Apple Releases watchOS 7.6, tvOS 14.7, and HomePod 14.7 Software

By AppleVis, 19 July, 2021

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Apple has today released watchOS 7.6 and tvOS 14.7. These appear to be relatively minor updates for single dot releases, focusing primarily on security fixes and under-the-hood performance improvements.

At the time of posting, we are unaware of any fixes, enhancements or regressions for blind and low vision users in these releases.

As we always stress, we can make no claims on the completeness or accuracy of our testing. We are only a small team, and it is simply impossible for us to test all devices, configurations, applications, and use cases. Accordingly, to help us ensure that the information on this page is as complete and accurate as possible, please let us know in the comments of any fixes; enhancements; or regressions that you find in your own use of these releases.

According to Apple's release notes for the update, watchOS 7.6 adds support for the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications in 30 additional regions.

Apple does not typically make available release notes for tvOS.

Apple today also released a new 14.7 software update for the HomePod and the HomePod mini. According to Apple's release notes via MacRumors, this update allows users to manage timers directly from the Home app on the iPhone and the iPad. Apple says the update also includes general performance and stability improvements.

How to Update

watchOS 7.6 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General> Software Update. To install the update, your Watch must be connected to its charger and have at least 50% battery power.

More information on how to update the software on your Apple Watch is available on this Apple Support page.

To install tvOS 14.7 on Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to the Settings channel, then look for the System section near the bottom. From here, look for Software Updates under Maintenance, then select Update Software and Download and Install.

More information on how to update the software on your Apple TV is available on this Apple Support page.

If you discover any additional fixes, regressions or changes of note during your own use of these releases, please let us know by posting a comment below.

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Comments

By Eric Davis on Saturday, July 24, 2021 - 16:17

The subject says it all, when I updated my watch: the speech rate then seem to be stuck at 50%. It did not matter which speech engine I chose, the speech rate was stuck. I am about ready to call Apple to report this issue. Hopefully, this will be solved in the next update

By Holger Fiallo on Saturday, July 24, 2021 - 16:17

No issues with it. Using Series 5, 12 pro.

By Eric Davis on Saturday, July 24, 2021 - 16:17

In reply to by Holger Fiallo

I have now completely set up my watch again. That is part of the repairing process. Everything is working properly except for unlocking the watch with my phone. That is a known bug which was reported for the people who do not use VoiceOver so I'm not too concerned about that.