At WWDC 2024, Apple announced watchOS 11, the latest version of its smartwatch platform.
As with previous presentations, watchOS adds new health features: this year we get a workout mode that uses personal data and metrics to see how the intensity and duration of your workouts affect your body over time. You can also activate «effort estimation», which will help you understand whether you need to strengthen your workouts or ease up; «rest days», which will allow you to take a break from Activity Rings; and customize your exercise goals based on the day of the week.
Apple is also adding a new Vitals app with watchOS 11, which lets you see «important health indicators» and new pregnancy cycle tracking features. The app will also notify you when certain metrics, such as your heart rate, are out of your normal range.
The update will also bring the Live Activities feature from iPhone to Apple Watch. There will also be new security features (for example, if you run late at night, your friends will be able to follow you). Similar security features were introduced on Pixel Watch 2 last year.
Last year, Apple introduced interactive notifications as part of a major redesign — watchOS 11 will also show a translation or weather widget when it thinks you need it.
Developers will be able to work with watchOS 11 today, while the public release is scheduled for the fall — in time for the launch of the new Apple Watch. This year, Apple’s smartwatch will celebrate its 10th anniversary, and there are rumors that a special «X» version may be released, as was the case with the iPhone.