages (at least in my case)
• Apple Watch is not seen as a separate device like an iPad versus iPhone, it's a companion to the iPhone. It does not receive anything without an iPhone and doesn't connect to Wifi
• In settings, you can set it to "Mirror iPhone".....that can mean only one thing in my view
• I understand that iMessages aren't kept in sync across all devices....however Apple Watch does not fit into this category....otherwise why is the settings option to "mirror iPhone" there for Messages

This is clearly a problem.

It is indeed right.

Apple Watch does have Wi-Fi (2.4GHz, b/g/n to be precise). iPhone's known Wi-Fi networks are passed to the Apple Watch as there is no UI for discovery or connection to visible Wi-Fi networks. There are limitations to the networks that it can connect; public networks, and those configured using profiles are not used for connection. A standard, home network should be fine, however.

This Wi-Fi connection is used when Bluetooth is not available, i.e. the iPhone is elsewhere in the house, outside Bluetooth range but the two are on the same home network. It can be used to access the iPhones data as well as run most apps. It is also used for the transfer of large files, such as media sync or Software Upgrade.

Apple's support document detailing this can be found here: About Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Additionally, if the iPhone is out of battery, or not on the same wireless network as Apple Watch. Apple Watch can still use the network for most, if not all, system applications so long as it is within range of a known Wi-Fi network (i.e. one that has previously been paired with iPhone). This includes the sending and receiving of mail as well as iMessages (standard SMS is not available if the iPhone is turned off).

A full breakdown of Apple Watch's Wi-Fi capabilities was outlined by MacRumours here: http://www.macrumors.com/how-to/apple-watch-with-iphone-out-of-range/

The 'mirror settings' is there to mirror notification settings, i.e. to display unknown senders, or how many times to repeat the alert for.

If you don't believe me, disable Bluetooth on your iPhone. Try opening an app; try sending a message.

(As the Apple Watch functions as a separate device for sending and receiving messages, it also explains why the Watch sometimes receives a message first before the iPhone – as well as the fact that iOS devices and Macs get a notification when setting up that the Apple Watch for the first time that a new device has been registered for iMessage – it doesn't solely piggy back off the iPhone for everything.

The opening statement in the Apple support doc that you referred to says: "Your Apple Watch uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to communicate with your paired iPhone, switching between connections as needed"

Here's another quote from another Apple Support document: "If your Apple Watch and iPhone are on the same network but aren't connected by Bluetooth, you can also do the following on Apple Watch without iPhone: *Send and receive messages using iMessage"

This all implies that the Watch cannot send Messages without an iPhone (Whether connected via Bluetooth or Wifi)

That support document may indicate that but the Watch does extend further than this. I can imagine it is a bit confusing but right now Apple Watch is both it's own standalone device AND an iPhone companion. It requires an iPhone for 99.95% of all tasks, Messaging being an exception of this. (I retract my earlier statement of being able to receive Mail without an iPhone – this still requires a connection over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).

To test this; am I connected to my work's Wi-Fi network. I have placed my iPhone into Airplane Mode but left my Apple Watch available. It displays the "No Connection" icon, however, when sending myself an iMessage from the different Apple ID I use from my server at home, the Watch received the message no problem.

Also, the "mirror iphone" option is under Notification settings for Messages AND under Message settings (They are separate things)

For all intents and purposes, any reference to "Mirror my iPhone" within the Apple Watch app only refers to the mirroring of settings for the app or notification; not the mirroring of content – which is assumed as most tasks require the iPhone, Messaging being a major exception here. One confusing issue here is that the settings under Apple Watch.app > Notifications for system applications are also duplicated under the app settings for each app within the main menu of Apple Watch.app. The Messaging "Mirror my iPhone" toggle are the same setting and simply define how many times you wish to receive alerts for unread messages and if to send 'read receipts'. In no way shape or form is it referencing mirroring content, again, as most content (messages withstanding) is pulled from iPhone.

