Apple Watch operating system
Operating system
watchOS is the operating system of the Apple Watch , developed by Apple Inc. It is based on iOS , the operating system used by the iPhone , and has many similar features.[ 5] It was released on April 24, 2015, along with the Apple Watch, the only device that runs watchOS. watchOS exposes an API called WatchKit for developer use.
The second version, watchOS 2, included support for native third-party apps and other improvements, and was released on September 21, 2015.[ 6] [ 7] [ 8] The third version, watchOS 3, was released on September 13, 2016, to emphasize better performance and include new watch faces and stock apps. The fourth version, watchOS 4, was released on September 19, 2017. The fifth version, watchOS 5, was released on September 17, 2018,[ 9] to add more third-party support and new workouts, along with the "Walkie-Talkie " feature.[ 10] The sixth version, watchOS 6, was released on September 19, 2019.[ 11] The seventh version, watchOS 7, was released on September 16, 2020, to support handwashing and sleep tracking.[ 12] [ 13] The eighth version, watchOS 8, was released on September 20, 2021, with updates in health monitoring, visuals, and apps.[ 14] The ninth version, watchOS 9, was released on September 12, 2022. The tenth version, watchOS 10, was released on September 18, 2023. The 11th version, watchOS 11, was released on September 16, 2024.
Interface overview
The home screen, rendered by and also known as "Carousel",[ 5] consists of circular application icons that can be zoomed in and out with the Digital Crown and launched by touching the display, allowing users to access their favorite apps.
Prior to watchOS 3, "Glances" offered quick access to summaries of the most frequently used native and third-party applications.[ 15] The Glances view was opened with a swipe-up gesture from the watch face screen. In watchOS 3, Glances were replaced with a redesigned Control Center that mirrors the functionality seen in iOS, providing a more unified experience across Apple devices. The Control Center is accessed with a swipe-up gesture from the watch face screen. Additionally, the friends menu, previously activated with the side button, was repurposed as a dedicated dock for apps, enhancing multitasking and app management.
Prior to watchOS 7, different actions and options appeared depending on whether the user taps or deep-presses, which an Apple Watch detects with its pressure-sensitive (Force Touch ) Display.[ 16] Force Touch was completely removed in watchOS 7, and all actions requiring the feature were moved to specific options in the Settings app or to long-press actions.[ 17] With the launch of watchOS 7, Force Touch technology was phased out. This feature was replaced by additional options in the Settings app and extended press gestures to accommodate all necessary interactions. This change streamlined the interaction model, making it more consistent with other Apple devices that do not support Force Touch.
As of watchOS 10, the interface has been further refined to enhance user accessibility and interaction. New customization features allow users to personalize their Carousel with greater ease, and improvements in app responsiveness and animation enrich the overall user experience. These updates demonstrate Apple's ongoing commitment to enhancing usability while maintaining the sleek, minimalist design that users appreciate.
Supported health metrics
Since its inception, watchOS has supported an increasing number and variety of health metrics for measurement and tracking. These include:
heart rate
maximal aerobic capacity, otherwise known as VO2 max (added in watchOS 4,[ 18] enhanced in watchOS 7[ 19] [ 20] [ 21] )
electrocardiogram, otherwise known as EKG or ECG (added in watchOS 5.1.2[ 22] )
blood oxygen saturation, otherwise known as SpO2 (added in watchOS 7,[ 19] unavailable on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 units sold after January 15, 2024 for legal reasons )
menstrual cycle status (added in watchOS 6[ 23] )
sleep duration & respiratory rate tracking (added in watchOS 7[ 24] [ 25] )
HealthKit
For several years, Apple has been developing its HealthKit product in an attempt to penetrate the lucrative healthcare and wellness industry, which CB Insights believe holds a huge growth opportunity for Apple.[ 26] This was confirmed by Jony Ive , Apple's former chief designer, in an interview. He said that health was a crucial element in the Apple Watch since the day of its inception and that the developmental trajectory of the hardware and the watchOS were geared towards health-based capabilities.[ 27] Ive pointed out that one of the primary apps that shipped with the first watchOS allowed users to track and communicate as well as encourage them to move, exercise, and stand. He said:
Many of us have our phones with us all the time, but they aren't connected to you. Imagine having something this powerful with you at all times, and what opportunities that might present to the user. The opportunity is phenomenal. Particularly when [you] don't understand just where we are today in terms of technology and capability, but where we are headed.[ 27]
Applications have been developed for watchOS that not only keep users active but also diagnose illnesses. For example, the app called DeepHeart, a deep-learning network that can detect atrial fibrillation , hypertension , sleep apnea, and diabetes .[ 28] It taps into the HealthKit platform to collect data, particularly those collected by the Apple Watch's heart sensor.[ 29]
Version history
Overview of watchOS versions
Version
Initial release date
Latest version
Build number
Release date
Device end-of-life
Apple Watch
iPhone
watchOS 1
April 24, 2015
1.0.1
12S632
May 19, 2015
—
—
watchOS 2
September 21, 2015
2.2.2
13V604
July 18, 2016
watchOS 3
September 13, 2016
3.2.3
14V753
July 19, 2017
5 , 5C
watchOS 4
September 19, 2017
4.3.2
15U70
July 9, 2018
1st
—
watchOS 5
September 17, 2018
5.3.9
16U693
November 5, 2020
—
5S , 6
watchOS 6
September 19, 2019
6.3
17U216
December 14, 2020
Series 1 , Series 2
—
watchOS 7
September 16, 2020
7.6.2
18U80
September 13, 2021
—
—
watchOS 8
September 20, 2021
8.8.1
19U512
June 21, 2023
Series 3
6S , SE (1st) , 7
watchOS 9
September 12, 2022
9.6.3
20U502
September 21, 2023
—
8 , X
watchOS 10
September 18, 2023
10.6.1
21U580
August 19, 2024
Series 4 , Series 5 , SE (1st)
—
watchOS 11
September 16, 2024
11.2
22S101
December 11, 2024
—
—
11.3 beta
22S5534d
December 16, 2024
Legend: Obsolete Supported Current Beta
watchOS 1
The first version of watchOS 1 was 1.0 and was based on iOS 8.2. The second version of watchOS 1 was 1.0.1 and was based on iOS 8.3.
Overview of watchOS 1 versions
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
1.0
8.2[ 30]
12S507
April 24, 2015; 9 years ago (2015-04-24 )
Initial release on Apple Watch (1st Generation).
