The recent WWDC keynote featured more iOS 18 features especially those AI-integrated capabilities for iPhones. While other operating systems are tackled in the event, some of them are not addressed deeply including the watchOS 11.
If that's the case and you want to hear more about watchOS 11 that will come this fall, check this out on your Apple Watch soon.
Developer Access to Double Tap API
Third-party app developers now have access to the Double Tap API, allowing for more interactive and responsive app experiences on the Apple Watch.
Check-In for Peace of Mind
The new Check-In feature offers automatic notifications to friends or family when you reach your destination. Initiate a Check-In through Message by entering your destination or arrival time, ensuring loved ones know you've arrived safely.
Enhanced Ticketing in Wallet
Wallet now provides more comprehensive ticket information, including directions to parking lots and show times. Events also appear as Live Activities in the Smart Stack, ensuring you never miss a detail.
Smarter Smart Stack
According to Apple Insider, the updated Smart Stack automatically displays relevant widgets based on time and location, including live activities like Uber arrival times or weather updates, ensuring you have the most pertinent information at your fingertips.
Stay Updated with Live Activities
Live Activities are now integrated into the Smart Stack in watchOS 11. This feature keeps you informed with real-time updates on sports scores, weather conditions, and the status of your Uber, all at a glance.
Redesigned Photos Face
The Photos app gets a significant upgrade with machine learning that curates the best images from your photo library. Create personalized watch faces featuring your favorite people, pets, and places, adding a touch of sentimentality to your wrist.
Effort Rating for Workouts
After completing cardio workouts, watchOS 11 introduces an effort metric in the summary. This metric considers your pace, elevation, heart rate, and personal data to rate your exercise intensity. You can adjust these ratings, input your own for non-cardio workouts, and even submit ratings from third-party fitness apps.
Vitals Monitoring During Sleep
The Vitals app now monitors health metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, and sleep duration while you sleep. If any of these metrics fall outside your typical range, you'll receive a notification with possible contributing factors such as medication or illness, encouraging proactive health management.
Training Load Analysis
Understanding how your workouts impact your body is crucial. The new Training Load feature compares the intensity and duration of your workouts over the past seven days with the previous 28 days, helping you make informed decisions about your exercise routine.
Interactive Widgets for Enhanced Usability
watchOS 11 introduces new interactive widgets that display information based on time and location. Widgets include severe weather alerts, Training Load, Photos, Distance, and Shazam. Easily access your most recent workout types or songs played.
Custom Workouts for Pool Swims
If you have a swim workout, recovery intervals, and timed work will be your best friend. It's your best tool in the water thanks to haptics for interval switching.
Translate for Seamless Communication
The Translate app on Apple Watch now supports 20 languages. Type or dictate a phrase to see the translation, play it aloud, or slow it down if needed. Download languages to use Translate offline, making it easier to communicate while traveling.
Turn-by-Turn Hiking Navigation
The Maps app now includes topographic maps with detailed trail networks and hikes, covering all 63 U.S. national parks. Save maps to your Apple Watch for offline use and get turn-by-turn voice guidance during your adventures.
New Pregnancy Tracking Views
Cycle Tracking now shows gestational age and tracks pregnancy health metrics. Receive recommendations and notifications for health during pregnancy, including high heart rate thresholds and increased fall risk alerts in the third trimester. Reminders for mental health checks are also included, acknowledging the increased risk of depression during and after pregnancy.
Pause Activity Rings to Manage Stress
The beloved Activity Rings on the Apple Watch can sometimes cause anxiety for users striving to maintain their streaks. watchOS 11 introduces the ability to pause your Activity Rings for a day, week, month, or longer, helping you manage stress without losing your hard-earned streaks.
Improved GPS for Workout Tracking
watchOS 11 offers improved GPS positioning, allowing you to see distance and route maps for a wider range of workouts, including paddling, enhancing your outdoor exercise experience.
