Since Apple announced the availability of watchOS 2 I have tried several times to install the file . Every time it progresses to the “verifying” notice and then bombs out. Two friends owning the Apple Watch managed to upgrade without problems yesterday so I was a bit miffed—it has spoiled my long record of trouble-free updates.
While I was aware that the latest upgrade to iOS 9 was also available, I had decided to leave it until after updating the Watch. However, after several unsuccessful attempts to install watchOS2 I went through the iOS 9.1 upgrade and tried again. Still watchO2 wouldn’t install so I rebooted the phone (pressing the home and right-hand side buttons simultaneously and holding until the screen goes blank). Again, though, we got to the “verifying” screen and nothing more happened.
A quick check on Google and it seems that this problem is quite common. In some cases the verifying screen can hang for hours before completion is signalled. But the most useful tip was to reboot the Watch (by holding down both the Digital Crown and side button for ten seconds). It solved the problem, but only after two further attempts. On the last occasion I just went off and forgot about it and was happy to find that watchOS 2 was installed when I returned.
I have been upgrading Apple’s mobile devices for over seven years and have never experienced such difficulties as today.