UI
Free floating Circular app icons in home screen.
Zoom in with Digital Crown.
9 watch faces:[ 31] Chronograph, Color, Modular, Utility, Mickey Mouse , Simple, Motion, Solar, Astronomy
20 stock apps:[ 32] Activity, Alarm , Calendar , Camera Remote, Mail , Maps , Messages , Music , Passbook , Phone, Photos , Remote, Settings, Siri , Stocks , Stopwatch , Timer , Weather , Workout, World Clock .
1.0.1[ 33]
8.3[ 30]
12S632
May 19, 2015; 9 years ago (2015-05-19 )
Display support for new Emoji characters.
Notification screen UI tweaks.
Improved performance:
Free floating Circular app icons in home screen.
Zoom in with Digital Crown.
Siri.
Measuring stand activity.
Calculating calories for indoor cycling and rowing workouts.
Distance and pace during outdoor walk and run.
Accessibility.
Third-party apps.
Wrist Raise (more sensitive to real-life wrist raises).
Additional language support: Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, Thai, Turkish.
Security fixes[ 34]
watchOS 2
Overview of watchOS 2 versions[ 35]
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
2.0[ 36]
9.0[ 30]
13S344
September 21, 2015; 9 years ago (2015-09-21 )
New Watch faces
Time-lapse face: Hong Kong, London, Mack Lake, New York, Shanghai, Paris
Photo & Photo album faces with support for Live Photos
New Time Travel function where you can see both past and future events
Nightstand Mode
9 new colors for customization
New multicolor Modular face
3rd party apps Complications support
Siri
Workout and Maps support
FaceTime audio calling and email replying support
HomeKit support
Added support in following countries: Austria, Belgium, Norway
Activity and Workout
Workouts done in 3rd-party apps will be included in Activity rings
Sharing support from Activity app on iPhone
Interactive achievements
Weekly Summary
Activity notifications can now be muted for a day
Workouts can now be automatically saved
Apple Pay and Wallet
Discover cards support
Reward cards, store credit and debit cards support
Passes can now be added from 3rd party apps
Friends
You can now add more than 12 friends to your Watch
Groups support
Multicolor sketches support
Animated emoji support
Maps
New Transit view in selected cities
List of directions can now be shown
Station placards support with departure information
Music
New Beats 1 Radio support
New Quick Play button for Apple Music
Miscellaneous
You can now reply to emails right from your Watch using dictation, emoji, or smart replies
Support for FaceTime audio calls
Support for Wi-Fi calling
Activation Lock – No one can activate an Apple Watch without a proper Apple ID and password
New system languages: English (India), Finnish, Indonesian, Norwegian, Polish
Dictation support extended to include the following languages:
Dutch (Belgium)
English (Ireland, Philippines, South Africa)
French (Belgium)
German (Austria)
Spanish (Chile, Colombia)
Smart replies support extended to include the following languages:
Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong, Taiwan)
Danish
Dutch
English (New Zealand, Singapore)
Japanese
Korean
Swedish
Thai
Developer
Native SDK support
3rd-party apps can now access the accelerometer, heart rate sensor, microphone, Taptic Engine, and Digital Crown
You can now play videos directly on your Watch
You can now run apps without your iPhone with a Wi-Fi connection
Complications for watch faces support
Support for Workouts from 3rd party apps – Metrics will count toward the Activity rings as well as included in the Activity app on iPhone
2.0.1[ 36]
9.1
13S428
October 21, 2015; 9 years ago (2015-10-21 )
New emoji characters
Resolved : Software updates stalling
Resolved : Battery performance deteriorating
Resolved : iPhone calendar events not syncing to Apple Watch
Resolved : Location information not updating
Resolved : Instability with Live Photo on the Photos watch face
Resolved : Heart sensor is on forever when Siri is used to help measure your heart rate
2.1[ 36]
9.2
13S661
December 8, 2015; 9 years ago (2015-12-08 )
New system languages: Arabic, Czech, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Malay, Portuguese (Portugal), Vietnamese
Right-to-left language support
In Arabic, switch between Latin and Hindi numerals
New Complication for Islamic and Hebrew calendars
Siri support extended to include Arabic (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates)
Dictation support extended to include the following languages:
Arabic (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates)
English (Malaysia)
Czech
Greek
Hebrew
Hungarian
Portuguese (Portugal)
Vietnamese
Resolved : Events not updating in the Calendar complication
Resolved : Power Reserve mode not working correctly
Resolved : 3rd-party apps not launching
Resolved : 3rd-party app icons not displaying correctly
Resolved : System instability when changing display language
2.2[ 36]
9.3
13V144
March 21, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-03-21 )
You can now pair 2+ Apple Watches to a single iPhone
New Nearby function in Maps
New system languages: Catalan, Croatian, Slovak, Romanian, Ukrainian
Dictation support extended to include the following languages:
Catalan
Croatian
Slovak
Romanian
Ukrainian
English (Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia)
Siri support extended to include Malay, Finnish, and Hebrew
Background heart rate measurements have their frequency increased when you're stationary
2.2.1[ 36]
9.3.2
13V420
May 16, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-05-16 )
General performance and stability improvements.
2.2.2[ 36]
9.3.3
13V604
July 18, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-07-18 )
General performance and stability improvements.
watchOS 3
Overview of watchOS 3 versions[ 37]
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
3.0
10.0
14S326
September 13, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-09-13 )
Initial Release on Apple Watch Series 1 (Dual-Core) and Apple Watch Series 2 (Dual-Core)
Navigation
Favorite apps in Dock
Apps in Dock updates with up-to-date information on launch
Dock can contain up to 10 apps
Simple switch to different watch face with a swipe
Control Center can be toggled with a swipe up
New Watch faces
Minnie Mouse face
Activity faces
Numerals faces
Complications support for Photo, Photo Album, Timelapse, and Motion faces
New Complications: Workout, Music, and Messages, etc.
