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watchOS 11 is Apple’s upcoming operating system for Apple Watch models. After rebuilding the OS from the ground up with watchOS 10, the next version doesn’t look like it will add many new features. That said, here’s what we know about it so far.
What will Apple call its next watchOS?
While it’s hard to predict what Apple will call its macOS updates, watchOS updates are typically pretty straightforward. If Apple follows the trend, the watchOS 10 successor will be called watchOS 11. Although 2024 marks the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch, it seems Apple will focus on hardware changes rather than revamp its software once again. BGR has already shared a lot about the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 model.
watchOS 11 features
Image source: José Adorno for BGR
Little is known about watchOS 11 features. Still, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman believes this will be “a fairly minor” update. After a big revamp last year, it makes sense why Apple isn’t planning any significant new software features for the Apple Watch in 2024, as the focus is on the hardware.
Still, these are some of the changes we could see in the new software:
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If Apple follows the trend, the company might revamp one of its workouts. With watchOS 9, outdoor run metrics improved, and watchOS 10 also upgraded cycling and hiking workouts by adding more info and even supporting Live Activities on the iPhone.
It’s unclear which workout will be revamped in 2024, but it would be a welcome addition.
Improved sleep tracking
Since watchOS 9, users have been able to track their sleep with an Apple Watch. While we expected significant changes in watchOS 10, they didn’t come. With watchOS 11, Apple might add more data – or at least insights – for sleep measurement.
Activity Ring should be rebuilt
Image source: José Adorno for BGR
The Apple Watch Activity Rings can be toxic for some users. They measure your daily activity in three categories: move, exercise, and stand. While the goal to fill up all three rings daily is a worthwhile pursuit, Activity Rings have become more of an irritant for some users as the Apple Watch is seemingly never satisfied with your achievements.
That said, even if you run a marathon, swim from England to France, and do a strength workout, on the next day, your Apple Watch will say, “You did well yesterday. How about doing the same today?” watchOS 11 needs to change that.
New Watch Faces
Apple has also added new watch faces in recent updates. It’s unclear what this update will bring, but we’ll likely get at least one new face in this upcoming cycle.
Apple ID might change to an Apple Account brand
Apple is reportedly considering changing the name of Apple ID to “Apple Account.” It could happen once iOS 18 arrives. While it’s unclear why Apple might make the change, it would make a lot more sense in the context of Apple’s current business.
Sources who are supposedly familiar with Apple’s plans informed MacRumors that Apple is already testing the Apple Account name.
If Apple switches Apple ID to Apple Account, it would happen alongside the releases of iOS 18 (codename Crystal) and macOS 15 (codename Glow), says the blog. “System applications will receive modifications to reflect the change, as will Apple’s website — assuming the company chooses to implement the new branding.”
The sources aware of Apple’s work on the Apple ID rebrand did not explain why the rebrand is needed. Clarity could be the main reason.
RCS is coming
Image source: José Adorno for BGR
Last year, Apple announced that RCS messaging support would be available in 2024. This change will make it easier to group messages, send high-quality photos and videos, share their location, and more with RCS-supported texts, which means communication between iPhone and Android users over text will be easier.
Still, features like memoji, stickers, edit, and unsend messages will continue to be iMessage-exclusive. Another catch is that after Apple introduces RCS support in 2024, the carriers will also need to add it on their end, so this feature might be added later in the iOS 18/watchOS 11 cycle.
Apple should push third-party app availability
Image source: WhatsApp
In addition to software tweaks, Apple should try to regain developers for watchOS. Over the years, many companies stopped developing apps for the Apple Watch, making it harder to use it as a standalone device instead of relying so much on the iPhone.
With AI Pin and Rabbit R1 trying to offer cloud experiences, I wonder if Apple couldn’t bring back Uber for the Watch while also luring WhatsApp, Pokémon GO, Pokémon Sleep, and so many other apps/developers that could make this wearable feel more like its own product.
For example, would you have all the apps you need from your watch if you think about leaving your iPhone at home? For me, I’d be missing WhatsApp, Uber, and iFood (a DoorDash-like app). I also hope watchOS 11 can bring a Health app to the watch – or at least some instance- and improve existing apps, such as the many Find My options that work poorly.
How to install watchOS 11 beta
Image source: Christian de Looper for BGR
watchOS 11 beta isn’t available yet. Once it is, users just need to follow these steps:
On your iPhone, open the Watch app
Tap on General and Software Update
Tap on Beta Updates and enable watchOS 11 Developer Beta
How to install the public beta
The public beta of the upcoming operating system isn’t available yet. That said, you can enroll in a public beta test of watchOS 10 to prepare for this future update. You need to accept the terms and conditions of the Apple Beta Software Program with your Apple ID.
But before you think about downloading the beta, you should know that you can’t downgrade to an older version. So once watchOS 11 beta is out, you won’t be able to downgrade to watchOS 10.
As such, even if you run into some critical bugs, you’ll be stuck with watchOS 11 and have to wait for another beta update, as you can’t downgrade to any older versions. With that in mind, this is how you can download the public beta when it’s available:
On your iPhone, open the Watch app
Tap on General and Software Update
Tap on Beta Updates and enable watchOS 11 Public Beta
Apple stopped supporting the Apple Watch Series 3 with watchOS 10. If this new operating system only offers small updates, Apple may keep the same lineup:
Apple Watch Series 4 (2018)
Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)
Apple Watch SE (2020)
Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
Apple Watch Ultra (2022)
Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023)
Besides one of the smartwatches above, you must have an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or newer running iOS 17 to take full advantage of an Apple Watch.
José is a Tech News Reporter at BGR. He has previously covered Apple and iPhone news for 9to5Mac, and was a producer and web editor for Latin America broadcaster TV Globo. He is based out of Brazil.
