Apple earlier this week released iOS 14.7, a somewhat minor update that includes support for Apple’s brand new MagSafe Battery Pack. The update also includes tweaks to the Podcasts app, support for Apple Card Family, and more. And while updates this late into an iOS release cycle typically address bugs, the iOS 14.7 update has apparently introduced an Apple Watch Touch ID bug that is annoying some iPhone users.
Specifically, users with a Touch ID enabled device — like the new iPhone SE, for example — are finding that they can no longer unlock their Apple Watch via Touch ID.
How Touch ID works with the Apple Watch
While unlocking an Apple Watch can easily be done by entering in a passcode, you can also toggle on an “Unlock with iPhone” option. With this setting enabled, users can unlock their Apple Watch automatically whenever they unlock their iPhone.
This option can be turned on by going to the Settings app and selecting the Passcode option. It’s a clever implementation, but as referenced above, the latest iOS 14.7 update has mysteriously thwarted this functionality. Naturally, many iPhone users are frustrated with the update.
What to do if you’re impacted by the Touch ID Apple Watch bug
Apple is thankfully aware of the issue. This is encouraging because sometimes usability issues arise and it takes Apple quite a while to even acknowledge that a bug exists. To this end, Apple has already issued a support document on the problem.
As it stands now, Apple advises that users can unlock their Apple Watch by entering in their passcode. “This is required only one time, as long as you keep your Apple Watch on your wrist,” Apple writes. Incidentally, an Apple Watch reset is needed if you happened to forget your passcode.
The good news is that Apple will fix the issue with a forthcoming software update. Unfortunately, the company didn’t provide a timeline for when it might fix this pesky Apple Watch bug.
The solution for enterprise users
Apple writes:
If your Apple Watch is paired to an iPhone with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile that requires an alphanumeric passcode, you won’t be able to type a passcode directly on your watch.
Instead, Apple lists the following steps for users looking to unlock their Apple Watch:
- Ask your MDM administrator to remove the alphanumeric passcode requirement from your iPhone.
- Unpair and erase your Apple Watch.
- Set up your Apple Watch again.
Apple Watch Series 7 is on the way
Apple Watch bugs aside, some new Apple Watch hardware is on the way. If history is any indication, we’ll see Apple unveil a new Apple Watch model this coming September. While details remain scarce, some rumors have said the Apple Watch Series 7 will boast a more compact form factor. There are also rumblings that the device might feature a new form factor entirely.
Other Apple Watch Series 7 rumors include new color options and a slightly larger display thanks to thinner bezels. There is also a report that Apple is working on a “rugged” Apple Watch model for serious athletes and hikers.
