September 17, 2024, 8:35 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Apple’s smartwatch has a new operating system for every new generation. Apple revealed the first details about the upcoming version, watchOS 11, at its WWDC 2024. It was then officially unveiled at the September event.
In addition to the iPhone 16, Apple also unveiled the next generation of Apple Watches at its keynote. However, the operating system for the manufacturer’s popular smartwatches is almost as important as the new hardware. Apple provided a first glimpse of this back in June at its WWDC. Now watchOS 11 is official. TECHBOOK explains what’s new.
Overview
New functions for Apple Watches with watchOS 11
According to Apple Senior Director David Clark, the aim of watchOS 11 is to make health functions even more practical and easier to integrate into everyday life. The topic of personalization was also a major focus of the WWDC 2024 keynote. This was further emphasized at the Apple keynote in September.
New “Vital Values” health app
Among other things, there will be a completely new app for the Apple Watch: “Vitals.” This is designed to record and display data more precisely, especially during sleep. The app and watchOS 11 will also provide users with more detailed background information on their values.
The Apple Watch already warns users when their cardio fitness level is particularly low. The ‘Vitals’ app should also indicate when values are noticeably outside the usual norm. The user’s personal history of values will be taken into account.
If there are deviations, the app should also provide information about the possible cause. For example, illnesses can affect certain values, as can alcohol consumption. Among other things, the app refers to the respiratory rate and body temperature (on the wrist).
“Training load” maps intensity
Another new feature in watchOS 11 is “Training Load,” a function that measures the intensity of activities. This allows users to track how the duration and intensity of their training affects the body in the long term.
The ‘Training Load’ function in watchOS 11 compares workout values from the past seven days with those from the previous four weeks. After each workout, a stress rating is then available using a scale. Apple generates some of these values automatically for frequently used sports, especially in the cardio area. However, users can also adjust them manually.
Based on this data, the Apple Watch then calculates an average value for the past 28 days. This should help users gain an overview of whether their physical activity remains constant or is developing in a certain direction.
Support during pregnancy
watchOS 11, just like iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, will include improved functions for pregnant women. Tracking in the cycle app, for example, allows you to keep an eye on certain symptoms that are typical of pregnancy.
If set accordingly, the Apple Watch will also remind you of certain examinations and appointments. The fall warning has also been moved to the center of attention, which is intended to provide early warning, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Further customization options and functions for watchOS 11
A key function of watchOS is the activity rings, which relate to the energy consumed, workout duration, and the time not spent sitting down. Apple Watch users can configure their own goals in this regard. With watchOS 11, it should also be possible to pause the activity rings. In the event of illness, for example, this can help prevent your average values from dropping or losing recorded progress.
In line with the developments around iOS, the double-tap function will also be opened up to developers. This means that third-party apps can also be connected to the function on the Apple Watch in the future. However, the feature introduced in 2023 only works on the latest Watch models, the Series 9 and the Ultra 2. This will now be extended to the Apple Watch Series 10 at the keynote in September.
watchOS 11 will also allow users to personalize their Smart Stack and watch face further. For example, live data for nearby sporting events will then be available to the Smart Stack. New interactive widgets will also make it easier to interact with apps via the stack. Widgets will also be suggested according to the situation – for example, when it rains. The watch face will have a dynamic photo function that changes your pictures every time you raise your wrist to look at the watch.
There are also some new widgets, such as for Shazam. Another practical new feature is called “Companion.” If set accordingly, this notifies other people when you arrive home, which is certainly reassuring for some when walking at night. A translation function is also on board with watchOS 11.
When will watchOS 11 be available?
Traditionally, the new watchOS, in this case, watchOS 11, has been rolled out along with the launch of new Apple Watches. However, the beta version will be available for developers starting with WWDC 2024 in June. The public beta then started in July. The final release is now scheduled for fall 2024.
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These devices will no longer receive watchOS 11
Many Apple Watch owners naturally wonder whether their device will receive the new software. In the run-up to WWDC 2024, it has already been leaked that Apple will probably leave out three older Apple Watch models. Specifically, this concerns the Watch Series 4, Series 5, and the first-generation SE. In particular, the Series 4 and SE (1st generation) have been available from many retailers for a long time as more affordable alternatives to the newer models.
The Apple Watch Series 4 was released with watchOS 5 at the end of 2018 and has, therefore, received function updates for more than five years. The SE (1st generation), on the other hand, was only launched in 2020 with watchOS 7. Accordingly, the support period is rather short, at just three years. For comparison, even the infamous original Apple Watch “Series 0”, which was practically just a test run for the device type, received three years of updates. Here is a list of devices that are sure to receive watchOS 11:
- Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Series 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
- Watch Ultra and Ultra 2
In the press release for watchOS 11, Apple states that the operating system will be released “this fall as a free software update for Apple Watch Series 6 or later along with iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18”.