When watchOS 4.3.1 was released earlier this year, Apple notified users and developers alike that older apps built with the original watchOS 1 SDK will no longer run on watchOS 5 and beyond. Now, users are able to identify and remove outdated Apple Watch apps that are installed on the Watch but cannot be run anymore. Users are urged to contact the developers of the app to see if they plan on updating the apps in the future.
Although, if an Apple Watch app is still based on watchOS 1, four revisions later, that’s highly doubtful.
Follow along to learn how to identify and uninstall outdated Apple Watch apps….
How to identify and remove outdated Apple Watch apps
- Fire up the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom. If you have outdated apps, an Unavailable Apps option will appear (if not, you’re all set and your apps are using newer SDKs!). Tap on it.
- Now, you’ll see a list of incompatible apps. Tap on the incompatible app.
- Tap Delete App and Associated Data.
- Rinse and repeat until you remove all outdated apps.
While it’s not documented, deleting outdated apps will likely improve performance and also free up some storage space on Apple Watch. Unfortunately, Apple Watch apps still running on the watchOS 1 SDK will likely never get updated and will eventually get removed from their main apps.
For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how to guide as well as the following articles:
- How to add custom email signatures on iPhone and iPad
- How to disable iCloud Music Library on iPhone & iPad
- How to use Apple Watch and iPhone World Clock to keep time zones straight
- How to set a volume limit on iOS for Apple Music
- How to delete iPhone contacts
- How to disable 3D Touch on iPhone
- How to find out which iPhone model you have
- Apple Watch: How to add third-party apps to Siri Watch face
- How to find out which Mac model you have
- How to delete Apple Watch apps