Face Gallery in Apple Watch app on iPhone
3rd-party Complications support
Activity
Share and compare activity rings
Activity progress notifications for a person you have shared your activity progress with
Smart replies for above notifications
New "Sharing" tab on Activity app on iPhone
Workout
Quick start
Customizable metrics view
Gestures support for pausing, resuming, or marking segments
Support for "Other" workouts not listed in built-in workout types
Auto-pause in running workouts for inactivity
Siri support
Route maps with a speed indicator (Outdoor workouts only)
For Wheelchairs
Activity rings support for people using a wheelchair
Pushes now contribute to the move ring
Stand ring and "Time to Stand" notification substituted with Roll ring and "Time to Roll" notification
Outdoor Run or Walk pace workouts
Breathe app
New app for breathing sessions
Visualization and haptics indicate when to inhale or exhale
Adjustments for session length and amount of breaths per minute
Summary with heart rate
"Time to Breathe" notifications
Weekly Summary
Communication
Full-screen effects for celebrations
Tap to quick reply
Animations for handwritten messages
Send built-in or 3rd party stickers
Ability to view secret messages
Replies now available in Messages and Mail notifications
New and redesigned emojis
Scribble
Write directly on Apple Watch and it will automatically convert to text
Scroll through predictions with Digital Crown
Available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese
Emergency SOS
You can now call emergency services by pressing and holding the side button
Your SOS contacts will be notified with your location
You can also display your Medical ID stored on your Watch
Emergency numbers are automatically adjusted per your location
Home
New app to control accessories through HomeKit
You can now control all your accessories directly from your wrist
IP camera support: Watch live video with controls and notifications directly on your Watch
Miscellaneous
New Reminders app
New Find My Friends app
Apple Pay support in 3rd-party apps
New controls in the Calendar app: You can now delete events or switch calendars
FaceTime audio calls support
Search for Settings on Apple Watch app on iPhone
New remote camera controls: Flash, Live Photos, HDR, Zoom, Burst, and facing
New Siri languages: Spanish (Chile), Cantonese, English (Ireland), English (South Africa)
3.1
10.1
14S471
October 24, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-10-24 )
Bubbles and fullscreen effects on Messages can now be replayed
Reduce Motion of Messages effects
Resolved : "Timer complete" notification being delivered twice
Resolved : Apple Watch Series 2 not fully charged
Resolved : Disappeared Activity rings on watch faces
Resolved : Force Touch options not appearing in 3rd-party apps
3.1.1
10.2
14S883
December 12, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-12-12 )
Update withdrawn due to reports of Apple Watches no longer working after the update [ 38]
3.1.3
10.2.1
14S960
January 23, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-01-23 )
Resolved : Bricking Apple Watches after updating to watchOS 3.1.1
Includes fixes from watchOS 3.1.1, including...
Resolved : Contact names not appearing in notifications and the Messages app
Resolved : Unable to respond notifications
Resolved : Stocks Complication not updating on watch faces
Resolved : Activity rings not displaying on Activity watch faces
Resolved : Dials of Analog watch faces not displaying after changing the temperature unit in the Weather app
Resolved : Maps app still launching after navigation has ended
Resolved : Month view of Calendars app showing incorrect dates
3.2
10.3
14V249
March 27, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-03-27 )
Siri now works with 3rd-party apps with features including
Start a workout
Send messages
Make payments
Book rides
Theater Mode
New Scribble languages: French, Spanish, Italian
Sync progress for music playlists is now displayed in the Apple Watch app on iPhone
3.2.2
10.3.2
14V485
May 15, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-05-15 )
3.2.3
10.3.3
14V753
July 19, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-07-19 )
watchOS 4
Overview of watchOS 4 versions[ 39]
Limited support on the Apple Watch (1st generation) . Some features are not supported on the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
4.0
11.0
15R372
September 19, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-09-19 )
Initial release on Apple Watch Series 3
Drops support for iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C
New Watch faces
Siri face with updates based on time, location, and daily routines
Toy Story face with animated Toy Story characters
Kaleidoscope face with static images turning into patterns
Siri, News, Heart Rate, Now Playing, Messages Complications
Activity
Personalized notifications
Monthly challenges
Full Screen animations for achievements and rings closed
Workout metrics included in replies for Activity Sharing notifications
Workout
App completely redesigned
High Intensity Interval Training workout support
Multiple workouts in a single session support
Auto sets for Pool Swim workouts
Synced music playlist support when starting workouts (Apple Watch 1st gen not supported)
Music controls right inside the app
Do Not Disturb can be automatically turned on when starting workouts
Heart Rate
Graphs for all-day heart rate
New measurements including resting rate, walking average, workout average, workout high, recovery, and Breathe sessions
High Heart Rate notifications support (Apple Watch 1st gen not supported)
New Heart Rate data on iPhone including Heart Rate Variability and VO2 max
Music
App completely redesigned
Multiple playlists sync support for local playback with Bluetooth headphones
Apple Music curated playlists sync support, includes Heavy Rotation, My New Music Mix, and My Favorites Mix
Miscellaneous
News app added
Flashlight and Safety Light can be toggled through Control Center
Recent used apps in Dock
App home screen in alphabetical view
Gestures support in Mail
Dialer pad right inside Phone app
Conflicts for Calendar invites can now be displayed
New language for Scribble: German
New timers: sub-minute and repeating
Recent locations and suggestions in Maps
Contacts in Smart Reply, includes location
4.0.1
11.0
15R654
October 4, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-10-04 )
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) only
Resolved : Apple Watches joining unauthenticated Wi-Fi networks
4.1
11.1
15R846
October 31, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-10-31 )
Music streaming support on Apple Music or iCloud Music Library (Apple Watch Series 3 only)
New Radio app: Beats 1 Live Radio, custom stations, and expert-curated stations (Apple Watch Series 3 only)
Find, discover, and play songs, albums, or albums using Siri
Fitness data syncing support for more accurate metrics on GymKit -enabled treadmills, ellipticals, stair steppers, and indoor bikes
Ability to disconnect from a Wi-Fi network right in Control Center (Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular model only)
Resolved : Heart Rate notifications erroneously delivered to users who have not enabled the feature
Resolved : Current Stand Hour indicator not correctly displayed
Resolved : Haptics not delivered for silent alarms
Resolved : Apple Watch (1st gen) not charging
Resolved : Sunrise / Sunset complication not appearing on watch faces
Mandarin Chinese now set as default dictation language in China
4.2
11.2
15S102
December 5, 2017; 7 years ago (2017-12-05 )
Apple Pay Cash support (US only)
HomeKit sprinklers and faucet support
3rd-party app Workouts: distance, average Speed, number of runs, elevation descended for downhill snow sports (Apple Watch Series 3 only)
Resolved : Crash when asking Siri about weather
Resolved : Scrolling disabled in the Heart Rate app
Resolved : Simultaneous timers and alarms not being independently dismissed
4.2.2
11.2
15S542
January 23, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-01-23 )
This update includes improvements and bug fixes.
