Apple’s WWDC 2024 brought exciting news, including the announcement of watchOS 11. This update features enhanced fitness tracking, live widgets, and smarter health stats with the new Vitals app. Here’s what you need to know to see if your Apple Watch is compatible.
Supported Apple Watch Models
To enjoy watchOS 11, you need an Apple Watch with advanced hardware. The supported models are:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch SE (2022)
Future models like the Apple Watch X (or Series 10), Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the rumored Apple Watch SE 3 will also support watchOS 11 when they are released later this year.
Older models such as the Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and the first-gen Apple Watch SE will no longer receive updates, as their hardware can’t support the new features.
Availability
watchOS 11 will officially roll out this fall, aligning with the launch of the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch X, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. If you’re eager to try it sooner, a public beta will be available in July. Note that you’ll need to install the iOS 18 beta on your iPhone first.
What’s New in watchOS 11?
watchOS 11 comes with several new features:
- Training Load: Rate your workouts on a scale of 1 to 10 to help the Apple Watch better understand your activity levels.
- Vitals App: Tracks bodily stats while resting and flags any abnormalities, advising on workout intensity.
- Cycle Tracking: New features for pregnant users to track their gestation period and alert them to unusual heart rate or temperature spikes.
- Dynamic Widget Stacks: Automatically appear on your watch face when needed.
- Check-in Functionality: Lets you inform loved ones when heading out at unusual times.
- Improved Photos Watch Face: Uses more appealing photos from your gallery as wallpapers.
- Enhanced GPS Tracking: More precise logging of hiking trails or boating routes.
- Double Tap API: Opens up for developers to integrate this functionality within their apps.
Stay informed and enjoy the new features of watchOS 11 to keep your Apple Watch up-to-date and functional.