Janet Ingber
This fall, Apple released its latest operating system for the Apple Watch. Among its many features, WatchOS 11 introduces new health options, the ability to play content through the Watch speakers, and support for multiple VoiceOver voices. WatchOS 11 is compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and newer. For this article, I tested WatchOS 11 on an Apple Watch Series 10.
Multiple VoiceOver Voices
WatchOS 11 allows users to add multiple VoiceOver voices via the new Voice Rotor. By default, Samantha is the primary voice. To add additional voices, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver, then select Add Rotor Voice. A variety of voices are available to choose from. Once you add a new voice, a Voices option will appear in the rotor.
Activity Rings
For the first time, WatchOS 11 lets users pause their activity rings, allowing them to maintain their streaks. To pause your rings, open the Activity app on your watch and tap the Weekly Summary button. Scroll down and select Pause Rings. To change a goal, follow the same steps but select Change Goals instead.
Vitals
If you wear your Apple Watch while sleeping, it can monitor your heart rate, respiration rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration. Note that blood oxygen monitoring is not currently available in the United States. Apple emphasizes that the Vitals app is not intended for medical use.
During sleep, the Vitals app establishes a typical range for each metric. If multiple metrics fall outside their usual range, you’ll receive a notification. The app also provides insights into other factors, such as medication or alcohol, that may influence these changes.
To review your vitals, open the Vitals app on your watch and select Overnight Vitals. The first time you use the app, you’ll be prompted to configure sleep settings in the Sleep app. According to Apple, you need seven sleep sessions to establish baseline ranges, which become more accurate with continued use.
Vitals data is also accessible on your iPhone. Open the Health app, select the Browse tab, and navigate to Vitals.
Training Load
The Training Load feature compares the duration and intensity of your workouts over the past seven days to those from the previous 28 days. Your training load is categorized on a scale ranging from well below to well above your ideal range.
To view your training load, open the Activity app on your watch and select Workload. After completing a workout, a new Effort button will appear in the summary, showing a rating from 1 to 10. Metrics such as age and weight are factored into the rating.
Sleep Apnea
The Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, and Ultra 2 can help detect sleep apnea and are FDA-approved for this use. If you wear your watch while sleeping, it will track “breathing disturbances.” After 30 days, you’ll be notified if the data suggests potential sleep apnea.
Check In
The Check In feature is now available on the Apple Watch, in addition to the iPhone. To start, open the Messages app on your watch and create a text message. Locate the Apps button, select it, and configure your options. Then, tap Send.
The recipient will receive a notification with your Check In and a specific time. They can choose to enable critical alerts, which notify them when you’ve arrived at your destination.
For more details on Check In, visit ZDNet’s guide.
Smart Stack
WatchOS 11 introduces new widgets for the Smart Stack, including severe weather alerts, training load, photos, distance, music recognition, and live activities. To enable Live Activities, go to Settings > Smart Stack > Live Activities on your watch. You can toggle the feature on or off and configure additional parameters.
You can also allow widgets to be added automatically. Navigate to Settings > Smart Stack > Widget Suggestions and activate this option. Below it, you’ll find a list of Apple apps whose widgets can be toggled on or off.
Translate
The Translate app now supports 20 languages. If you travel to a country where a different language is spoken, a Translate widget will automatically appear in your Smart Stack.
The Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 allow languages to be downloaded directly to the watch, enabling offline use of the Translate app.
Speaker
WatchOS 11 adds the ability to play audio content directly through the Apple Watch’s speaker. AirPods or other Bluetooth devices are no longer required.
