There is watchOS 11 too, the major software update for all modern Apple Watch models – it will be baked into the new Apple Watch Series 10 and a spiffy new black version of the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. While this update is a pretty minor one, it brings some welcome changes like enhancements to the Workout and Activity Rings, a new Vitals app, and fresh watch faces. This article examines several of the less visible features and changes implemented with Apple’s most recent update to its smartwatch. It’s important to note that watchOS 11 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 or later and requires an iPhone XS or newer running iOS 18.

Hidden Features in watchOS 11

New Watch Faces

The Photos watch face has gotten a makeover in watchOS 11. It even allows the search of your photo library using use machine learning to analyze photos and display the greatest combinations and quality. The time dimension and space design of the partners, including complications, can also be customized by users’ pushed favorite fonts. Additionally, two new watch faces have been introduced: Flux and Reflections. Flux makes the face change color as the seconds hand goes by, changing from one number style to another for each new minute, whereas Reflections has circular and fullscreen styles available but still no complications.

Sync Maps to Watch

The Maps app in iOS 18 includes a comprehensive data set for trails and hikes, with coverage spanning the entire U.S. national park system of 63 parks. You can add tracks to the map Library and download them for offline use, make available limits these routes to your Apple Watch for simpler turn-by-turn direction.

Music Recognition

One note that may have flown under the radar is a new version of Shazam that came pre-installed on watchOS 11, called “Music Recognition,” and allows users to identify songs playing in the vicinity, with recorded tracks saved as a history for use with their iPhones. You can also enable Music Detection within the Smart Stack, which will prompt it to appear as a suggested widget when music is detected nearby.

Tides App

Users can also check the conditions of over 115,000 beaches for up to seven days with the new Tides app. The app provides updates on tides moving up and down, weather information, and even includes the Tides widget for convenience in the Smart Stack.

Vitals and Translate Features

The Vitals app enhances sleep tracking by providing critical overnight health data, including heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and alerts users if metrics fall outside typical ranges. The Translate app lets users view translations on their wrists by typing or dictating phrases, functioning independently from the iPhone with Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, and providing offline capabilities through downloaded languages. This makes it especially useful for travelers in regions with different languages.