The new Apple Watch system software, WatchOS 8, is breaking perhaps the most important aspect of any timepiece — being able to tell the time. Many users with Always On displays (Apple Watch Series 5 and newer) are finding that their watch face no longer syncs the time automatically. Fortunately, there’s a quick and easy Apple Watch face not updating time fix to keep people punctual.
WatchOS 8: How to fix Apple Watch face not updating time automatically
Here’s how to solve the Apple Watch not updating time on WatchOS 8 bug:
- Change the Watch Face:
- Press and hold the current Watch Face.
- Swipe to scroll between different Watch Face options.
- Don’t choose the “California” Watch Face, as this is a common cause of the glitch.
- Disable the Always On display feature:
- Tap the Apple Watch Digital Crown.
- Enter the “Settings” menu.
- Select the “Display & Brightness” option.
- Disable the “Always On” feature.
After selecting and implementing one of the above fixes, Apple Watches running WatchOS 8 will now correctly display the time. Presumably, Apple is already aware of this software issue and working to implement a fix in the next update. At that point in time, users will be able to go back to using the California Watch Face with Always On Apple Watches running WatchOS 8.
Understandably, many Apple Watch users have been experiencing frustration at the hands of this issue. Having an Apple Watch display the wrong time can cause adverse effects, potentially causing issues in users’ work and/or home lives. With this in mind, hopefully, the Apple WatchOS 8.1 patch arrives sooner than later.
Apple Watches aren’t the only Apple device frustrating users right now, though. Some iPhone 13 early adopters are having trouble with both the display and camera. On the software front, iOS 15 also lack key features like SharePlay and ProRes in the initial public launch.