Apple has announced that the latest major software update, watchOS 11, will arrive later this year. Traditionally unveiled at WWDC in June, Apple peeled back the curtain to reveal the new Apple Watch features that users can expect to see on their wrists soon.
Which Watches Will Upgrade to watchOS 11?
In a surprising announcement, Apple revealed that the watchOS 11 update will not be available for the Series 4, Series 5, and SE (1st generation) Apple Watch models. While it was anticipated that the Series 4 would be excluded, the inclusion of the Series 5 and SE (1st generation) marks a significant update year. All newer Apple Watch models, however, will support these exciting new features. The full rollout of watchOS 11 is expected to coincide with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 in September.
Related Post: Which Apple Watch models will get WatchOS 11 (and which will not)?
1. Training Load Insights – Finally Here
A long-awaited feature, the new Training Load insights in watchOS 11 allow the Apple Watch to provide deeper analysis of your training. Mimicking Garmin’s Training Load, Acute Load, and Chronic Load insights, this feature displays your load in a weekly and 28-day cumulative view, helping you plan your training more effectively and avoid overtraining.
2. Deeper Health Tracking through Vitals App
The Vitals app is set to revolutionize health tracking on the Apple Watch. Similar to Whoop’s Health Monitor and Oura’s Readiness insights, the Vitals app will monitor key health metrics such as heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, and blood oxygen levels. The app will notify you of any significant deviations from your baseline, providing context and suggesting possible causes like elevation change, alcohol consumption, or illness.
3. Double Tap Rolls Out to Third Parties
Previously exclusive to the Series 9 and Ultra 2, Double Tap functionality is expanding to more apps and services in watchOS 11. This feature allows users to scroll through supported apps like Messages, Calendar, and Weather, and developers can now integrate it into their apps via a new API.
4. Checking In for Safety
The new Check In app enhances safety features, allowing users to notify friends or family when they finish a workout. This feature, accessible within the Workout app, is part of Apple’s effort to catch up with competitors like the Google Pixel Watch 2.
5. Less Activity Rings Anxiety
With watchOS 11, users can pause the anxiety-inducing Activity Rings and keep streaks alive during illness, injury, or rest days by making changes within the Fitness app. Additionally, users can adjust individual ring goals based on the day of the week, providing flexibility for busy schedules.
6. Turn-by-Turn Instructions for Hikers
Apple Maps improvements in watchOS 11 will benefit hikers and adventurers. Users can now access offline turn-by-turn guidance in US national parks, create and save their own routes within the Maps app, and navigate without needing an iPhone nearby.
7. Photos Watch Faces Get the AI Treatment
The Photos watch face is getting smarter with AI enhancements. The Photos app on your iPhone will use machine learning to select the best photos for your watch face, automatically framing the subject around the time for a more personalized look.
8. Smart Stack is Getting Smarter
The Smart Stack feature, introduced last year, is receiving upgrades in watchOS 11. New widgets from Shazam, Photos, and more will be available, and the Smart Stack will prioritize time-sensitive and location-dependent information. A new API will allow third-party developers to integrate their apps into the Smart Stack.
9. More Detail Coming to Pregnancy Tracking
The Cycle Tracking app is expanding its capabilities for pregnant users, showing gestational age and unlocking symptom tracking. Health app prompts will remind users to review heart rate notifications, check in for monthly mental health assessments, and monitor walking steadiness in the third trimester.
10. Customization Comes to Fitness and Workout Apps
The Fitness and Workout apps are becoming more personalized in watchOS 11. A customizable Summary tab will display preferred metrics, and new GPS routes will be available for activities like football, hiking, and skiing. Users can now access distance data and trail markers for a variety of sports.
11. Tap to Cash Comes to the Apple Watch
The new Apple Pay feature, Tap to Cash, will be available on the Apple Watch through watchOS 11. This feature allows users to send and receive Apple Cash by holding their Apple Watch near another Watch or iPhone, functioning similarly to AirDrop for money transfers.
Conclusion
With watchOS 11, Apple is set to deliver a host of exciting new features that enhance the functionality and user experience of the Apple Watch. From deeper health tracking and training insights to improved customization and safety features, this update promises to make the Apple Watch an even more powerful tool for managing your health and daily activities. Stay tuned for the full rollout later this year and experience the future of wearable technology.
