Apple Watch Series 2 running slower on OS 4.0

Has anyone else noticed how slowly Apple Watch Series 2 running slower on OS 4.0 now runs Siri for calling or starting an exercise app. It's so slow now I might as well go back to Fitbit! Only had my Apple Watch 2 for 3 months so a little ****** off to say the least. It seems like they do this every time when they do an update with new equipment coming out they make the old version slower intentionally. There little point in using the Siri call function now as it's quicker to get your phone out of your pocket unlock it, select the phone app and call your self. Barking mad!!! Apple Pay now never works the first time and ask me to try again later, press it again and it works!

Apple Watch Series 2, watchOS 4

Posted on Oct 11, 2017 4:50 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 16, 2018 8:03 PM

I know I’m a bit late to this thread but I found a solution that has worked for me. My watch has been horribly slow since watchOS4, especially when using the Workout App. I was playing with the settings today and stumbled across ”Detect Gym Equipment“ being on. I never venture into a gym so turned it off and what do you know, the watch is responsive again!


From the watch... Settings > General > Workout > Detect Gym Equipment > turn off


Hope it helps.

88 replies

Jan 3, 2018 1:56 PM in response to Charger RT

I have been an apple consumer for the past 18 years, imac, macbook pro, ipad, apple watch, tv... years ago you feel the quality of their products and how the company take care proudly of the reability of what they build. Unfortunatelly about a couple of years ago they have changed their policy for a new greedy policy focused in just the profit and earnings.

I did not mind to pay more for their products because the design, presentation, software and hardare really made the difference but they have gone too far With their update policy making the devices practically unuseable.

I loved my iphone 6, but after to download the ios 11 took about three or four minutes to boot up, it turned off with a 25% of remaining load of the battery and was terrible slow.

My ipad air 2 happened the same thing and my watch 2 after to download the ios 4 is so slow to hate using it. At this point I decided to stop buying apple products ans strating changing my whole tech enviroment with another brand.

I feel scammed by apple and absolutelly dissapointed. Apple is not anymore what they used to be and they deserve to be treated as they treat to us, loyal clients for years, slowing down on purpose our well paid devices in secret. Shame on you apple!!!!!!!

Jan 6, 2018 11:57 PM in response to nnp_uk

I am having the same exact issue with my Apple Watch Series 2. I've reset my watch and phone, and my watch still is running like molasses. It is not responsive anymore -- I go for a run, and it takes me 3 minutes to get the running app started. Apps freeze constantly. Loading up and selecting music is a nightmare.


I can't believe my new watch is already obsolete. I'm real upset.

Jan 12, 2018 6:03 PM in response to joegrass

This is great! We all have been complaining bitterly about this and finally here is a constructive solution. I changed this setting and noticed an immediate, significant improvement. Even Siri is somewhat responsive again! Thanks for this tip.


Even better, the nature of this fix indicates that Apple still has some optimization to do in WatchOS 4 (or even just plain old bug fixes) and it's not just a limitation of our hardware that we have to live with.

Jan 12, 2018 11:00 PM in response to Dennis Burges

I just changed the setting. I'll try it on my watch tomorrow. Doing a run and listening to music with a Series 2 Watch has been completely impossible since Watch OS4, I hope this makes a difference. Currently the run app lags so bad I have just been using my phone, which basically makes the watch useless as it doesn't even display a run started on the phone (sad, even my Pebl did that four years ago). I still think it is ridiculous to have a 400 dollar product that is one year old that barely functions. This is atrocious. I'll post an update after my run tomorrow.

Jan 13, 2018 5:19 PM in response to nnp_uk

It’s so disappointing that a one year old device can work so poorly. Literally, things like swiping up to see the controls takes 5 seconds. Then pressing theater mode takes another 5 seconds. And the worst part is that since the watch OS upgrade is just after the one year manufacturer warranty, we can’t even return this garbage. Apple you should be ashamed of yourselves.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Apple Watch Series 2 running slower on OS 4.0

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.