watchOS 11
watchOS 11 compatible devices
| Device Name | SOC | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | S9 | 2023-09-22 |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | S9 | 2023-09-22 |
| Apple Watch Ultra | S8 | 2022-09-23 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | S8 | 2022-09-16 |
| Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) | S8 | 2022-09-16 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | S7 | 2021-10-15 |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | S6 | 2020-09-18 |
Requirements
watchOS 11 requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18 or newer.
Users with an Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 7, second-generation Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8, or Apple Watch Ultra paired with an iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X cannot update their watches to watchOS 10.
Exploring watchOS 11: What's New and Exciting?
watchOS 11, released in 2024, brings a variety of new features and enhancements to Apple Watch, designed to improve health tracking, convenience, and overall user experience.
Smart Stack
The Smart Stack in watchOS 11 has been upgraded to be more intelligent and capable. Widgets now appear automatically based on time, location, and user routines. New widgets include severe weather alerts, Training Load, Photos, and Shazam. Additionally, Live Activities are now supported on Apple Watch and integrated into the Smart Stack, providing real-time updates for sports scores, ride arrivals, and more.
Training Load and Enhanced Fitness Tracking
The new Training Load feature measures the intensity and duration of workouts over time, helping users understand their body's response to exercise. It uses a combination of data sources like heart rate, GPS, and workout duration to provide an estimated effort rating. This feature is particularly useful for preparing for events such as marathons or cycling races. The Activity app integrates this data, allowing users to see how their workouts impact overall health.
Vitals App
The Vitals app offers comprehensive health monitoring by tracking key health metrics. It provides notifications when metrics are out of their typical range and offers insights into potential causes, such as stress or illness. This app helps users make informed decisions about their health and wellness.
Check In Feature
The Check In feature enhances safety by allowing users to automatically notify designated contacts when they arrive at a destination. This feature can also be started from the Workout app, making it ideal for late-night runs or other solo activities.
Double Tap Gesture
Exclusive to Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, the Double Tap gesture allows users to control their watch hands-free. This gesture can scroll through apps, answer calls, and more. Developers can integrate this functionality into their apps using the Double Tap API.
Translate App
The Translate app now supports on-watch translation in 20 languages. Users can type or dictate phrases to see translations, which can also be slowed down if needed. The Translate widget is automatically suggested when traveling to locations where a different language is spoken.
Custom Workouts and Enhanced GPS
The Workout app now supports more detailed GPS tracking and new workout types, including soccer, skiing, and more. Custom Workouts for pool swims and interval training have been improved with haptic feedback and detailed interval views.
Enhanced Photos Watch Face
Using machine learning, the Photos watch face can analyze thousands of photos to recommend the best compositions for display. Users can further personalize the face with various layouts, font choices, and the new Dynamic mode, which changes the photo every time the watch is raised.
Legacy
watchOS 11 builds on the solid foundation of previous updates, introducing significant enhancements to health tracking, safety features, and user personalization. These improvements make the Apple Watch an even more integral part of daily life, pushing the boundaries of what wearable technology can achieve.