4.2.3
11.2
15S600b
February 19, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-02-19 )
Fixes an issue where using certain character sequences could cause apps to crash.
4.3
11.3
15T212
March 29, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-03-29 )
HomePod volume and playback control support
Regaining control of music on iPhone
Multiple orientation support on Nightstand mode
Activity rings progress and new songs to Apple Music mixes are now shown on the Siri watch face
Resolved : Activity achievements incorrectly awarded
Resolved : Siri music commands not working for some audio
4.3.1
11.4
15T567
May 29, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-05-29 )
Fixes an issue which caused Apple Watch to sometimes remain at the Apple Logo during startup for some users.
4.3.2
11.4.1
15U70
July 9, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-07-09 )
Final release supported on Apple Watch (1st generation)
This update includes improvements and bug fixes.
watchOS 5
watchOS 5 was first shown to the public at the 2018 San Jose WWDC developer conference held on June 4, 2018 by Apple. It had an instant watch-to-watch Walkie-Talkie mode.[ 40] With this release, Apple dropped support for the first generation Apple Watch. watchOS 5 was the first version of watchOS to bring 64-bit support.
Overview of watchOS 5 versions[ 41]
Some features are not supported on the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2 .
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
5.0
12.0
16R364
September 17, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-09-17 )
Initial Release on Apple Watch Series 4
Drops support for the Apple Watch (1st generation)
Workout
Compete with Friends notifications
Auto detect workout and notification to turn off workout when done
New workouts: Yoga and Hiking
Pace Alerts and Cadence
Podcasts
New app for watchOS
Download episodes of podcasts for listening
Stream your favorite podcasts on the go (Series 3 and later only)
Walkie-Talkie
A new watchOS app that allows you to do FaceTime Audio calls similar to talking on a walkie-talkie
Siri
Watchface adds 3rd-party access to Siri
Raise to Speak. No longer need to say "Hey Siri" to activate (Series 3 and later only)
Integrate with shortcuts like "I am on my way home" and Siri will start playing your favorite playlist on the way home
Notifications
Grouped notifications
More actions you can do with Notifications
Can view webpages from iMessages
Do Not Disturb
Can schedule Do Not Disturb events when leaving a location or just for a specific time period
Student ID Cards
5.0.1
12.0
16R381/16R382
September 27, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-09-27 )
Improvements and bug fixes
5.1
12.1
16R591
October 30, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-10-30 )
Update withdrawn due to reports of Apple Watches no longer working after the update [ 42]
5.1.1
12.1
16R600
November 5, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-11-05 )
Improvements and bug fixes
Addresses a problem in the WatchOS 5.1 update leading to non-functional Apple Watches.
Improvements to Series 4 automatic fall detection.
Resolves a problem with completing setup of Walkie-Talkie.
Resolves a problem with sending and receiving invitations for Walkie-Talkie.
Resolves missing earned Activity awards.
5.1.2
12.1.1
16S46
December 6, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-12-06 )
New ECG app for Apple Watch Series 4 (US and US territories only)
Irregular rhythm notification (US and US territories only)
AFiB notification
Other improvements and bug fixes
5.1.3
12.1.3
16S535
January 22, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-01-22 )
This update includes improvements and bug fixes.
5.2
12.2
16T225
March 27, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-03-27 )
ECG app extended to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK
Irregular rhythm notification extended to countries listed above
2nd gen AirPods support
Real-time text support for phone calls
5.2.1
12.3
16U113
May 13, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-05-13 )
ECG app extended to Croatia, Czech, Iceland, Poland, and Slovakia
Irregular rhythm notification extended to countries listed above
New Pride watch face
Other bug fixes
5.3
12.4
16U569
July 22, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-07-22 )
ECG app extended to Canada and Singapore
Irregular rhythm notification extended to countries listed above
Resolved: Security fix for Walkie-Talkie app that could enable the owner's iPhone to be eavesdropped[ 43]
5.3.1
12.4.1
16U600
August 26, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-08-26 )
Re-patches a security vulnerability that was accidentally unpatched in the previous update
Post-watchOS 6 Updates for watches paired with an iOS 12.x iPhone (to support iPhone 5S and iPhone 6/6 Plus )
5.3.2
12.4.2
16U611
September 26, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-09-26 )
Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2 only
Security update for Series 1 and Series 2 watches[ 44]
5.3.3
12.4.3
16U620
October 29, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-10-29 )
Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2 only [citation needed ]
Important security updates
5.3.4
12.4.4
16U627[ 45]
December 10, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-12-10 )
Security update for Series 1, 2, 3, and 4 watches[ 46]
5.3.5
12.4.5
16U652[ 47]
February 18, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-02-18 )
Update for Series 1, 2, 3, and 4 watches with heart rhythm notification bug fix[ 48]
No published security notes. [ 49]
5.3.6
12.4.6
16U662
March 24, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-03-24 )
Important security updates
No published security notes. [ 49]
5.3.7
12.4.7
16U674
May 18, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-05-18 )
Improvements and bug fixes
Security notes
5.3.8
12.4.8
16U680
July 15, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-07-15 )
Improvements and bug fixes
No published security notes. [ 49]
5.3.9
12.4.9
16U693
November 5, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-11-05 )
Final version to support iPhone 5S , iPhone 6 , iPhone 6 Plus
Improvements and bug fixes
Security notes
watchOS 6
Apple announced a new version of watchOS that would contain features, such as the App Store, a calculator with tip tools, an audiobooks app, noise level monitoring, and Apple's Voice Memos app, at WWDC 2019 held on 3 June 2019.[ 50] [ 51] [ 52] It also enables special games that can only be played on the Watch interface. With this release, Apple dropped support for iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus. However, watchOS 6 has limited support on Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 . watchOS 6.3 is the final release supported on the Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 .
Overview of watchOS 6 versions[ 53]
Limited support on the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2 .
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
6.0
13.0
17R575
September 19, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-09-19 )
Initial Release on Apple Watch Series 5
Not released for Apple Watch Series 1 and 2
Drops support for iPhone 5s , iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
Cycle Tracking
New Cycle Tracking app for tracking menstrual cycle and fertility metrics
Notifications predicting a person's next menstrual cycle and fertile window.
Noise (Series 4 or later only)
New Noise app for detecting decibel levels in your surroundings.
Notifications can be pushed when it detects that the noise in your surrounding is too high.
