watchOS 8.5 doesn’t contain any big visible new features, but there is at least one that should make life a lot easier for Apple Watch users. And especially those who fear falling on the red exclamation mark of death! When the watch encounters a major problem, you can attempt a restart by holding the side button and the digital crown for regarding ten seconds. But if the alert persists, then a trip to Apple support is required.
Only they are able to restore an Apple Watch in bad shape (the watches must be sent to the depot, which causes the watch to be immobilized for a few days). watchOS 8.5 completely changes the game since it is now possible to restore a watch directly from the iPhone!
In the event of a problem, the Apple Watch will display either the famous exclamation point of death or an animation of iPhone and Apple Watch. In the first case, you must first click twice on the side button, then follow the same instructions as in the second case:
- ensure that the iPhone (running iOS 15.4) is next to the Apple Watch, the smartphone must be unlocked, connected to Wi-Fi (possibly on a 2.4 GHz frequency) and Bluetooth;
- place the Apple Watch on its charger;
- double-click the side button on Apple Watch;
- follow the instructions on the iPhone.
The Apple support sheet has not yet been translated into French.