Apple Watch DOES keep Mail in sync, just not Messages (at least in my case)

I understand that iMessages aren't kept in sync across all devices....however Apple Watch does not fit into this category....otherwise why is the settings option to "mirror iPhone" there for Messages

This is not a bug; and it is simply how Apple Watch (and all other Apple devices) function with iMessage. I have 5 devices capable of receiving iMessages, all on the same account: a MacBook Pro, an iMac, an iPad, an iPhone and a Apple Watch. NONE of them are in sync with each other once the message has been delivered to all five. If I delete a message from one, I have to manually delete it from the other four.

In essence, whilst you are correct in saying that Apple Watch it is a companion device; do not treat it as so for Messages. It can, and will, receive Messages when connected to a known Wi-Fi network but not connected to iPhone. Again, when setting up Apple Watch, it notifies other devices that a new device has been registered with iMessage; a dialog that wouldn't be required if the iPhone simply handed messages over to the Watch instead.

Futhermore, Apple Watch sends it's messages from a different address than that of the iPhone, at least in my case anyway. I've got my iPhone (and every other device) to send from my phone number. If I dictate a message to my watch, the recipient receives it from my email address.

This is clearly a problem.

This depends entirely on how you look at it. As an iPhone companion, yes, if a message is deleted from iPhone, it should be deleted from Apple Watch.

However, because Apple Watch can function as a standalone messaging device, it is treated in the exact same manner as Apple does it's other devices. It just does some clever trickery that when a message is received by iPhone, it will not announce it's presence if Apple Watch is connected (assuming Apple Watch will download this message itself).

Apple Watch cannot send iMessages with the iPhone off. I have confirmed this.

Your security argument makes no sense. Has nothing to do with why the Watch and the iPhone cannot be in sync when it comes to messages. The Watch and the iPhone have a unique relationship.

This needs to be fixed by Apple.

I reiterate: The Apple Watch CAN recieve iMessages when the iPhone is out of range or off. The stipulation is that the Watch needs to be connected and within range of a known WiFi network - one that has already been configured for the iPhone connected to. There are restrictions for some networks and these are listed in the first Apple support article I posted above.

I have tested this and successfully sent and recieved iMessages as well as digital touch taps and drawings.

Because the Apple Watch is an independant device for iMessage, it does not mirror the iPhone or have any need to. As such, it is treated like any other Apple device for iMessage, where they are not kept in sync.

The security behind this, is that Apple does not have your data on file. No running log of personal conversations with everyone you have.

(Same reason Apple encrypts all iMessages, but does not store the encryption keys on their servers).

And I REITERATE.....It cannot. I've tested it under the exact conditions you describe, and it will not send an iMessage until my iPhone is turned back on.

Again, your security argument is weak. The Apple Watch is paired to the iPhone through Bluetooth. It should be able to periodically check the structure of your messages to keep them in sync.

I believe you may not have the necessary wifi conditions, or an active wifi connection to your Watch then; there are plenty of articles on the web stating that Messaging and some Siri queries are available when connected to wifi but iPhone is dead. Some of these pre-date the Apple Watch release and were published by tech websites with review units.

Simply put, the Apple Watch does not use iPhone in any way shape or form for messaging OTHER THAN using it as a hotspot, falling back to its own wifi connection when iPhone is not available.

Yes, I have necessary wi-fi connections. My Watch can send iMessages when out of Bluetooth range of my phone, but on the same network.

Note the disconnected iPhone icon:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ohj0895x80o5bc/applewatchmessage.mp4?dl=0

Jamie.Shaw "An iPhone can RECEIVE iMessages without the iPhone on/available"

Napabar "The Watch cannot SEND iMessages without the iPhone on/available"

Instead of arguing, why don't you read each others posts and realize that you are not discussing the same situation - one is referring to RECEIVING and one is referring to SENDING.

