It shouldn’t be long before Apple announces the details of watchOS 11, including the new features it will contain. Here’s all we know so far about the operating system that will run the Apple Watch series for the next year or two.
When will watchOS 11 be released?
Apple has a predetermined schedule for releasing new versions of watchOS. As shown in the timetable below, it usually takes place in September.
- watchOS 10: September 18, 2023
- watchOS 9: September 12, 2022
- watchOS 8: September 20, 2021
- watchOS 7: September 16, 2020
- watchOS 6: September 19, 2019
- watchOS 5: September 17, 2018
We believe that watchOS 11 will be released in the second or third week of September 2024, alongside the Apple Watch 10 and iPhone 16 series.
You’ll get an opportunity to see what it looks like a little early, though, as Apple generally reveals out the new software at its WWDC event on June 10th. So, tune in to WWDC 2024 to see what watchOS 11 can achieve when it gets on your wrist later this year.
Which Apple Watch models will be compatible with watchOS 11?
Apple has not confirmed which models will run watchOS 11, however current reports, as published on Macworld site, claim that the following devices will be compatible:
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Series 10 (when released)
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
- Apple Watch SE (1st gen)
This means that the Apple Watch 4, which received watchOS 10, may miss out this time.
What new features will there be in watchOS 11?
Again, there have been no official announcements about the feature set that will be included in watchOS 11, but we’ve compiled a list of rumors that appear to disclose what Apple has planned.
AI features
With the tech world going AI crazy this year, it’s hardly surprise that watchOS joins in.
While there have been no concrete rumors, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that iOS 18 will receive a significant AI boost with ChatGPT integration. It’s not unrealistic to expect some of those features, likely dubbed ‘Apple Intelligence’, to make their way into watchOS 11.
Siri will most likely conduct them with “uniquely formatted responses depending on the type of query,” according to Gurman.
RCS messaging
Apple has already confirmed that RCS (Rich Communication Services) will be available on the iPhone with iOS 18 this year. This is a new cross-platform messaging standard that will enhance Android and iOS texting capabilities.
It is already supported by Google, which means that the long-running blue/green bubble debate can now be put to bed.
Because the Apple Watch syncs with the iPhone to receive messages, RCS should be included in watchOS 11 so that users may take full advantage of the new capabilities.
What features would we like to see in watchOS 11?
Programmable Action Button
The Side button on the Apple Watch lets you access the Quick Settings menu easily, but as the iPhone 15 range of devices now features an Action button which can be assigned to a variety of functions, we think it’s time that Apple did the same for the Side button on its Watches.
The ability to rapidly start an exercise session, test your heart rate, or access the music settings simply hitting the Side button would greatly enhance the Watch’s customization to the demands of each user.
Better sleep tracking
The sleep tracking on Apple Watch is a little basic, but the more powerful SiP chips found in the newer models, as well as the potential for AI to assist, could mean that Apple has the opportunity to make the monitoring reactive to personal habits while providing more detailed analysis of the hours we sleep.
Customisable Exercise Rings
The three rings have become synonymous with the Apple Watch, but they are capable of much more.
While they presently track Move, Exercise, and Stand activities, we’d want to see the ability to set these as individual goals. How about taking steps instead of moving, or swimming instead of standing?
It could be handy for individuals training for a specific event, such as a triathlon or recovering from an injury, but it could also be useful if you want to be in control of what your Apple Watch reminds you about every day.
