Tech

The new Apple Watch has problems connecting to networks but Apple says a fix is coming

Key Points
  • The Apple Watch Series 3 has an issue that might prevent it from placing and receiving phone calls and texts
  • A fix is incoming, Apple told The Verge
  • The issue was spotted during an initial review of the Apple Watch
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In a review of the new Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS and cellular connectivity, The Verge noticed that the watch often didn't connect to networks properly.

This resulted in an occasional inability to place or receive phone calls and text messages, or access Siri. Since that's a primary selling point of the cellular-connected Apple Watch Series 3, it's a pretty big deal.

Apple told The Verge that a fix is coming.

"We have discovered that when Apple Watch Series 3 joins unauthenticated Wi-Fi networks without connectivity, it may at times prevent the watch from using cellular," Apple explained to The Verge. "We are investigating a fix for a future software release."

The issue comes when a user's Apple Watch Series 3 tries to automatically connect to a network saved by a Mac or iPhone, such as one inside a coffee shop or hotel that requires a web-based login, a source familiar with the matter explained to CNBC. A user can delete that Wi-Fi network from a list of saved networks to alleviate the problem.

It's possible Apple fixes this before the Apple Watch Series 3 begins shipping to customers on Friday. Also, keep in mind this doesn't affect the GPS-only model.

Read the full story at The Verge.

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