Apple watchOS 11 vs. watchOS 10 (video)

Apple’s watchOS 11 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the Apple Watch, introducing a number of new features and updates that significantly improve the user experience compared to its predecessor, watchOS 10. The video below from HotshotTek shows us the key differences between the two operating systems, focusing on compatibility, new features and performance improvements.

Compatibility and support

One of the most noticeable changes in watchOS 11 is its compatibility with Apple Watch models. The latest operating system supports Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, including the second-generation Apple Watch SE. However, it is discontinuing support for the first-generation Apple Watch SE and Series 5. This change in compatibility ensures that watchOS 11 will be able to take full advantage of the advanced hardware capabilities of newer models, providing users with a more seamless and efficient user experience.

New features and improvements

watchOS 11 introduces a host of new features and updates that significantly improve the functionality and usability of the Apple Watch. The most notable additions include:

• Customizable sound and touch settings: Users can now personalize ringtones for calls, emails, calendar alerts and notifications so they never miss an important notification.
• Updated watch faces: While watchOS 11 removes the Siri face, it introduces updated photo watch faces with new animations and themes for a fresh and visually appealing look.
• Improved Gesture Control: Digital Crown now displays Smart Stack and notifications, streamlining access to the information you need and streamlining navigation.

watchOS 11 also introduces updates to various applications, expanding their capabilities and improving their usability:

• Translation App: Redesigned with offline language support, allowing users to translate languages ​​without an internet connection.
• Shazam app: It is now the default app, but you can remove it if you don’t need it.
• Calendar app: Integrates reminders, helping users stay organized and on schedule.
• Active widgets: It supports live activities and customizable settings, so users can tailor the information displayed on the watch to their preferences.
• Weather app: Features a new user interface with different view modes, providing more detailed and accessible weather information.
• Offline maps: Fully functional on Apple Watch without the need to have your iPhone nearby, offering independent navigation capabilities.

Fitness and health tracking also receives significant improvements in watchOS 11:

• Exercise app: It introduces a check-in feature and a workout rating system, as well as new swimming workout categories and detailed tracking options.
• Fitness App: It features a new user interface for tracking activity and training load, helping users monitor their fitness progress more effectively.
• Vitals app: It tracks sleep, respiratory rate, skin temperature, blood oxygenation and resting heart rate, while also providing notifications of unusual patterns.
• Cycle Tracking: It now includes pregnancy tracking, offering comprehensive monitoring of women’s health.

Performance and battery life issues

While watchOS 11 brings many new features and improvements, be aware that the beta version is reported to cause significant battery drain, especially on older models. This issue highlights the importance of optimizing software for battery performance, especially when new features are added. As the final release of the operating system approaches, Apple is expected to address these performance issues to ensure users have a smooth and efficient experience.

watchOS 11 represents a significant step forward in the history of Apple Watch, offering a wide range of new features, improved compatibility and updated apps that significantly improve the capabilities of watchOS 10. Despite some performance issues in the beta, the overall improvements make watchOS 11 a compelling upgrade for users with compatible devices, providing a more personalized, efficient and feature-rich experience.

Image credit and credit: HotshotTek

Filed under: Apple, Gadget News, Technology News

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