watchOS 11 is the next Apple Watch operating system expected later this year. Even though it's quite a while before it arrives on your wrist, let's take a peek at some guesses and rumors about what might be included.
WatchOS 11 Release Date
watchOS 11 is technically just a rumor because Apple doesn't discuss future products or software releases. But, it's highly likely to be released later this year. Apple has consistently upgraded the operating system on its smartwatches annually since the first version in 2015.
Here's how it typically goes: Apple will introduce the next watchOS at the 2024 WWDC in June, you'll be able to get the beta version of watchOS 11 soon after, and once it's available to the public in the fall, you'll update your watch to install it.
Lifewire's Release Date Estimate
We expect watchOS 11 to arrive in September.
WatchOS 11 Price
All of Apple's operating system updates are free. Assuming you have the right Apple Watch and the right phone (see below), you'll be able to get watchOS 11 for free.
WatchOS 11 Features
The upcoming WWDC will give us a glimpse at what's coming, but until then, we can only guess which new features will arrive.
A programmable side button would be a great addition to watchOS 11. This functionality is wholly software-based, so it's not a technical issue preventing this. Currently, the Control Center opens when you single-press the side button, and a double-press launches Apple Pay. Hopefully, there will be a setting to remap this button to something else, like any Apple Watch app.
Siri is expected to get a big AI update across all Apple products, but there's no telling this early how it'll be implemented on the Apple Watch. Better voice dictation is always appreciated on a smaller screen, but there's probably a lot more Apple could whip up.
Another thing I'd like to see is easy access to Apple Notes on the Apple Watch. There are plenty of watch-compatible note-taking apps on the App Store, and their benefits are clear enough that it's strange Apple hasn't made its app available. This is one of the more significant feature requests I've seen from Apple Watch users.
While wanted by some users, we're not expecting watchOS 11 to support third-party watch faces. If anything, we'll see some new options directly from Apple, like last year. 9to5Mac discusses why Apple doesn't allow third-party watch faces (hint: it's about uniformity).
Like most software updates, we won't be surprised to see minor improvements to how Apple Watch deals with sleep and exercise data. This should translate to more precise and reliable metrics. Speaking of that, we wonder how Apple will handle measuring blood oxygen now that the feature has been removed from the Series 9 and Ultra 2 line of watches.
We'll keep this section updated as leaks and rumors roll in throughout the year. In the meantime, check out our watchOS 10 article for a look at last year's updates.
WatchOS 11 Supported Devices
Apple hasn't released the list of watches that can run the next version of watchOS. We guess it'll be similar to last year, but with the Apple Watch Series 4 pulled because it was released in 2018 (Apple typically updates watches for about five years).
- Apple Watch SE (first and second generation)
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
Your phone also matters. We think you'll need at least an iPhone 11 running iOS 18.
The Latest News About WatchOS 11
You can find all thelatest news about smartwatches and morehere at Lifewire. Below are some stories about watchOS specifically.
FAQs
We expect Apple to unveil watchOS 11 at WWDC 2024. The conference has been announced for June 10. Around July, a public beta should be made available, with the official release date expected to be in September, alongside the iPhone 16 announcement.
Is upgrading to the new Apple Watch worth it? ›
If your Watch is at least four years old, an upgrade will likely deliver significant changes in screen size and quality, battery life, and features. Your screen is cracked or too small. Recent Watch models have bigger, brighter screens. If you appreciate that or your current screen is cracked, you may want to upgrade.
What is the highest update for Apple Watch? ›
watchOS 10 is the biggest update since the introduction of Apple Watch, and brings a fresh look for virtually every app, new ways to navigate, and a new Smart Stack to display the information you need, right when you need it, from any watch face.
Can an Apple Watch check blood pressure? ›
The smartwatch isn't equipped to measure your blood pressure alone, but there are tools and devices you can pair it with it that can -- usually wireless monitors that connect to your iPhone or Apple Watch and come with an arm cuff and their own app.
Can you FaceTime on an Apple Watch? ›
Open the Phone app on your Apple Watch. Tap Contacts, then turn the Digital Crown to scroll. Tap the contact you want to call, then tap the phone button. Tap FaceTime Audio to start a FaceTime audio call, or tap a phone number.
What is the least expensive Apple Watch? ›
Apple Watch SE (2022)
The 2022 Apple Watch SE shares many of the same features as the Apple Watch 8 but with a much more affordable price tag, with a starting cost of $249 /£259/ AU$399.
Is it cheaper to fix an Apple Watch or buy a new one? ›
Apple Watch repair costs are proportional to their original retail prices, and it's often worthwhile to consider buying a new watch instead of repairing a damaged one.
Will there be a new Apple Watch in 2024? ›
Apple is likely to unveil its third 'Ultra' watch in September 2024, alongside the iPhone 16 series, a report from Macrumors, backed by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, suggested. According to the report, Apple will also announce an affordable third-gen Apple Watch SE.
Does the Apple Watch 9 have a blood oxygen sensor? ›
All Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 models that Apple sells in the United States now no longer come with a working blood oxygen sensor. The sensor previously monitored the levels of oxygen in the blood. The reason Apple disabled the blood oxygen sensor is a legal one.
Does the Apple Watch track sleep? ›
Note: Apple Watch tracks your sleep based on the sleep schedule you create. Apple Watch can also track your sleep when your Sleep Focus starts. To receive sleep data from Apple Watch, it must track your sleep for at least four hours each night. Note: Sleep tracking is available on watchOS 8 or later.
“At this time, the Apple Watch isn't equipped to measure your blood pressure alone,” says Dr. Bronstein.
Will the Apple Watch Series 4 support watchOS 11? ›
When the new Apple Watch software, watchOS 11, arrives in the fall, it looks like the first model to feature an updated design, Apple Watch Series 4, won't be admitted to the update party. According to iphonesoft.fr, Apple Watch Series 4 won't be compatible with watchOS 11.
Which Apple Watches can still be updated? ›
Apple Watch Series 4 and later. Apple Watch SE (1st generation) and later.
Is the Apple Watch compatible with the Apple 11? ›
Which iPhones can I use with Apple Watch? Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are compatible with these iPhone models, running iOS 17 or later: iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max. iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Which devices will support iOS 18? ›
Aside from presumably coming pre-installed on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18 will apparently be offered on the 2018 iPhone XS, iPhone XR and newer, including the iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone SE 2022. The leaker has things to say about iPadOS 18 support too.
