Apple today released new software for the Apple Watch, upgrading watchOS 2 from version 2.1 to version 2.2. WatchOS 2.2, which has been in testing since January 11, comes more than three months after the release of watchOS 2.1 and brings a couple of important new features alongside bug fixes and performance improvements.

The 2.2 update can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General --> Software Update. To install the update, the Apple Watch must have 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the Apple Watch charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone.

WatchOS 2.2, along with iOS 9.3, introduces support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone. Both updates are required, and each watch paired with an iPhone running iOS 9.3 must have watchOS 2.2 installed.

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There are few other outward-facing changes included in watchOS 2.2, but the update brings improvements and a new look to the built-in Maps app. Maps now supports the Nearby feature first introduced with iOS 9, allowing users to quickly locate local points of interest, and it has new buttons for quickly accessing directions to home and work.

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Along with multi-watch support and a revamped Maps app, watchOS 2.2 also brings under-the-hood performance improvements and bug fixes to address issues that have been discovered since the release of watchOS 2.1.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

frumpy16 Avatar
104 months ago
No amount of updates can fix how slow the Apple Watch is.
Says the guy with the Microsoft-themed avatar located in Redmond. ::eyeroll::
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IJ Reilly Avatar
104 months ago
No amount of updates can fix how slow the Apple Watch is.
Huh. Mine keeps perfect time. Maybe you are holding it wrong.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
btrach144 Avatar
104 months ago
No amount of updates can fix how slow the Apple Watch is.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Macwick Avatar
104 months ago
Says the guy with the Microsoft-themed avatar located in Redmond. ::eyeroll::
His avatar doesn't make the Apple Watch any less slow.

Also, I really hope this update somehow improves the accuracy of distance measurements for indoor runs. Currently my treadmill runs are logged about 25% off the actual distance, even after calibrating the watch with multiple outdoor runs. Would also be nice if they actually backed up the calibration so that you don't have to recalibrate every time you re-pair the watch.</grumble>
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
frumpy16 Avatar
104 months ago
Does solely having an avatar you don't like make his comments, backed up by others, untrue?

I'd hate to be *that* much into a company.
You're going to have to show me where I said I don't like his avatar. When you choose your outward representation on a Mac forum to be a nod to Microsoft and the person purports to live where Microsoft is headquartered, I question whether the feedback is objective. That's the point.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
spiderman0616 Avatar
104 months ago
My Apple Watch feels a lot snappier after updating to 2.2. Not just saying that either. Apps are launching quicker and animations are smoother.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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