PS - While I do wish that deleting Messages from my iPhone would delete them from my Watch (just because is is much more annoying to delete them at this time from the Watch), I agree that like all other Apple products (I have an iMac, iPad Mini, iPhone and Watch), the system just does not work that way.

If it can't send and receive iMessages by itself, then it is not a truly separate device.

swandy wrote:

Jamie.Shaw "An iPhone can RECEIVE iMessages without the iPhone on/available"

Napabar "The Watch cannot SEND iMessages without the iPhone on/available"

Instead of arguing, why don't you read each others posts and realize that you are not discussing the same situation - one is referring to RECEIVING and one is referring to SENDING.

PS - While I do wish that deleting Messages from my iPhone would delete them from my Watch (just because is is much more annoying to delete them at this time from the Watch), I agree that like all other Apple products (I have an iMac, iPad Mini, iPhone and Watch), the system just does not work that way.

I'm just a stubborn debater. 😁

My argument is that the Apple Watch can both SEND and RECEIVE independent on the iPhone (with the right conditions).

And I do agree that it should keep in sync as described. As already mentioned, if I delete a message on one, I have to delete it on my other four devices, which is a real pain.

I'm just trying to build a base explaining that, because Messages on Apple Watch is independent of the iPhone; it is treated as a separate device. 🙂

Rick325456 wrote:

Guys, I could care less about the ins and outs of sending and receiving iMessages independently. Let's stick with my original post:

My Apple Watch doesn't seem to be syncing Messages properly.

When I receive a Message on my iPhone, it appears on my Watch.

If I delete a message on my iPhone it does NOT delete on my Watch.

I can delete the Message separately on the Watch, but I take it that the Watch is supposed to be in-sync with the iPhone.

The Watch DOES stay in Sync and Mirror the iPhone for Messages (read/unread status, messages sent/received on iPhone/Watch do stay in sync) EXCEPT that when you delete on one it doesn't delete on the other.

To re-iterate, it only seems to be the deleting of Messages that doesn't go across the devices.

Apologies; I was just trying to explain why this is normal and expected behaviour across Apple devices, the Watch included, simply because of it's independence of the iPhone when sending messages.

I am unsure whether you own any other Apple devices outside an iPhone and an Apple Watch, but I can tell you that this syncing issue is a frustration outside these two also. It would be fantastic if I could delete a Message from my iPad and it be deleted across them all, but at present, it just isn't so.

I can assure you that whilst annoying, this is not a bug. All Apple Watches will be reproducing this behaviour (mine does exactly as you describe), and I find it very unlikely that Apple will introduce keeping messages in sync solely across iPhone and Apple Watch. It fact, with last night's announcement of watchOS 2.0, you may find that other apps will slowly become out of sync at times as they will have their own storage and databases, opposed to 'streaming' from iPhone.

My point of explaining about the ability of Apple Watch being able to send iMessages independently from the iPhone is the reason that these two are not in sync, and this has been the case since iMessage was introduced in iOS 5. The fact that, if the message is read on the Watch, notification is dismissed on the iPhone or vice versa is due to iOS 7's "Notification Sync" API. This extends past these two devices across all iMessage devices. If I read an iMessage on my Watch, it is also then dismissed on my MacBook, iMac and iPad (the status is synced via iCloud, not the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connection between iPhone and Watch).

In short; this is normal and expected behaviour. It is annoying, and to some, I can understand why it looks like a bug. Apple has never synced deletions across iMessage devices, and simply because the Apple Watch can independently send and receive them, Apple hasn't changed it's behaviour here. I would be extremely surprised also if Apple did change it in the near future.

The Apple Watch is still a accesory to the iPhone. watchOS 2.0 does nothing to change this, neither will 3.0, 4.0.

So, Apple SHOULD program the Messages app on both the Apple Watch and the iPhone to keep in sync between themselves, through their Bluetooth connection.