To report a watchOS bug to Apple, follow these detailed steps:
Start with the appropriate app or site:
Apple provides the Feedback Assistant app on iPhone and iPad, and a web-based Apple Bug Reporter for reporting bugs. For watchOS, you can use the Feedback Assistant app on your iPhone paired with your Apple Watch, or use the Apple Bug Reporter website if you have developer credentials. On iPhone or iPad, the Feedback app is available on beta versions or can be enabled by installing a beta profile. On Mac, Feedback Assistant is located in the CoreServices folder and can be accessed via Spotlight search or URL schemes.
Sign in:
Use your Apple ID to sign in to the Feedback Assistant app or the Apple Bug Reporter site. For developer or beta software bug reporting, developer credentials may be required on the Bug Reporter site.
Select the product:
Choose watchOS from the list of products or operating systems. The Feedback Assistant will present categories to pick from; select the relevant watchOS section.
Create a new feedback or bug report:
- Click âNew Feedbackâ in the Feedback Assistant app or start a new bug report on the Bug Reporter web page.
- Title your bug report clearly and concisely. Use a precise headline such as âWorkout app crashes when starting with Bluetooth headphones connected on watchOS 10.5â to help Apple engineers quickly understand the issue's core.
Describe the bug in detail:
- Include a clear and thorough description of the problem.
- Provide step-by-step instructions on how to reproduce the bug. For example:
1. Open the Workout app on the Apple Watch.
2. Connect Bluetooth headphones.
3. Start a workout.
4. Observe the app crash.
- Mention any variations where the bug does not occur if known.
- Include the expected behavior versus the actual observed behavior.
- Note any other potentially relevant context such as your watch model, watchOS version, whether you are signed into iCloud, or accessibility settings in use.
- The more detailed and precise your description, the easier it is for Apple to investigate and replicate the problem.
Attach supplementary information:
- Attach screenshots or screen recordings that demonstrate the issue.
- The Feedback Assistant app automatically includes a sysdiagnose, which is a diagnostic file containing detailed logs and system state information helpful for Apple's engineers.
- You may also attach logs, debug profiles, or compressed files relevant to the bug if you have them.
Submit the report:
- Review all information and attachments for accuracy and completeness.
- Click âSubmitâ in the Feedback Assistant or Bug Reporter to send your bug report directly to Apple.
Follow up after submission:
- Be aware that replies from Apple are not guaranteed, but if you receive requests for more information, respond promptly.
- If you discover additional important information or find the bug is not fixed in a new update, submit a new bug report rather than replying to the old one.
- There is no direct public tracking of bug reports, so regular software updates and beta program participation can provide insight into whether a bug has been addressed.
Additional tips for a successful bug report:
- File one issue per report to avoid confusion and ensure clearer resolution tracking.
- Use precise and informative titles and descriptions.
- Be honest and clear about the severity and frequency of the bug.
- If the bug affects a specific third-party app or development project, providing sample code or a smaller project demonstration can be helpful.
For beta testers:
- When using watchOS beta versions, use the Feedback Assistant app, as it integrates diagnostics collection and is designed for beta feedback.
- If using the Bug Reporter website, sign in with your developer credentials, and follow the steps to file a bug report as described.
In case you do not have developer credentials:
- You can submit feedback using the Feedback Assistant app on your iPhone paired with a watch running watchOS, or by visiting Apple's Feedback webpage dedicated to Apple Watch, though developer-specific bug triage may be limited.
Summary of the key workflow:
1. Open Feedback Assistant app (or Bug Reporter online if developer).
2. Sign in with Apple ID.
3. Select watchOS as the product.
4. Create new feedback/bug report.
5. Provide clear title and detailed reproduction steps.
6. Attach screenshots, logs, or other diagnostic information.
7. Submit the report.
8. Respond to any follow-up requests promptly if Apple replies.
9. Submit new reports for additional findings or ongoing issues.