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Apple WatchOS 4.1 adds Wi-Fi control for LTE watches

A new blue button on Control Center toggles Wi-Fi for extra control: 4.1 also expected to address Wi-Fi and cellular handoff issues.

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Scott_Stein.jpg
Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials
  • Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
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Scott Stein
applewatchwifi4-1

A new Wi-Fi button comes to Apple Watch in WatchOS 4.1 to address connectivity.

 Scott Stein/CNET

Apple is planning to release WatchOS 4.1 at the end of the month. The update will be big: not only will it add music streaming over cellular and Wi-Fi via Apple Music and iCloud Music libraries and a new streaming Radio app, but it adds some fixes to address Wi-Fi and cellular issues acknowledged by Apple.

I've been using a preview of WatchOS 4.1, and I noticed the new blue Wi-Fi toggle button on my Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular. The toggle button is for added control, for when you might want to use cellular while a recognized Wi-Fi network is still in range.

The Wi-Fi control button was absent in previous versions of WatchOS, but only cellular models of Apple Watch Series 3 will have the feature. The watch still can't select specific Wi-Fi networks: the toggle just deactivates Wi-Fi altogether -- for the time being. If the watch comes back into contact with another recognized Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi will automatically toggle on again, as it does in iOS 11, unless you forget the Wi-Fi network on your iPhone.

We'll test connectivity more when the final version of WatchOS 4.1 arrives this month.

Apple Watch gets streaming music and radio: Hands-on with the new software in WatchOS 4.1.

Apple Watch Series 3 review: Full impressions and experiences with Apple's newest watch.