watchOS 4
watchOS 4 compatible devices
| Device Name | SOC | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 3 | S3 | 2017-09-22 |
| Apple Watch Series 2 | S2 | 2016-09-16 |
| Apple Watch Series 1 | S1P | 2016-09-12 |
| Apple Watch (1st generation) | S1 | 2015-04-24 |
Requirements
watchOS 4 requires an iPhone 5s or later running iOS 11 or later.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires an iPhone 6 or later running iOS 11 or later.
Users with a first-generation Apple Watch, Apple Watch Series 1, or Apple Watch Series 2 paired with an iPhone 5 or iPhone 5c cannot update their watches to watchOS 4.
Exploring watchOS 4: What's New and Exciting?
watchOS 4, released in 2017, brought several new features and enhancements to the Apple Watch, focusing on improving user experience, health and fitness tracking, and overall functionality.
Siri Watch Face
A standout feature of watchOS 4 was the introduction of the Siri watch face. This intelligent watch face used machine learning to provide personalized information throughout the day, such as calendar events, weather updates, and reminders. It integrated with various apps, including Maps, Wallet, and Activity, making it easier to access relevant information with a glance.
New Watch Faces
In addition to the Siri watch face, watchOS 4 introduced other new faces, including Toy Story characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, as well as a kaleidoscope face that transformed images into dynamic patterns. These new watch faces provided users with more options for personalizing their devices.
Enhanced Fitness and Activity Tracking
watchOS 4 brought significant improvements to the Activity and Workout apps. The update introduced personalized Activity coaching, with intelligent notifications to help users reach their fitness goals. Monthly challenges were added to keep users motivated. The Workouts app saw enhancements, such as the ability to quickly start workouts, support for multiple workouts in a single session, and automatic sets and laps detection for swimming.
GymKit Integration
A notable addition was GymKit, a platform that allowed Apple Watch to connect with compatible gym equipment. This integration enabled seamless data synchronization between the watch and gym machines, providing more accurate workout metrics and a cohesive fitness experience.
Heart Rate Monitoring Enhancements
The Heart Rate app received an update that provided more detailed insights into heart health. Users could now see resting, walking, and recovery heart rates, as well as receive notifications for elevated heart rates when inactive. This feature aimed to offer a comprehensive view of cardiovascular health.
Improved Navigation and Interface
watchOS 4 made several interface and navigation improvements. The Dock was redesigned to display apps vertically, making it easier to switch between them. Control Center gained a flashlight feature with multiple modes (white, red, and flashing) for added convenience.
Music and Apple Pay Enhancements
The Music app was enhanced to sync more playlists and automatically add new music. Users could also control music playback on their iPhone or Apple HomePod directly from the watch. Additionally, watchOS 4 introduced Apple Pay Cash, allowing users to send and receive money through iMessage.
Legacy
watchOS 4 built on the foundations of previous updates, introducing significant enhancements that improved usability, personalization, and health tracking. These updates positioned the Apple Watch as a more integral part of users' daily lives, paving the way for future innovations.