Apple on Wednesday issued a second release of watchOS 5.3.2, this time for the Apple Watch Series 4. The new version of the update allows owners of older iPhone models that cannot upgrade to iOS 13 or later, allowing them to continue using the Watch with their older iPhone.
The update specifically targets the Apple Watch Series 4, and comes on the heels of a similar update that worked with the Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models, released in late September. The update brings the Series 4 in line with the earlier models.
WatchOS 5.3.2 can be installed via the Apple Watch app on the device’s attached iPhone. Go to “General” -> “Software Update” to install the new software. The Apple Watch should have at least 50% battery life, be connected to a charger, and be in range of the iPhone.
While the most recent version of watchOS is version 6, which also debuted in September, that version requires the use of an iPhone that is capable of running iOS 13 or later to function properly. That left owners of older handsets, like the Phone 5c and iPhone 5 out in the cold, since they are not capable of being upgraded to iOS 13.
In addition to the above fix, today’s update fixes a vulnerability that could allow a remote attacker to be able to cause unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. It addresses an out-of-bounds read with improved input validation. Samuel Groß and Natalie Silvanovich of Google Project Zero are credited with disclosure of the flaw.
