Prepare yourself for watchOS 11, the next big software update for Apple Watch users. While watchOS 11 may not have Apple Intelligence, it brings a host of new features such as customization for Activity Rings rest days, overnight vitals monitoring, training load tracking, and more.
Curious about when you can expect watchOS 11? Here’s the lowdown on the release date.
watchOS 11 Developer Beta Release Date
Apple released the watchOS 11 developer beta shortly after the WWDC 2024 keynote, following a pattern similar to iOS 18. As of July 17, 2024, three developer betas of watchOS 11 are available for those interested in trying it out early.
In the past, only Apple Developer program members could access developer betas by paying $99 per year. However, Apple now allows anyone with a free Apple Developer account to participate in beta testing.
It’s worth noting that Apple won’t service an Apple Watch running beta software, and there’s no way to revert back to the public release. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid running betas on your main device unless you have a spare Apple Watch.
If you decide to install the developer beta of watchOS 11, anticipate new beta releases every few weeks moving forward.
watchOS 11 Public Beta Release Date
On July 16, 2024, Apple released the first watchOS 11 public beta to participants in the Apple Beta Software program. Signing up for this program is free of charge.
The public beta aims to provide a more stable experience than the developer beta and is open to the public for feedback to help shape the final release in the fall.
While more stable, the public beta may still contain bugs, issues, and third-party app incompatibilities, impacting battery life. Proceed with caution as Apple won’t service a beta running Apple Watch.
watchOS 11 Release Date
Expect the official release of watchOS 11 in the fall, likely around mid to late September.
With Apple typically launching new products in September, it’s safe to assume watchOS 11 will align with the announcement of new Apple Watches and iPhones. To run watchOS 11, you’ll need an Apple Watch Series 6 or a newer model.