Voice Memos
New Voice Memos app for recording and listening to voice memos directly on Apple Watch
Synced across all your devices as well.
Audiobooks
Now you can sync up to 5 hours of audiobooks to your Apple Watch
Stream them when your Watch is connected via Wi-Fi or cellular
App store
New built-in App Store where you can find and download apps for your Watch.
Supports Sign in with Apple
Activity Trends
Activity Trends in Activity app which includes all three activity rings, stand minutes, walking distance, walking pace, running pace, and VO2 max.
These are compared with data averaged over the last 90 days to the wearer's performance over the last year.
Tips are given if a single trend is going down.
Workout
New elevation metrics for Outdoor Run, Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Cycle, and Hiking workouts (Series 2 or later only)
Stopwatch app can now be viewed on your watch face during workouts
GymKit support for True and Woodway
Siri
Now you can identify songs directly on your Watch—with the ability to add identified songs to your Apple Music library
New Siri Web Search—shows up to 5 online results with the ability to view optimized Web content.
Siri integration into the redesigned Find People app
Watch Faces
New Faces
Numerals Mono and Numerals Duo (Available in Arabic, Arabic Indic, Roman numerals, and Devanagari)
Meridian—black or white dial which fills the screen and includes 4 complications (Series 4 or later only)
Gradient—Design dynamically changes as time passes. Available in full screen or circular with 5 complications (Series 4 or later only)
California—Supports multiple numeral styles in Roman, Arabic, and Devanagari in fullscreen or circular (Series 4 or later only)
Solar Dial—Depicts the Sun's path in circular form across a 24-hour dial (Series 4 or later only)
Modular Compact—With many complications and the option to choose between analog or digital time (Series 4 or later only)
Tap to speak on all watch faces, supports up to 30 languages
Receive and customize time-keeping chimes (An alert on the hour, every half hour or every 15 minutes, either with haptics or customizable chimes)
Now you can reorder your Watch faces directly on your Watch
New complications
Audiobooks
Calculator
Cellular connectivity
Cycle Tracking
Noise
Wind
Rain
Voice memos
New monochrome complications for Infograph and Infograph Modular faces
Miscellaneous
New Calculator app with the ability to calculate tips and split checks
Support for custom stations in the Podcasts app
Smart Guidance and spoken navigation in Maps
Redesigned Now Playing app with Apple TV Remote controls
Personalized music picks in the For You tab
Support for automatic software updates
Redesigned Walkie-Talkie app
Redesigned Find People app which allows you to add friends, set notifications, and change settings directly on your Watch
Redesigned Reminders app with shared lists, subtasks, and the ability to add new reminders
More settings for Accessibility, Workout, and Health
6.0.1
13.1
17R604/17R605
September 30, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-09-30 )
Not released for Apple Watch Series 1 and 2
Improvements and bug fixes
Resolves an issue where the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse watch faces do not speak time.
Addresses an issue where the calendar complication may not display events.
Fixes a bug that could result in a loss of display calibration data.
6.1
13.2
17S84
October 29, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-10-29 )
First version of watchOS 6.x to support Apple Watch Series 1 and 2
Support for AirPods Pro
Other improvements and bug fixes
Brings watchOS 6 to Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2
6.1.1
13.3
17S449
December 10, 2019; 5 years ago (2019-12-10 )
Important security updates
6.1.2
13.3.1
17S796
January 28, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-01-28 )
Important security updates
Security notes
6.1.3
17S811
February 18, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-02-18 )
Heart rhythm notification bug fix
No published security notes. [ 49]
6.2
13.4
17T529
March 24, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-03-24 )
Brings ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications to Chile, Turkey, and New Zealand
Brings in-app purchases to Apple Watch apps
Fixes music playback issues when switching from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth
Security notes
6.2.1
13.4.1
17T530
April 8, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-04-08 )
Fixes an issue that prevented FaceTime audio calls with devices running iOS 9.3.6 and earlier or Macs running OS X El Captain 10.11.6 and earlier from working
No published security notes. [ 49]
6.2.5
13.5
17T608
May 18, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-05-18 )
ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later now available in Saudi Arabia
Irregular heart rhythm notifications now available in Saudi Arabia
Security notes
6.2.6
13.5.1
17T620
June 1, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-06-01 )
Important security updates
Security notes
rowspan="3" 6.2.8
13.6
17U63
July 15, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-07-15 )
ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later now available in Bahrain, Brazil, and South Africa
Irregular heart rhythm notifications now available in Bahrain, Brazil, and South Africa
Digital car keys support for Apple Watch Series 5
Security notes
13.6.1
August 12, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-08-12 )
13.7
September 1, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-09-01 )
Post-watchOS 7 Updates for watches paired with an iOS 13.x iPhone (for users who deferred updating to iOS 14)
6.2.9
13.7
17U203
November 5, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-11-05 )
Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2 only
Improvements and bug fixes
Security notes
6.3
17U208
December 14, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-12-14 )
Final version to support the Apple Watch Series 1 and 2
Improvements and bug fixes
Security notes
watchOS 7
Apple announced watchOS 7 at the 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference on June 22, 2020. With watchOS 7, Apple dropped support for Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 . watchOS 7 has limited support on the Apple Watch Series 3 .
Overview of watchOS 7 versions[ 54]
Limited support on the Apple Watch Series 3 .
