Note: This article was first published on 11 June 2024.
Image Source: Apple
At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled watchOS 11 for Apple Watch users. As with past watchOS versions, watchOS 11 brings along new updates that improve the watch’s quality of life as well as new features that add more functionalities. Here are what they are:
Activity and wellness reimagined
Apple has introduced several significant updates focusing particularly on activity and wellness. Among the highlights is the new Training Load feature. This tool provides a deeper analysis of workout intensity over time, translating sensor data into effort ratings. These ratings are then used to gauge your training progress, indicating whether you should push harder or take a breather.
Additionally, the new update also allows Apple Watch users to take a rest day without risking their awards progress (a change that many users will no doubt be happy about!). The fitness app's summary tab can now be customised to display the most relevant information, and ring goals can be adjusted based on the day of the week.
Health monitoring gets a boost
The introduction of the Vitals app is significant health buffs, as it provides a snapshot of health metrics, complete with weekly trends. It notifies users of significant changes, providing valuable context for overall well-being.
Additionally, the Cycle Tracking (not the sport) app now offers improved pregnancy tracking, displaying gestational age and allowing for the logging of pregnancy-related symptoms.
Smarter interface and enhanced functionality
The Smart Stack feature has received a clever upgrade. Widgets will now appear more intuitively, such as translation tools when traveling or weather forecasts predicting rain.
Live Activities support has been extended to the Smart Stack, benefiting apps like Uber with real-time updates.
Check In functionality, which allows users to share their status with selected contacts, is now accessible on the Apple Watch. This can be managed via the Smart Stack or initiated from the workout app.
New apps and features
The Translation app, now available on Apple Watch (yay!), offers translations for 20 supported languages, making it easier to communicate on the go.
Tap to Cash enables seamless transactions by allowing users to send and receive Apple Cash by simply holding their Apple Watch near another Apple Watch or iPhone.
Developers can now tap into the Double Tap API, a feature available on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, to enhance app functionality. Additionally, the Photos watch face has been redesigned to use machine learning, choosing the best photos from your library to personalise your watch face, framing the clock around your chosen image.
Compatibility and availability
watchOS 11 is set to roll out on the upcoming (and expected) Apple Watch Series 10 and possibly the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It will also be available to existing Apple Watch models as an update as well, although we can also assume that the oldest models might not be supported.
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