Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends
watchOS 11, Apple’s upcoming major Apple Watch update, is now available. This software update is full of new and improved features that will help all kinds of Apple Watch users, and it was first revealed by Apple at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024) in June.
Since Apple started to release watchOS 11 betas, we have been using the various iterations of the software. To fully grasp the new features’ functionality, we have given them a lot of testing. Notable updates and additions include the most recent iteration of Smart Stack, a revamped Photos interface, and intriguing modifications to the Activity Rings function.
An extensive look at watchOS 11’s features and more is provided here.
watchOS 11 release date
Apple revealed more at its most recent “It is Glowtime” event than just the iPhone 16. Along with highlighting the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s new features, it also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10. It also told us when to expect the first public version of watchOS 11.
On Monday, September 16, all previous Apple Watch models will receive a new software update in addition to the Apple Watch Series 10 coming straight out of the box.
Compatible Apple Watches for watchOS 11
Users must have iOS 18 installed on an iPhone XS or later in order to update to watchOS 11. The update will be preinstalled on the Apple Watch Series 10, which will be released in 2024. It will also be compatible with the following older Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
Note that not all features are available on every single Apple Watch model.
The revised Smart Stack
The Apple Watch Smart Stack tool was initially released in watchOS 10 as a means of rapidly displaying crucial data through widgets, like the current weather. With watchOS 11, Apple enhanced Smart Stack by utilizing Live Activities and improved widgets to add time and location elements to the screen.
For instance, you might notice weather widgets informing you of impending storms in your region or the most recent results from your preferred sports team. As the day goes on, you change activities, your location changes, or time passes, the information displayed on the Smart Stack is updated.
The Smart Stack feature is compatible with both native and third-party apps, and as more developers begin to use it, we believe its value will only increase. Turn the Digital Crown or use Double Tap on watches that support it to activate this feature. Links to frequently used apps like Messages, Workouts, and Music are also included in Smart Stack.
More customizable activity rings
The inability to skip a day without breaking a streak or having to make adjustments for a particular day has been one of the biggest disadvantages of using the activity rings on the Apple Watch. Not anymore.
Apple is finally allowing users to customize and pause activity rings on a per-day basis with watchOS 11. This implies that even if you put your rings on hold for a day, a week, or a month, your achievement streaks will carry over to your next visit.
The activity rings tool has been updated with much-needed flexibility. It used to be hard to keep up a streak or modify goals for a particular day. With watchOS 11, doing so is easier than ever.
The new Vitals app
Apple is making it simpler to view important overnight health metrics—which can reveal a lot about your general health—with the new Vitals feature in watchOS 11. Your blood oxygen level, heart rate, breathing rate, wrist temperature, and amount of sleep are among these metrics. The metrics that apply are contingent upon the version of Apple Watch that you own.
The feature will also notify you when those metrics deviate from your norm, for your own well-being. Even better, those alerts give background information about potential causes of the change, such as medication changes, elevations, alcohol consumption, illnesses, etc.
Get to know your Training Load
Exercise is healthy up until it becomes unhealthy. Athletes and regular people alike can now see the stress and strain their bodies experience from regular physical activity thanks to watchOS 11’s new Training Load calculator.
The Training Load compares the duration and intensity of each workout performed over the last seven days to the previous twenty-eight days. The current training load is then categorized on a scale ranging from “well below” to “well above.”
A new effort metric is used to calculate a portion of this training load. This metric, which measures your exercise intensity, is used to rate yourself after the majority of cardio-focused workouts. It also takes into account your heart rate, elevation, pace, and personal information like height, weight, and age.
Knowing this information enables future workout planning to be done with greater knowledge. The Training Load tool is located in the Activity app.
Custom workout improvements
New workout features are added with every watchOS release, and watchOS 11 is no different. Not counting Training Load, at least three new training aids are on the way.
The first is the addition of previously absent distance and route maps for exercises like rowing. You can also design personalized workouts for your time in the pool with WatchOS 11. An “Up Next” workout view will now be available for every custom workout, so you will always know what to expect when you go up the hill or down the road.
Updates to Cycle Tracking
Apple introduced Cycle Tracking to the Health app for the iPhone and Apple Watch last year. If a user is pregnant in watchOS 11, Cycle Tracking changes. Under those circumstances, the Health app will track the pregnancy across all health charts and display the gestation age.
Cycle Tracking keeps an eye on a number of metrics and notifies users when something goes outside of the typical range, like heart rate. It will also customize alerts for factors like walking steadiness and mental health to accommodate the pregnancy.
Say bonjour to the Translate app
Among iPhone users, the official Translate app has gained a lot of popularity. These days, the Apple Watch can also translate content. With the app, you can translate text by typing it into your watch or by dictating a phrase. It supports 20 languages. For easier comprehension, you can also pause and play the translation aloud. The best thing about it is that all you have to do to use it is download the Apple Watch’s language; you do not even need to carry your iPhone around.
Translate is accessible through the new Smart Stack, making it constantly within your reach.
Redesigned Photos face
Apple rarely releases new Apple Watch faces, and the company hardly ever updates its older models. Apple has redesigned the Photos watch face in watchOS 11, utilizing machine learning to create a more modern aesthetic.
With this feature, you can choose images from your library in the Photos app or let Apple choose for you based on subject matter and image quality. The outcome is a striking new watch face with dynamic content and design.
Other watchOS 11 features
There are additional watchOS 11 features that are worth checking out, depending on your interests. For instance, every national park in the United States now has hikes available in the Maps app. To get from point A to point B, you can even use turn-by-turn voice guidance when using these offline.
There are also new features coming to the Double Tap feature. The Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and future models can all perform this unique gesture. You can quickly execute tasks on the watch by tapping with your thumb and index finger. Double Tap, for instance, can scroll through Smart Stack or the Weather app. Apple is providing an API with watchOS 11 so that developers can incorporate this feature into apps developed by third parties.
Additionally, WatchOS 11 will include a Check In feature that lets you tell a friend or loved one when you have reached your destination. All you have to do to get started is open the Messages app on your Apple Watch and enter your destination or arrival time.
Entering your arrival time or destination will allow you to begin a Check In from Messages. To let your loved ones know that you are out and about, you can also enable Check In on the Workout app.
As you can see, watchOS 11 offers a tonne of updated and new features. On September 16, get ready to download it to your Apple Watch.
by DigitalTrends