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
7.0
iOS 14.0
18R382
September 16, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-09-16 )
Initial Release on Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6
Drops support for the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2
Watch Faces
Updated Faces
Chronograph Pro gains a tachymeter (Series 4 or later only)
X-Large adds support for one large complication
Photos face provides colour filters for pictures and more customization options
Updated colours for many watch faces
Complications
Apps may now include more than one complication
New and/or updated Sleep, Shortcuts, Camera Remote, Moon Phase and World Clock complications
Watch Face Sharing
Ability to share custom Watch Faces through Mail, Messages, or posting a link
Sleep Tracking
Apple Watch uses the accelerometer to measure sleep
See logged sleep, manage schedules and set alarms in the new Sleep app
New alarm sounds and haptics
Wind Down mode
Sleep Mode automatically enables Do Not Disturb and disables Raise to Wake
Reminders to charge your Apple Watch in the evening if below 30% charge
Notifications on iPhone when Apple Watch is finished charging
Wake up screen displays after your alarm, showing the weather and your battery level
Activity
Workouts
New Dance, Functional Strength Training, Core Training and Cooldown workouts
Mobility Metrics
Support for low-range cardio fitness, walking speed, stair-descent speed, stair-ascent speed, six-minute walk distance, double support time, step length, and asymmetry metrics in the Health app on iPhone, tracked by Apple Watch
Exercise and Stand goals can now be modified in addition to the Move goal
Activity app renamed Fitness app on iPhone
Maps
Cycling Directions
Cycling specific directions in Maps in supported areas
Choose routes based on intensity and duration
Alerts about upcoming stairs and dismount locations
Handwashing (Series 4 or later only)
Automatic handwashing detection with a 20-second timer
Handwashing reminder when arriving home
Siri
Translation support for 10 languages
Support for Announce Messages with Siri
New Siri UI
New Apps
New Shortcuts app, and ability to choose visible shortcuts on Apple Watch from iPhone
New Memoji app with support for editing and creating new Memoji (Series 4 or later only)
Dictation
Dictation is processed on-device (Series 4 or later only)
Privacy
Microphone icon appears onscreen when in use
Headphones
Ability to set a decibel volume limit for headphones
Reminders to reduce volume if above World Health Organization's limits
Family Setup (Cellular Series 4 or later only, in supported countries)
Pair Apple Watches for family members that do not have their own iPhone, aimed at children and seniors
Activity metrics are more accurate for children, and Apple Watch now measures move minutes rather than active calories
Apple Cash Family allows children to receive money using Apple Cash
Enhanced parental controls, including approved contacts and apps, and Schooltime
Schooltime
Displays a standard yellow watch face and turns on Do Not Disturb to limit distractions
Can be manually enabled through the Control Centre, or scheduled and remotely enabled for child watches using Family Setup
Security notes
7.0.1
iOS 14.0.1
18R395
September 24, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-09-24 )
Fixes an issue where some payment cards in Wallet were disabled for some users
No published security notes. [ 49]
7.0.2
18R402
October 12, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-10-12 )
Fixes an issue where the battery drained too quickly
Fixes an issue that blocked access to the ECG app
No published security notes. [ 49]
7.0.3
18R410
October 19, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-10-19 )
Fixes an issue that causes unexpected restarts with Series 3 watches
No published security notes. [ 49]
7.1
iOS 14.2
18R590
November 5, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-11-05 )
Headphone audio level notifications
Adds ECG and irregular heart rhythm notifications support in South Korea and Russia
Fixed: Unlocking Mac with Apple Watch fails
Fixed: Always-on display failure on Apple Watch Series 6
Security notes
7.2
18S564
December 14, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-12-14 )
Adds support for Apple Fitness+ (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, and US only)
Cardio fitness notifications
AFiB notifications now available at heart rates above 100 BPM
Adds ECG support in Taiwan
Adds braille displays with VoiceOver support
Family Setup now available in Bahrain, Canada, Norway, and Spain
Security notes
7.3
18S801
January 26, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-01-26 )
New Unity watch face
New Time to Walk podcasts in Apple Fitness+
Add ECG support in Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand (Series 4 or later)
Add Irregular heart rhythm notifications in Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand
Fix an unresponsive issue when zoom is enabled in the Control Center and Notification Center
Security notes
7.3.1
18S811
February 15, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02-15 )
Fix for a charging issue when in Power Reserve mode (Series 5 and SE only)
No published security notes. [ 49]
7.3.2
18S821
March 8, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-03-08 )
Important security updates
Security notes
7.3.3
18S830
March 26, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-03-26 )
Important security updates
Security notes
7.4
iOS 14.5
18T195
April 26, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-04-26 )
Unlock iPhone with Face ID using Apple Watch when wearing a face mask
Set the Bluetooth device type in Settings
Airplay audio and video content of Apple Fitness+ workouts
Add ECG support on in Australia and Vietnam (Series 4 or later)
Add irregular heart rhythm notifications in Australia and Vietnam
Security notes
7.4.1
iOS 14.5.1
18T201
May 3, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-05-03 )
Important security updates
Security notes
7.5
iOS 14.6
18T567
May 24, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-05-24 )
Subscription content in Podcasts app
Apple Card with a Family Sharing
Add ECG support in Malaysia and Peru (Series 4 or later)
Add irregular heart rhythm notifications in Malaysia and Peru
Security notes
7.6
iOS 14.7
18U63
July 19, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07-19 )
Add ECG support for multiple countries (Series 4 or later)
Add irregular heart rhythm notifications for multiple countries
Security notes
7.6.1
iOS 14.7.1
18U70
July 29, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07-29 )
Important security updates
Security notes
7.6.2
iOS 14.8
18U80
September 13, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-09-13 )
Security notes
watchOS 8
Apple announced watchOS 8 at the 2021 Worldwide Developers Conference on June 7, 2021. Apple Watch models supporting watchOS 7 can also support watchOS 8. However, like watchOS 7, watchOS 8 has limited support on Apple Watch Series 3 . It is also the last version of watchOS to be supported on Apple Watch models with 32-bit processors .
Overview of watchOS 8 versions[ 56]
Limited support on the Apple Watch Series 3 .
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
8.0
15.0
19R343
19R346
September 20, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-09-20 )
Initial release on Apple Watch Series 7. Build 13R346 is pre-installed only on Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular).
