I’ve used the Apple Watch long enough to know how rich and feature packed every new watchOS update is.
My Series 8 now runs on watchOS 11, Apple’s latest operating system, which not only fixed bugs and performance issues but also added new tools and useful features to my smartwatch.
Now I have access to new apps, additional face customization options, an improved Smart Stack, improved health features,security Check Ins, and so much more.
So in this post, I show you show you exactly how to download and install the latest watchOS software updates.
I’ll cover system requirements, steps to get the updates, what watchOS 11 features, as well as what to do if you can’t get the latest updates on your Apple Watch.
What Are the System Requirements for watchOS 11 Updates?
You need to have an Apple Watch Series 6 or later to install watchOS 11 updates. Therefore, the list of supported models is as follows:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
You also need to have an iPhone that runs on iOS 18.
More importantly, you have to connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi to download the updates via the Watch app and send the package installer to your Apple Watch.
How Do I Update My Apple Watch to watchOS 11?
To get watchOS 11 updates:
Back Up Your Apple Watch
The first step in the update process is to back up your Apple Watch via your iPhone. Doing so ensures you can restore your smartwatch to the previous state if something goes wrong during the watchOS 11 installation process.
Your backup will include important details about your Apple Watch, including watch face settings, previously installed apps, and health and fitness data.
Connect Your Apple Watch to a Charger
Charge your Apple Watch until it has at least 50% battery and then leave it plugged in throughout the update process.
There are four reasons why your Apple Watch has to be on the charger during the update:
- Power Consumption: Apple Watch software update is resource intensive and can easily drain the battery. Leaving the watch plugged in ensures the battery has enough power to complete the update process.
- Safety: Low battery can lead to failed update and render the smartwatch inoperable. Charging during the update ensures your Apple Watch functions properly throughout its lifetime.
- Time Requirements: It’s going to take a while for watchOS 11 to install. The exact duration depends on the size of the update.
- Heat Management: Charging disperses heat generated during the update process, so your Apple Watch operates within the recommended temperature range.
Besides, leaving your Apple Watch plugged in ensures a safe, smooth, and successful installation of watchOS 11 software.
Disable Bluetooth
Your Apple Watch tends to default to Bluetooth over Wi-Fi whenever possible because Bluetooth requires less power. But while prioritizing Bluetooth saves Apple Watch battery, Bluetooth is generally slower when it comes to data transfer.
By simply turning off Bluetooth on your iPhone, you force your Apple Watch to connect with your iPhone via Wi-Fi, which in turn speeds up the watchOS update process, regardless of the size of the software.
Update Your Apple Watch On Your iPhone
To install watchOS 11 updates via your iPhone:
- Open the Watch app.
- Select General under My Watch.
- Choose Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
- Enter your iPhone and Apple Watch passcode if prompted.
You should see a progress wheel appear on your Apple Watch once you tap the install button. The progress lets you see how far from complete the watchOS 11 update is.
Your Apple Watch will automatically restart once the update is complete, and your iPhone will notify you that your Apple Watch is now up to date.
Install watchOS 11 Updates Without an iPhone
Don’t worry if you don’t have your iPhone with you. You can still install watchOS 11 via your Apple Watch, as long as you have the watch connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
To do this:
- Press the Digital Crown.
- Open the Settings app.
- Select General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Give your Apple Watch a few seconds to scan for available updates.
- Tap the Install button and wait for the latest updates to install.
How Often Does Apple Release watchOS Updates?
Apple releases watchOS updates at least twice a year. Some updates are major whereas others are minor tweaks. And the goal of these teaks is to add new features, fix bugs, boost security, and enhance user experience.
Note that your Apple Watch will automatically notify you if there’s a new watchOS update ready to install.
When Should I Update My Apple Watch?
You should update your Apple Watch as soon as there’s a new update to install. Doing so ensures you don’t have to worry about bugs, security issues, app incompatibilities, battery drain, and bad user experience.
How Long Does Apple Watch Update Take?
It can takes several minutes to an hour for your Apple Watch to update and it’s very normal for the process to take this long.
The actual time to complete the update depends on the size of the update, your Apple Watch model, and network interference. As such, it’s best to install watchOS 11 when you aren’t using your Apple Watch.
Does Apple Watch Support Automatic Updates?
Yes, Apple Watch supports automatic watchOS updates.
The way this works is you’ll receive a popup notification on the screen if an update is available. Tap the notification, select Update Tonight, and confirm your choice on your iPhone.
Next, connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and ensure it’s in range with your Apple Watch before you go to bed. The automatic software update will complete by the time you wake up the next morning.
Why I’m I Not Able to Install watchOS 11 Updates?
Your Apple Watch won’t update potentially because of poor internet connection, a software glitch, and insufficient storage.
Restarting your home Wi-Fi, freeing up space on your watch, and restarting the watch and your iPhone should fix the problem.
If the update won’t install completely, or if the watch sticks on the update screen for long, it’s mostly because you have an old watch that doesn’t support watchOS 11. You need to upgrade your Apple Watch to a Series 6 or later to get the latest operating system updates.
