If you’re using a beta version of Apple Watch apps this summer, you might have noticed that several existing apps fail to launch on watchOS 27. Apple has identified the problem and is automatically updating these applications on behalf of their developers to ensure compatibility with the new system.
These updates are being distributed via the App Store with a “What’s New” message that states: ‘This app has been updated by Apple to prepare for watchOS 27 compatibility. No new features are included.’
Apple informed developers this week that the update process will be finalized by August 31.
watchOS 27 (alongside iOS 27 and other new operating systems) is expected to be released to the general public around mid-September, so these essential updates are being rolled out well ahead of the official launch.
Apple explained that the issue stems from a problem with the arm64 slice of certain watchOS apps. It appears they are automatically reprocessing and repackaging applications to resolve the binary incompatibility, allowing existing apps to function without requiring any action from developers.