Apple has finally released watchOS 11 alongside iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia and tvOS 18. This latest update brings a new Vitals app, allowing users to gain deeper insights into their health. In addition, watchOS 11 elevates workout experiences with new modes that offer more detailed metrics and tailored feedback for a variety of exercises. Customizable watch faces have also been revamped, giving users more options to personalize their watch according to their preferences.

One of the standout features of watchOS 11 is the enhanced customization for Activity Rings. Users can now adjust their Move, Exercise, and Stand goals on a daily basis, allowing for a more tailored approach to fitness tracking. For instance, if you find that your activity levels vary significantly throughout the week, you can now set lower goals for days when you’re less active, like office days, and increase them for weekends. This flexibility helps in maintaining a balanced and realistic fitness regime.

The Vitals app, another major addition, provides comprehensive health metrics by tracking your heart rate, respiratory rate, and wrist temperature overnight. This app makes it easier to monitor these vital signs directly from your wrist upon waking, instead of navigating through the Health app. It features a seven-day view to highlight any concerning deviations in your health data, with notifications sent if any metrics fall outside your normal range.

watchos11 Vitals

Training Load is a new feature designed to help users manage their workout intensity and avoid overtraining. This tool displays a 28-day weighted average of your activity and compares it to your recent workouts. Each workout is categorized with an effort rating, which you can adjust based on your personal perception of the workout’s intensity. This is especially beneficial for those training for events like marathons or looking to monitor their exercise regimen more closely.

For Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and Series 10 users, sleep apnea detection is now a key feature. The watch utilizes the accelerometer to monitor for breathing disturbances during sleep and provides notifications if signs of sleep apnea are detected. This feature, which has received FDA clearance, aims to alert users to potential sleep-related issues and encourage them to seek professional evaluation if needed.

The new Check In feature, which integrates with both the Workout and Messages apps, adds a layer of safety by allowing users to set notifications for their location or workout status. This function will alert a designated contact if the user does not check in as expected, providing peace of mind during outdoor activities or travel.

Additionally, watchOS 11 brings an updated Photos watch face that leverages machine learning to select and display the best images from your library. Users can now enjoy a more personalized watch face with options to customize time display and background colors. The Remote app has also seen enhancements, offering more control over your Apple TV, including the ability to mute and power off with a single tap.

The introduction of the Translate app, which supports 20 languages and offers offline translation capabilities, makes communication more convenient when traveling. Moreover, the new Tides app provides detailed tide information for beaches and surf spots worldwide, while the Smart Stack has been improved to better manage and display timely information, including Live Activities from both native and third-party apps.

WatchOS 11 compatible models:

  • Apple Watch Series 4
  • Apple Watch Series 5
  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Series 9
  • Apple Watch Ultra
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2
  • Apple Watch Series 10

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