watchOS 9.5.1 drops with unknown security fixes

Apple’s release notes for watchOS 9.5.1 mention that the update includes unspecified security fixes and improvements for Apple Watch users.

Apple Watch Series 8 Hermes on a businessman's wrist
It’s time to update your Apple Watch | Image: Boris Bučko/Unsplash
  • On May 30, 2023, Apple released watchOS 9.5.1, a minor bug-fix update.
  • The watchOS 9.5.1 release notes state that the update includes unspecified improvements and security fixes. Apple should provide more details soon.

What’s new in watchOS 9.5.1?

Apple notes that watchOS 9.5.1 “includes improvements and bug fixes for your Apple Watch.” Whenever Apple releases a software update with such a vague description, that usually means that it includes patches for zero-day exploits.

We’ll update this article when the full watchOS 9.5.1 release notes are published. In the meantime, keep an eye on these support documents:

The update weighs about one hundred megabytes.

watchOS 9.5.1 dropped two weeks following the watchOS 9.5 update that included a new Pride-themed watch face and a new way to install watchOS betas.

How to download and install watchOS 9.5.1

watchOS 9.5.1 can be installed directly on the watch by going to Settings > General > Software Update. You can also install it via the companion Watch app on your paired iPhone in My Watch > General > Software Update. If a message says an over-the-air software update is available, hit Download and Install.

If asked for your iPhone or Apple Watch passcode, enter it.

It’s best to leave the watch and the phone charging so the update can finish. Also, both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on in the Settings app. Don’t quit the watch app or restart the devices until the update is complete.

watchOS 9.5.1 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 4 and later, the first-generation Apple Watch SE and later and Apple Watch Ultra.