Less storage required for watchOS 8 and iOS 15
The problem mainly affects people with an Apple Watch Series 3. They have had a lot of problems updating in the past year and a half, because there are too many little storage space is available on this model. But even with an iPhone with 32GB or less, installing updates can cause problems if you're running out of space. watchOS 8 and iOS 15 will offer the solution, according to the third beta that appeared on Wednesday evening. These updates require much less space to install.
Lack of space can cause problems on both the iPhone and the Apple Watch. For example, iOS 15 can be installed on an iPhone 6s and the original iPhone SE, but these models were once sold as entry-level models with only 16GB of storage. If you have some music and apps on your device, you will soon run into problems.
Do you have less than 500 MB of free space available? Then you can still update to iOS 15.x and watchOS 8.x and beyond, without the limited storage space getting in the way. Apple writes:
Resolved in watchOS 8/iOS 15 beta 3: You can now update your device using Software Update if less than 500 MB of storage is available.
When updating watchOS 7 to watchOS 8, those functions are not yet included, so that will be a difficult process. But after that it should get easier, if you go from watchOS 8.0 to watchOS 8.1, for example.
How this works is not explained further. Software updates often involve very large files, but less than 500 MB is enough. Some of your files may be temporarily moved to iCloud. One of the improvements in iCloud in iOS 15 is that you temporarily get extra online storage space when you switch to a new iPhone. But this is further apart from the problem we describe here.
Especially a godsend for Apple Watch Series 3
Especially for people with an Apple Watch Series 3, it's a relief that Apple is doing something about limited storage space. For a year and a half, users have been complaining that it is virtually impossible to install watchOS updates. You often spend an entire evening disconnecting and erasing the Apple Watch, installing the update and restoring your backup. This is because the aluminum model only has 8GB of internal storage. We have therefore advised against purchasing an Apple Watch Series 3 for some time now, because the updating process is too laborious.
With the arrival of watchOS 8 and iOS 15, this will improve. These updates will appear in the fall for everyone with a suitable device. If you already want to switch, you can install the (public) beta, but be careful: once you have installed watchOS 8, you can't go back. If you prefer to stay on watchOS 7.x for a while, you will find the solution below to still be able to install updates. You'll also need this tip if you update to watchOS 8 later this year. After that, everything should be a lot easier.
Read more:
- How to install the public beta of macOS Monterey, iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
- How to install watchOS 8 public beta