watchOS 5.1 is now available to Apple Watch owners

After many weeks of testing, Apple has just released the watchOS 5.1 (build 16R591) for Apple Watch owners starting with the Series 1 generation.

This is the first significant update of watchOS 5, released in mid-September. With it, there are more than 70 new emoji, group FaceTime support (via audio only, of course) and miscellaneous improvements / fixes.

We also have in watchOS 5.1 a new dial called Color (Color). Here, users can choose from various shades of color that basically occupy the entire screen of the device in the Apple Watch Series 4; In previous models, the dial occupies only the central circle for the analog clock itself.

New watchOS 5.1 display

Here are the official release notes:

This update includes enhancements and bug fixes:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 contacts emergency services automatically if you do not move for about a minute after detecting a fall. It also plays a message informing the attendant that Apple Watch has detected a drop and shares the coordinates of your location when possible.
  • Fixes an issue that could cause an incomplete installation of the Walkie Talkie app for some users.
  • Addresses an issue that prevented some users from sending or receiving invitations on Walkie Talkie.
  • Addresses an issue where some previously earned Activity awards were not displayed on the Activity app Awards tab for some users.

The update is immediately available on the iPhone Watch app on the My Watch tab. General Software Update and follow the instructions provided by Apple.