watchOS 11.5 is available now: new features and important fixes

Apple has released the final version of watchOS 11.5 – this update for the Apple Watch brings two new features, one notable bugfix, and traditional stability improvements.

The update may seem modest at first glance, but it brings some interesting new features, including a rare addition to the watch face collection. It also fixes an issue that prevented the iPhone from notifying the user when the watch was fully charged – now it works as it should.

The update also fixes an issue that prevented the iPhone from notifying the user when the watch was fully charged.

New watch face

The main visual update in watchOS 11.5 is the new watch face. It’s done in an abstract, color-saturated style. It works well with the similar wallpaper that appeared in iOS and iPadOS 18.5.

The dial is of particular interest to Apple Watch Series 10 owners. It’s one of the few designs that displays the second hand even in dimmed Always-On Display mode. The Series 10’s improved display makes that possible, but only five watch faces are supported so far – and the new one is now one of them.

A new feature for Apple TV and an important bugfix

Besides the new watch face, there’s another small but handy feature. You can now use Apple Watch to buy content on the Apple TV app on third-party devices. The feature is called Buy with Apple Watch and works similarly to Apple Pay – quickly and securely. Apple also fixed a bug that caused the iPhone to not always notify you when the Apple Watch was fully charged. That problem is now resolved.

Before watchOS 11.4

Remember, in the last update, Apple added the “Interrupt silent mode” option under “Sound and tactile cues”. When enabled, the alarm sounds even when silent mode is activated – useful for those who wear their watch at night and don’t want to oversleep.

What else is important to know about watchOS 11

watchOS 11 was unveiled in the fall of 2024 and brought several notable features:

• customizable activity rings
• extended health metrics via the Vitals app
• new Training Load tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts

How to install watchOS 11.5

Through Apple Watch:

• Charge the watch to at least 50% and connect to Wi-Fi
• Open “Settings” → “Basic” → “Software Update”
• Click “Install” and follow the instructions

Through iPhone:

• Make sure the watch is at least 50% charged
• Open the Watch app on your iPhone
• Go to “Basic” → “Software Update”
• Click “Download and install” if the update is available

What’s next?

This is likely one of the last updates before watchOS 12, which is expected as early as next month at WWDC 2025. The next version is rumored to bring Apple Intelligence elements, design changes, and deeper integration with the ecosystem.

The next version will bring Apple Intelligence elements, design changes, and deeper integration with the ecosystem.

The article watchOS 11.5 is available now: new features and important fixes was first published on ITZine.ru.