14 DAY TRIAL // The new-generation Apple Watch models are now up for grabs (well, sort of, as getting an Ultra is still impossible in most of the markets out there), and new things that require an urgent fix are discovered as more people receive their devices.
One of the most widespread problems affects the microphone, as Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra customers have discovered that they are no longer able to interact with Siri or make phone calls because of mic problems.
Furthermore, the Noise app, which measures the noise level around the watch, fails to work as well because of a microphone error.
According to MacRumors, the company has internally started an investigation, though for the time being, there’s no ETA as to when a full fix could be released.
However, the company reportedly recommends a reboot of the device in order to temporarily fix the glitch, and as per the cited source, this is an indication the bug isn’t caused by a hardware problem.
The Noise app on the Apple Watch
The Noise app that’s part of watchOS 9 also uses the microphone to measure the sound levels in the room and display the reading, along with more detailed information, on the screen.
“The Noise app measures the ambient sound levels in your environment using the microphone and duration of exposure. When Apple Watch detects that the decibel level has risen to a point where hearing could be affected, it can notify you with a tap on the wrist. The Noise app uses the microphone to sample and measure the sound levels in your environment. Your Apple Watch doesn’t record or save any sounds to measure these levels,” Apple explains.
Given the fix doesn’t have an ETA just yet, your best option if you’re hitting the bug is to restart the device.