Latest iOS 15 and watchOS 8 Beta Lets Users Install Software Updates with Less Available Storage

Apple yesterday released the third betas of iOS 15 and watchOS 8, and while there are plenty of front-end changes, one notable behind-the-scenes issue that was resolved is that users will now be able to install software updates when their device is low on storage.

iPhone Free Up Storage Feature
In the release notes for the updated iOS 15 and watchOS 8 betas, Apple says that software updates can now be downloaded and installed on devices even if they have as little as 500MB of storage left.

You can now update your device using Software Update if less than 500 MB of storage is available

Apple doesn't provide any context to the new change; however, it is likely targeted at users of the older Apple Watch Series 3. Owners of the older Apple Watch currently have to face an unpleasant experience when updating their device to newer versions of watchOS, including resetting and repairing their watch to their iPhone due to little available storage. Apple is aiming to address these and other concerns with iOS 15 and watchOS 8 this fall.

The third beta of iOS 15 also includes plenty of other changes, including refinements to the controversial Safari design, with a relocated address field. Check out our roundup to see everything that's new in the latest beta.

(Via 9to5mac)

Related Roundups: watchOS 11, watchOS 26
Related Forums: iOS 15, Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

tevion5 Avatar
52 months ago
About time! No idea why it took this long for them to allow my Watch Series 3 to automatically delete apps/music, update and redownload content overnight.

At first I thought I was the odd one out needing to reset my device every update but seeing instructions to do exactly that directly from Apple was something else.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
6787872 Avatar
52 months ago
the cost of offering paltry storage coming to bite Apple.

meanwhile, their base icloud plan still offers 5gb like it's 2005.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ian87w Avatar
52 months ago
Time to make 128GB as base storage for all iPhones then? :D
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iAFC Avatar
52 months ago
Glad to hear they are still improving the experience for Series 3 owners.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yellow8 Avatar
52 months ago
Yeah, there is clearly a storage issue on iPhone. There is not enough storage these day.
My iPhone is always full, and was never before.
Yes I could micro-manage to improve this, but I don't want to, that's the reason I have an iPhone.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MandiMac Avatar
52 months ago

Great, this paves the way for non-storage iPhone devices with no ram and everything is stored on iCloud.
That ... doesn't even make sense?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)