Apple unveiled watchOS 11 on Monday at WWDC 2024, the company’s annual worldwide developer conference. An upcoming software update for eligible Apple Watch models will arrive later this year, with a new Vitals app, the ability to understand exercise load, and better support during pregnancy. Customization on the Apple Watch will also get an upgrade, as the Photos watch face adds support for automatic composition using machine learning. Sign-in and translation will also be supported on watchOS 11, along with other AI-powered features like summary notifications that require an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
watchOS 11 introduces the new Vitals app
At its WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple announced that it will introduce a new app called Vitals that is designed to analyze health metrics collected by the wearable device, including breathing, heart rate, sleep duration and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels, on compatible Apple Watch. models. The Vitals app will also notify users when two or more metrics are outside the typical range recorded by the smartwatch, according to the company.
Appe announces exercise load feature
Users who track their workouts with Apple Watch will be able to take advantage of a new feature called Training Load that shows insights related to exercise-induced exertion over the past week, compared to the past month (28 days). The company says that users will be able to provide information in the form of an “effort rating” after each workout. The algorithm will automatically estimate the effort rating for some cardio exercises, but those related to strength exercises will require manual input.
watchOS 11 will also add fitness ring customization
Apple also announced that the Fitness rings on the Apple Watch will be customizable on the wearable, allowing users to “pause” them and take a day, week or month off from training without affecting their reward streaks. Similarly, Apple Watch Activity ring goals can also be customized based on the day of the week, according to the iPhone maker.
Security and personalization features on watchOS 11
Check In, a feature introduced in the Messages app with iOS 17, will be added to the Workout app on watchOS 11, allowing users to share their progress with friends or family until the end of a workout. Another app coming to watchOS 11 is the Translate app from iOS, which allows users to get translations for 20 languages using their watch.
watchOS 11 will also bring improved personalization to the Apple Watch, in the form of an improved Photos watch face. The company says its wearables will use machine learning to identify the best images and compositions to create a sense of depth over time, along with a dynamic mode that automatically switches to a new photo and look when the user raises their wrist.
Live activities and Smart Stack improvements
Users will also have access to new widgets on Apple Watch with the upcoming watchOS 11 update, while Live Activities for apps like Uber will also be supported. Meanwhile, the Smart Stack feature is being upgraded with the ability to automatically display widgets based on the user’s location, time, routine, and other factors.
WatchOS 11 compatible models
According to Apple, the watchOS 11 update will be available for download later this year, on the latest Apple Watch models. The company says that users with Apple Watch Series 6 and iPhone XS or later models will be able to update to watchOS 11 after the smartphone is updated to iOS 18.