Watch Faces
New Portrait photo and World Time watch face (Series 4 and later)
Home
View the status and accessory controls at the top
Accessories and scenes displayed changes depending on the time of day and usage
View all HomeKit camera feeds together
New Favorites section
Wallet
Added support for home, hotel, and office keys
Added support for car keys (Series 6 and later)
Added support for Remote keyless car features
Workout
New tai chi and pilates workouts
Automatic workout detection for outdoor cycling
Outdoor cycling workout tracking improvements
Hiking workout tracking improvements (aged 13 and below)
Voice feedback during workout
Fitness+
New guided meditations sessions
New pilates workouts
New picture-in-picture support
New search filters
Mindfulness
Breathe session improvements
New reflect session
Sleep
Monitor respiratory rate when sleeping
View respiratory rate data recorded in Health app
Messages
Use the Scribble, dictation, and emoji methods simultaneously
Use Digital Crown to scroll when editing dictated text
Enter hashtag to search for GIF images
Photos
New Photos app
Share photos
Find My
New Find Items app
New Find Devices app
Weather
Support for precipitation and severe weather notifications alerts
New precipitation graph
Miscellaneous
Focus function added
Sync Focus state with iOS, iPadOS or macOS
New Contacts app
New Tips app
Redesigned Music app
Share songs, albums, and playlists
Run simultaneous timers at the same time
Cycle Tracking improvements
New Memoji stickers and outfits
Measure headphone audio level in Control Center
Transit card support in Wallet for Family Setup users in multiple countries
Google account support in Calendar and Mail for Family Setup users
New AssistiveTouch gestures supported
Add ECG support in Lithuania (Series 4 or later)
Add irregular heart rhythm notifications in Lithuania
Security notes
8.0.1
15.0.2
19R354
October 11, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-10-11 )
Software update progress bar fix (Series 3 only)
Fix a bug with Accessibility settings (Series 3 only)
No published security notes. [ 49]
8.1
15.1
19R570
October 25, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-10-25 )
Fall detection improvements and new settings (Series 4 and later)
Support COVID-19 vaccination cards in Apple Wallet
Fitness+ SharePlay support
Improve Always-On time accuracy (Series 5 and later)
Security notes
8.1.1
19R580
November 18, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-11-18 )
Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular) only
No published security notes. [ 49]
8.3
15.2
19S55
December 13, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-12-13 )
Enable ECG for China (Series 4 or later)
Compass no longer shows altitude (Series 3-5) latitude and longitude in mainland China[ 57]
New Apple Music Voice plan option
New App Privacy Report
Fix for notifications not being muted during Mindfulness sessions
Security notes
8.4
15.3
19S546
January 26, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-01-26 )
Important security updates
Charging fix for select chargers
Security notes
8.4.1
19S550
February 1, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-02-01 )
Apple Watch Series 4 or later only
No published security notes. [ 49]
8.4.2
15.3.1
19S553
February 10, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-02-10 )
Important security updates
Bug fixes
No published security notes. [ 49]
8.5
15.4
19T242
March 14, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-03-14 )
Authenticate Apple TV purchases and subscriptions
Support for EU COVID-19 vaccination cards in Apple Wallet
Afib tracking improvements for irregular rhythm notifications in multiple countries
New audio description in Fitness+
Security notes
8.5.1
15.4.1
19T252
March 31, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-03-31 )
Important security updates
Bug fixes
No published security notes. [ 49]
8.6
15.5
19T572
May 16, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-05-16 )
Add ECG support in Mexico (Series 4 or later)
Add irregular heart rhythm notifications in Mexico
Security notes
8.7
15.6
19U66
July 20, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-07-20 )
Important security updates
Bug fixes
Security notes
8.7.1
15.6.1
19U67
August 17, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-08-17 )
Apple Watch Series 3 only
No published security notes. [ 49]
Post-watchOS 9 update for Series 3 and/or watches paired with an iOS 15.x iPhone (to support iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, SE (1st gen), 7 and 7 Plus)
8.8.1
15.7.7
19U512
June 21, 2023; 17 months ago (2023-06-21 )
Final version to support the Apple Watch Series 3, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, SE (1st gen), 7, and 7 Plus
Security notes
watchOS 9
Apple announced watchOS 9 at the 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference on June 6, 2022. With this release, Apple dropped support for the Apple Watch Series 3, which was the last Apple Watch model with a 32-bit processor, making watchOS 9 the first version of watchOS to run exclusively on Apple Watch models with 64-bit processors .
Overview of watchOS 9 versions[ 58]
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
9.0
16.0
20R361
September 12, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-09-12 )
Initial release on Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Apple Watch Ultra
Drops support for the Apple Watch Series 3, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, SE (1st gen), 7 and 7 Plus
Watch Faces
New Astronomy, Lunar, Playtime, Metropolitan, and Nike watch faces
Complication improvements
Portrait photo watch face improvements
Change watch face depending on Focus
Workout
Access workout view during a workout
New heart rate zone, elevation view, and running power graphs
Additional running metrics (SE, Series 6 and later)
New custom and Multisport workout option
New workout alerts
Pool Swim workout improvements
New swimming metrics
Fitness+
New trainer guidance and personal fitness metrics displayed
Compass
New Compass app (SE, Series 5 and later)
New compass waypoints, and backtrack GPS function (SE, Series 6 and later)
Sleep
Sleep tracking improvements
New comparisons chart
Medications
Add and schedule medications
View medication schedule
Medication reminders
New watch complication
AFib History
New weekly summary notifications
AFib tracking improvements
Export data as a PDF
Family Setup
New Podcasts app
New support for Yahoo and Outlook emails
Accessibility
New AssistiveTouch actions
Ability to pair a Bluetooth keyboard
Airplay Apple Watch to iPhone
Miscellaneous
New Low Power Mode
International roaming support (SE, Series 5 and later)
New keyboard languages (Series 7 and later)
New Communication safety setting in Screen Time
New cycle deviation notifications alerts
New cardio recovery metrics
Reminders, Calendar, and Podcast app improvements
Minor Dock enhancements
New notification banner design when in use
Security notes
9.0.1
20R8380
September 22, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-09-22 )
Apple Watch Ultra only
Fixes an issue with audio on phone calls on the Apple Watch Ultra
No published security notes. [ 49]
9.0.2
20R8383
October 10, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-10-10 )
Fixes an issue causing interruptions with Spotify
Fixes an issue with snooze alarm notifications continuing after deleting the alarm
Fixes syncing of Wallet and Fitness data for newly-paired watch
Fixes an issue with audio interruptions on Series 8 and Ultra
No published security notes. [ 49]
9.1
16.1
20S75
October 24, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-10-24 )
Option to extend battery life during select workouts by reducing heart rate and GPS reading frequency (Series 8, SE 2nd generation, and Ultra)
Download music while on battery via Wi-Fi or cellular
Add support for Matter
Fixes incorrect voice feedback of average pace for the Outdoor Run workout
Fixes an issue where the chance of rain probability shown in Weather app may be different from iPhone
Fixes an issue with the hourly weather complication showing AM for PM hours
Fixes an issue with time duration getting stuck during Strength Training Workout
Fixes an issue where VoiceOver fails to announce the app name when multiple notifications are received
Security notes
9.2
16.2
20S361
December 13, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-12-13 )
Security notes
9.3
16.3
20S648
January 23, 2023; 22 months ago (2023-01-23 )
Security notes
9.3.1
16.3.1
20S664
February 13, 2023; 22 months ago (2023-02-13 )
9.4
16.4
20T253
March 27, 2023; 20 months ago (2023-03-27 )
Wake-up alarms are no longer silenced with cover to mute gesture to avoid accidental cancellations during sleep
Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates and cycle deviation alerts now supported in Moldova and Ukraine
AFib History now available in Colombia , Malaysia , Moldova , Thailand , and Ukraine
Security notes
9.5
16.5
20T562
May 18, 2023; 19 months ago (2023-05-18 )
Add Pride Celebration watch face to honor the LGBTQ+ community and culture
Security notes
9.5.1
20T570
May 30, 2023; 18 months ago (2023-05-30 )
9.5.2
20T571
June 21, 2023; 17 months ago (2023-06-21 )
Security notes
9.6
16.6
20U73
July 24, 2023; 16 months ago (2023-07-24 )
9.6.1
20U80
August 15, 2023; 16 months ago (2023-08-15 )
9.6.2
16.6.1
20U90
September 7, 2023; 15 months ago (2023-09-07 )
Security notes
Post-watchOS 10 Updates for watches paired with an iOS 16.x iPhone (to support phones that iOS 17 does not support like iPhone 8 , iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X )
9.6.3
20U502
September 21, 2023; 14 months ago (2023-09-21 )
Final version to support iPhone 8 , 8 Plus and X
Security notes
watchOS 10
Apple announced watchOS 10 at the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference on June 5, 2023. With this release, Apple dropped support for iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X. All Apple Watch models supporting watchOS 9 also support watchOS 10.[ 59]
Overview of watchOS 10 versions[ 60]
Limited support on the Apple Watch Series 4 , Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE (1st generation).
