We show how to update your Apple Watch so it’s running the new watchOS 11 operating system and you get all the extra features for free. Plus what to do if it won’t update.
Once a year Apple releases a major new version of watchOS, the operating system software that runs on all Apple Watch models; there are also smaller point upgrades from time to time in between. These updates are free, and can add new features to your watch, improve its speed and fix bugs and glitches.
The latest version, available to download on September 16, 2024 is watchOS 11, which brings new apps, new features, new face customization options, an upgraded Smart Stack, and extensive changes to the Apple Watch’s health and fitness functions.
If you’d like to install the latest version of watchOS on your Apple Watch, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we show how to update an Apple Watch so it’s running the latest version of watchOS.
Want to get a version of watchOS that hasn’t yet become available to the general public so you can try out upcoming watch updates ahead of everyone else? Find out more in our article demonstrating how to install a watchOS beta.Which Apple Watches can run watchOS 11?
watchOS 11 will work with the Apple Watch Series 6 or later. Sadly the Series 4, Series 5 and original SE Apple Watches that ran watchOS 10 and watchOS 9 are no longer compatible.
Compatible Watches include:
Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
Apple Watch SE 2 (2022)
Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
Apple Watch Ultra (2022)
Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023)
Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)
You will also need a compatible iPhone, which includes the iPhone XS or later, or iPhone SE (2nd generation or later).
