Apple has been left red-faced after the latest Apple Watch update bricked some series two devices. The company has since pulled watchOS 3.1.1 to prevent the same thing happening to any more of its latest wearables.
Apple Watch owners who had not already downloaded and installed 3.1.1 will find that WatchOS 3.1 is now listed as the most recent update on the iPhone's Watch app. The Cupertino company's decision to temporarily disable the update wasn't too surprising, considering what it was doing to some Series 2 units.
Those with bricked devices report that a recovery screen showing a red exclamation mark appeared on their displays after installing the update. It includes a URL to Apple's support page, which, while not addressing the issue directly, explains what to do if the device is frozen.
The site suggests that users force restart their watch by pressing and holding both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears. If that doesn't solve the problem, it will need to be taken in for service.
According to AppleInsider, restarting the watches hasn't worked for those affected by the issue. Apple stores are reportedly collecting these bricked units and sending them out for service, as retail locations can't access the devices' diagnostic port.
At the time of writing, Apple hasn't revealed exactly why the updated caused the watches to become unusable. There's no word yet on when a patched version will be released, but expect it to arrive soon.