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Apple unveiled watchOS 11 on Monday at WWDC 2024, the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference. The upcoming software update for eligible Apple Watch models arriving later this year adds a new Vitals app, the ability to understand training load, and better support during pregnancy. Customizations on Apple Watch are also getting an upgrade, with the Photos watch face gaining support for automatic composition powered by machine learning. Check In and Translate are also gaining support on watchOS 11, along with other AI-powered features like summarized notifications that require an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
watchOS 11 introduces new Vitals app
During 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, including respiration, heart rate, sleep duration, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) on compatible Apple Watch models. The Vitals app will also alert users when two or more metrics fall outside the normal ranges recorded by the smartwatch, the company said.
Appe announces training load feature for workouts
Users who track their workouts with an Apple Watch can take advantage of a new feature called Training Load, which provides insights into workout-induced load over the past week compared to the past month (28 days). The company says users can provide the information in the form of an “effort rating” after each workout. An algorithm will automatically estimate the effort rating for some cardio-based workouts, but strength-related workouts will require manual input.
watchOS 11 will also add a fitness ring personalization
Apple also announced that 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 exercising without it affecting their award streaks. Likewise, Apple Watch Activity ring goals can also be customized based on the day of the week, the iPhone maker said.
Security and personalization features on watchOS 11
Check In, a feature introduced in the Messages app with iOS 17, is coming to the Workout app with watchOS 11, allowing users to share their progress with friends or family until their workout is complete. Another app coming to watchOS 11 is iOS’s Translate app, which allows users to get translations for 20 languages on their watch.
watchOS 11 also brings enhanced 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 composition to create a sense of depth over time, along with a Dynamic Mode that automatically switches to a new photo and layout when a user raises their wrist.
Live Activities and Smart Stack Improvements
Users will also get access to new widgets on the Apple Watch with the upcoming watchOS 11 update, while Live Activities for apps like Uber will also receive support. Meanwhile, the Smart Stack feature is being upgraded with the ability to automatically show widgets based on a user’s location, the time, their routine, and other factors.
watchOS 11 compatible models
According to Apple, the watchOS 11 update will be available to download later this year on recent Apple Watch models. The company says that users with an Apple Watch Series 6 and an iPhone XS or later can update to watchOS 11 after updating their phone to iOS 18.
