Some Apple users are reporting issues syncing their Apple Music library between their iPhone and Mac.

Affected users receive the following error message in the Music app on the Mac:

Genius results can’t be updated right now. An unknown error occurred (18004).

Users are complaining about the issue on the Apple Support Community, MacRumors Forums, Reddit, and elsewhere.

Reddit user re-claimed said:

For the past few weeks, I and a lot of other people have been unable to sync their iCloud Music Library to any of their devices. On the Mac, the library doesn’t sync at all and gives an error 18004. On iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and watchOS, the Apple Music app only shows purchased music from the iTunes Store but nothing from Apple Music.

The library can still be accessed on music.apple.com so it’s not completely lost. However, if you still have your library syncing on one device and you disable and enable the library again, you’ll probably lose access to it.

The underlying cause of the issue is currently unknown, and it’s not entirely clear if a software update will fix the issue, or if Apple can implement a server-side fix. Apple has yet to comment on the issue, and we’ll update this space if we learn more about the issue.

Apple Watch 9 users have run into an assortment of problems in the months since its release. If you own an Apple Watch 9, or if you’re thinking about buying one, here’s what you need to know.

We haven’t heard about any widespread problems though we have seen complaints about various bugs and performance issues. Some of these issues are minor while others are far more problematic.

With that in mind, we want to run down everything you need to know about Apple Watch 9 problems.

Our guide outlines the most common Apple Watch 9 problems, provides potential fixes for issues, highlight places to find feedback about the Apple Watch 9’s performance, and offers a look at what’s next in the watchOS 10 pipeline for the device.

Apple Watch 9 Problems

The list of Apple Watch 9 problems has grown since launch. Apple’s fixed some of the initial problems, but we’ll continue to see issues emerge as more people buy the device and as owners put more mileage on the watch.

Thus far, we’ve heard about problems that plague every single version of the Apple Watch. The current list of Apple Watch 9 problems includes the following:

• Abnormal battery drain
• Issues with cellular service
• Pairing problems
• Charging issues
• Bluetooth issues
• Problems with first and third-party applications
• UI lag
• Software installation issues

We’ll continue to update this list as we push away from Apple’s latest watchOS software release.

Apple Watch 9 Performance

If you’re thinking about buying an Apple Watch 9, or if you already bought one, it’s important to keep tabs on feedback about the device’s performance. This feedback will alert you to potential problems with the device’s hardware and software.

Fortunately, there are plenty of places to find feedback about the Apple Watch 9’s current performance.

We recommend keeping an eye on YouTube, Apple’s discussion forums, social media sites, and the MacRumors forums for the latest information.

We’ve published a quick watchOS 10.2 review that covers the software’s performance and we plan to release guides covering future watchOS 10 updates as well.

How to Fix Apple Watch 9 Problems

If you run into an issue on your Apple Watch 9, your first instinct might be to contact Apple for help. However, you may be able to fix the problem(s) on your own in a matter of minutes.

In many cases, restarting your Apple Watch and/or your iPhone will fix an issue. You might also want to try performing a hard reset as this can alleviate performance issues.

If you’re having issues charging your Apple Watch 9, make sure the device is situated properly on the charger. You may also want to try a different cord and/or outlet to see if that helps.

For more potential fixes, you should head on over to Apple’s discussion forums. If the users there can’t help you, you might want to get in contact with Apple via its website.

If you still can’t fix your issue(s), schedule an appointment to see a Genius at your local Apple Store. They should be able to diagnose your issue(s) relatively quickly.

watchOS Downgrade

This is a PSA for new Apple Watch users: You can move back to older software on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but downgrading isn’t an option for the Apple Watch.

In other words, once you install a new software update on your Apple Watch 9, you can’t move your device off that software until Apple releases new watchOS 10 firmware.

You can go to an Apple Store if your watch is completely broken, but they will replace it if the device is under warranty. They won’t help you downgrade to older watchOS software.

What’s Next

If your Apple Watch 9 is struggling, help from Apple is on the way.

The company’s working on a new watchOS 10.3 update and it’s currently in beta testing. We expect the firmware to arrive alongside iOS 17.3 for iPhone in late January or February.

If you can’t wait that long, you can get a pre-release version of the software onto your Apple Watch right now via the company’s beta program.

6 Reasons to Wait for Apple Watch 10 & 4 Reasons Not To

Wait for a Brand New Design

One of the biggest changes from Gurman's report about the Apple Watch 10 is a new design.  Since its inception, the Apple Watch design has remained largely the same, save for incremental improvements the company's made over the years.  According to Gurman, Apple's designers are working on a thinner watch case. He hasn't elaborated on the exact dimensions. Obviously this would be a huge change as it would cut down on the device's bulk and probably help the device feel lighter on the wrist.  The report also notes that we could also see Apple change the way bands are attached to the Watch.  As it stands, Apple Watch bands have slid into the sides of the device's chassis and are kept in place with a locking mechanism. Gurman says the company is exploring a new magnetic band attachment system, but it's unclear if the change will be ready in time for the these models.  In a follow-up report about Apple's plans for 2024, Gurman says the company is planning "at least one model with a new look." Leaker Kosutami, who has been accurate in the past, backs this up and says the new design will break compatibility with existing Apple Watch bands. It's still early and Apple's plans could certainly change between now and launch and we'll let you know what we hear in the months ahead.