watchOS 11: Everything to know about Apple's new smartwatch OS

watchOS 11 was officially announced during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024. It will bring several significant upgrades, from health and fitness improvements to a smarter user interface. Apple has paid special attention to personalization and intelligent recommendations, in their bid to make this OS more adaptive to the user's needs.

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Everything you need to know about WatchOS 11

Release Date

WatchOS 11 will launch globally on September 16, 2024. While the exact time hasn't been announced, users should keep checking the updates section on their Apple Watch or iPhone so that they can download it once available.

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Key Features in WatchOS 11

The new watchOS features at a glance (Image via Apple)

Listed below are the key features coming to the Apple Watch with WatchOS 11:

• Custom Watch Faces: An enhanced Photos watch face with smart recommendations based on your picture collection along with more personalization options like font, layout, and clock size.
• Fitness Enhancements
• A new Training Load metric to track workout strain.
• Ability to pause Activity Rings for rest days or injuries.
• Customizable ring targets by day for more flexibility.
• Expanded workout types with better GPS tracking for sports like soccer, golf, and outdoor rowing.
• Vitals App: A new app combining health data, including heart rate and the new Training Load metric, with notifications for unusual readings.
• Pregnancy Support: Updates to Cycle Tracking, fall detection sensitivity, and heart rate thresholds to accommodate pregnant users.
• Translate App: A new Apple Watch app with support for 20 languages, providing translation and pronunciation guides.
• Smart Stack: Enhanced widgets with Live Activities, personalized suggestions, and integration with apps like Shazam, Photos, and Check-In.
• Check-In Feature: Now available on the Watch, this personal safety feature lets you notify family or friends when you reach your destination.

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Supported Devices

WatchOS 11 will be available on the following Apple Watch models:

• Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
• Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
• Apple Watch SE 2 (2022)
• Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
• Apple Watch Ultra (2022)
• Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023)
• Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)

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This is all you need to know about the new OS for Apple watches releasing today (September 16, 2024).