As expected, Apple officially announced watchOS 11 at its WWDC 2024 developer conference, along with the new features it will include. Here’s everything you need to know about the operating system that will power the Apple Watch line for the next year or more.
When will watchOS 11 be released?
Apple has a set rhythm when new versions of watchOS debut. It is normally in September, as you can see in the schedule below:
- watchOS 10: September 18, 2023
- watchOS 9: September 12, 2022
- watchOS 8: September 20, 2021
- watchOS 7: September 16, 2020
- watchOS 6: September 19, 2019
- watchOS 5: September 17, 2018
It’s a safe bet that watchOS 11 will arrive in the second or third week of September 2024, at the same time as the Apple Watch 10 and iPhone 16 range.
At WWDC, Apple simply said it would be “available this fall as a free software update,” so we’ll have to wait for a more specific date.
Which Apple Watch models will be compatible with watchOS 11?
Apple has confirmed which models will run watchOS 11 and you can see the list below. There are two surprising omissions in the Series 5 and Watch SE (1st generation).
- Apple Watch Ultra2
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Series 10 (supposed)
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
What new features will there be in watchOS 11?
Now that the WWDC keynote is over, we have the details of the new features coming when watchOS 11 arrives. A somewhat shocking realization from the conference is that Apple’s expected AI software, named Apple Intelligence, will not be available on the Apple Watch.
At least that seems to be the case since Apple made no mention of it in the Apple Intelligence section, stating that it would only affect Macs, iPhones and iPads.
Nonetheless, here are the main new features coming later this year in watchOS 11.
Customizable activity rings
A mainstay of the Apple Watch, you will now be able to take more control over wearOS 11’s iconic activity rings. You can pause them for a day, a week, a month or more if you want to take a break for a while. any reason. (without affecting the reward streaks).
You can also set different goals for different days of the week so you don’t feel like you’re necessarily getting the same done during the week or on the weekend.
Live Activities
As part of the smarter Smart Stack, live activities automatically appear to provide you with useful information when you need it so you don’t even have to go looking for it.
This can include all kinds of things like the gate number of a flight or when a food order is ready.
Training load
wearOS 11 adds the ability to measure workout intensity. “Training Load helps users understand the strain put on their body by workouts over the past seven days compared to the past 28 days,” Apple explains.
This will allow you to make more informed decisions such as recovery times and training progression.
Vital app
The new Vitals app tracks key metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, and blood oxygen.
You’ll also receive a notification when two or more measurements are out of the usual range, along with a message explaining why this might be the case, including illness.
Translate
Traveling is about to get easier with the addition of the translator app that supports 20 languages. The latest edition of Smart Stack will also suggest a Translate app widget when you travel to a location with a different language than the one your Apple Watch is set to.
Double tap the API
The double tap feature on Apple Watch is great, but it will become even more useful with wearOS 11. Apple adding a double tap API means developers can use the gesture as shortcuts in apps.
Soon, by tapping your finger and thumb together, you’ll be able to do so much more. Apple’s example in the WWDC keynote involved tracking a baby who fell asleep without waking them up.
It can also be used to scroll through any app.
Improved Photo Face
Apple Watch users love using photos as watch faces and it’s about to get better. For starters, a new Dynamic mode means you can be greeted with a different photo every time you raise your wrist.
It will also be able to suggest the best photos from your library to create a face, cropping it perfectly for you. Of course, you can then customize it further in different ways.
What features would we like to see in watchOS 11?
Programmable action button
The Apple Watch’s side button lets you easily access the Quick Settings menu, but since the iPhone 15 line of devices now has an action button that can be assigned to a variety of functions, we think that It’s time for Apple to do the same for the Apple Watch. Side button on his watches.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Being able to instantly start an exercise session, measure your heart rate, or access music controls with just a press of the side button would make the watch much more personalized to each user’s needs.
Learn how to use a smartwatch to track sleep according to an expert.
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