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
10.0
17.0
21R356
September 18, 2023; 15 months ago (2023-09-18 )
Initial release on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2
Drops support for the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X
New Watch Faces: Snoopy, Palette, Nike Globe, and Solar Analog
Optimized Charge Limit is now available on Apple Watch SE, Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8.
Fixed: Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm) estimates maximum battery capacity more accurately.
New and updated ways to use Apple Watch
10.0.1
17.0.1
21R360
September 21, 2023; 14 months ago (2023-09-21 )
10.0.2
17.0.2
21R371
September 26, 2023; 14 months ago (2023-09-26 )
Ultra 2 and Series 9 only
Bug fixes that are specific to the Ultra 2 and Series 9
10.1
17.1
21S67
October 25, 2023; 13 months ago (2023-10-25 )
Double Tap gesture (select models)
NameDrop (select models)
Bug fixes
10.1.1
17.1.1
21S71
November 7, 2023; 13 months ago (2023-11-07 )
10.2
17.2
21S364[ 61]
December 11, 2023; 12 months ago (2023-12-11 )
10.3
17.3
21S644
January 22, 2024; 10 months ago (2024-01-22 )
New Watch Faces: Unity Bloom
10.3.1
17.3.1
21S651
February 8, 2024; 10 months ago (2024-02-08 )
10.4
17.4
21T216
March 7, 2024; 9 months ago (2024-03-07 )
10.5
17.5
21T575
May 13, 2024; 7 months ago (2024-05-13 )
New Watch Faces: Pride Radiance
Bug fixes
10.6
17.6
21U577
July 29, 2024; 4 months ago (2024-07-29 )
Bug fixes and security improvements
10.6.1
17.6.1
21U580
August 19, 2024; 4 months ago (2024-08-19 )
Latest version for Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE (1st generation)
This update fixes an issue that may prevent access to Apple Fitness+
watchOS 11
Apple announced watchOS 11 at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, 2024. With this release, Apple drops support for the Apple Watch Series 4 , Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE (1st generation).[ 62] This marks the first time 64-bit Apple Watch devices were dropped.
Overview of watchOS 11 versions
watchOS version
iOS version based on
Build
Release date
Features
11.0
18.0
22R349
September 16, 2024; 3 months ago (2024-09-16 )
Drops support for the Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE (1st generation), marking the first time 64-bit Apple Watch devices have been dropped.
11.0.1
18.0.1
22R361
October 3, 2024; 2 months ago (2024-10-03 )
Fixes critical bugs from watchOS 11.
11.1
18.1
22R585
October 28, 2024; 53 days ago (2024-10-28 )
11.2
18.2
22S101
December 11, 2024; 9 days ago (2024-12-11 )
11.3 beta
18.3 beta
22S5534d
December 16, 2024; 4 days ago (2024-12-16 )
See also
References
^ Clover, Juli (December 11, 2024). "Apple Releases watchOS 11.2" . MacRumors . Retrieved December 11, 2024 .
^ Clover, Juli (December 16, 2024). "Apple Seeds First Betas of macOS Sequoia 15.3 and More to Developers" . MacRumors . Retrieved December 18, 2024 . Apple has also seeded new betas of watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3, and visionOS 2.3.
^ "How to change the language on an Apple Watch, and make it differ from the language on your paired iPhone" . Business Insider . October 8, 2019. Archived from the original on October 9, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2020 . Your Apple Watch is designed to "mirror" the language used on your iPhone, so by default it'll use whichever language is set on that device, but you can make the two devices differ.
^ "Apple – iPhone XS – Technical Specifications" . Apple. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2019 .
^ a b "Apple Watch runs 'most' of iOS 8.2, may use A5-equivalent processor" . AppleInsider . April 23, 2015. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved April 25, 2015 .
^ "Apple announces watchOS 2 with third-party Apple Watch apps, new Timepieces, video playback, much more" . 9to5Mac . June 8, 2015. Archived from the original on June 9, 2015. Retrieved June 8, 2015 .
^ "watchOS 2 final version released for Apple Watch users" . September 21, 2015. Archived from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved September 21, 2015 .
^ "Apple's watch OS 2 is now live following bug delay" . CNET . Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2015 .
^ Juli Clover (September 17, 2018). "Apple Launches watchOS 5 With Walkie-Talkie, Apple Podcasts, Siri Shortcuts, New Watch Faces, Raise to Speak and More" . MacRumors . Archived from the original on September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018 .
^ "watchOS 5 adds powerful activity and communications features to Apple Watch" . Apple Newsroom (Press release). Archived from the original on April 14, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2018 .
^ Juli Clover (September 19, 2019). "Apple Releases watchOS 6 With Dedicated App Store, New Watch Faces, Noise Monitoring App and More" . MacRumors . Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019 .
^ "watchOS 7 adds significant personalization, health, and fitness features to Apple Watch" (Press release). Apple Inc. June 22, 2020. Archived from the original on February 17, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2020 .
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