Anticipate the first Developer Preview of watchOS 11 at WWDC 2024. Expect a programmable Side button, revamped Nightstand mode with AOD, improved sleep tracking, and possibly a watch face store.
Apple Watches have transitioned from fashion statements to robust health wearables over the years. While watchOS updates bring new features annually, the full potential of advanced health sensors remains untapped. With the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch approaching, expectations are high for significant hardware upgrades and top-tier software enhancements. Here are five watchOS 11 features I eagerly anticipate in 2024.
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Customizable Side Button
One feature I’m eager to see in watchOS 11 is a customizable side button. Since the launch of watchOS 10, accessing the Control Center and App Switcher has been altered, drawing mixed reactions from users. Many found the change confusing and unwelcome, preferring to stick with familiar habits.
The Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 boast an additional programmable Action Button, a feature absent in the standard Apple Watch series. Consolidating functionality across the side button, swipes, and the Digital Crown, a programmable side button on the Apple Watch would offer convenient shortcuts. For example, a single press could initiate a workout, while frequent Stopwatch users could assign this action to the side button for quicker access.
I also envision the ability to customize the side button with double presses. For example, a single press could open the Control Center, while a double press could launch the Workout app. Although Apple hasn’t introduced this feature on the iPhone 15 Pro’s action button or the Apple Watch Ultra models, it’s a feature I hope to see in the future. Nevertheless, dreaming is part of the fun. That being said, a programmable side button in watchOS 11 seems like a reasonable request.
Redesigned Nightstand Mode with AOD
Another feature I’m eagerly anticipating in watchOS 11 is a revamped Nightstand mode. The current Nightstand mode on the Apple Watch is rather mundane, displaying basic information like battery level, time, and upcoming alarms with minimal customization options. It’s high time for an overhaul, with a fresh and customizable Nightstand mode that offers more utility and personalization.
In addition, I envision having the option to display an analog watch face in Nightstand mode, offering a classic and timeless aesthetic. Furthermore, the ability to adorn the Nightstand mode with personal photos would add a touch of individuality and warmth. Essentially, I hope watchOS 11 will provide a customizable experience akin to the StandBy mode introduced in iOS 17, allowing users to incorporate widgets and tailor the Nightstand mode according to their unique preferences.
Furthermore, I advocate for the integration of Always-On functionality into the Apple Watch Nightstand mode within watchOS 11. Presently, the nightstand mode activates when the device is charging, with the screen remaining illuminated for a brief period before automatically turning off until interaction is prompted. With the introduction of watchOS 11, I propose the implementation of an Always-On Nightstand mode, enabling continuous display of pertinent information for enhanced accessibility and convenience.
Given that the Apple Watch Series 5 and later models support the Always-on feature, integrating it into the Nightstand mode should be feasible. If these smartwatches can handle Always-On Display while worn, they should manage it while connected to a charger. Extending the existing Always-On functionality to the Nightstand mode is my proposal, with an option to adjust brightness for light sleepers. Users should also have the choice to deactivate the Always-On StandBy mode, similar to iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro models.
More Deeper and Easy to Understand Health Insights
The evolution of the Apple Watch and watchOS has been notable, yet there’s a sense that some advanced features are still missing. One area of improvement lies in the presentation of health information, which can sometimes feel cluttered and overwhelming for casual users. With watchOS 11, I hope for a streamlined experience that simplifies the display of information and enhances user understanding. Below, I outline some desired health features for watchOS 11.
Better Sleep Tracking
While Apple introduced sleep tracking with watchOS 8 and made notable improvements in watchOS 9, there’s still room for advancement. Currently, Apple Watch provides insights into various sleep stages, resting heart rate, and respiratory rate. However, the tracking may not be sufficient for those without fixed sleep schedules, and it doesn’t account for naps or short breaks outside regular sleep hours. With watchOS 11, I hope for smarter sleep tracking that adapts to individual routines and provides better insights into sleep quality. Additionally, it should offer guidance on whether one has slept adequately for upcoming activities or workouts.
Stress and Anxiety tracking
In discussing my wishlist for watchOS 11, one of my top requests is stress and anxiety tracking. Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, as stress and anxiety can significantly impact overall well-being. While the Apple Watch excels in tracking fitness levels through the Activity app, it lacks a robust mechanism for monitoring mental well-being. I hope that watchOS 11 will introduce features to detect stress and anxiety levels, providing alerts for high stress and offering methods for calming down. While third-party apps exist for stress tracking, I desire built-in functionality for a more comprehensive approach.
Smarter Rings
Since 2014, Apple Watches have relied on activity rings to gauge the healthiness or activity levels of users’ lifestyles. However, as we enter 2024, these rings have remained unchanged. While the 3-ring fitness system may motivate some users, I find it to be somewhat toxic and aggressive, failing to tell the whole story of one’s health journey. It primarily focuses on achievements and suggests increasingly challenging goals upon their completion.
This approach may not be suitable for athletes or fitness enthusiasts whose priorities lie in muscle building or weight gain. Additionally, the system lacks consideration for rest and recovery, crucial components of a balanced fitness regimen. Moreover, the Apple Watch fails to grasp the user’s intentions or specific fitness focus.
Absolutely! Another notable absence in watchOS is the inability to maintain a streak even when taking a day off. While consistency is key, everyone deserves a break now and then without sacrificing their progress. It’s frustrating when a missed day disrupts your streak, especially when you’re feeling fatigued or need to rest.
I firmly hold the view that Move, Stand, and Exercise objectives should not be the sole indicators of health. Apple Watch ought to consider mental well-being, periods of rest and recuperation, and unforeseen life adjustments. In essence, I propose that watchOS 11 should unveil more intelligent rings that do not incessantly urge individuals to do more.
There ought to exist a method for users to manually input break days or receive customized recommendations for rest days. Apple, prioritize the significance of rest! Instead of bombarding alerts to engage in physical activity, I would appreciate if watchOS 11 could deliver motivational quotes and commendations for persevering through challenging days when the urge to give up is strong.
Health overview generated by AI
I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the forthcoming iOS 18 and the enhanced “Siri 2.0” powered by generative AI. Keeping this in mind, I urge watchOS 11 to leverage AI capabilities and provide straightforward health insights. Presently, Apple Watch presents data through graphs and reports, which can occasionally feel either insufficient or overwhelming. However, a commonality among them is their lack of simplicity and ease of comprehension.
I envision an AI-powered health summary feature in watchOS 11 that provides a simplified overview encompassing all crucial aspects, devoid of technical jargon. Just imagine the simplicity of interpreting ECG graphs and extensive sleep-tracking reports. Moreover, the ability to request Siri to display my sleep or workout summary would enhance convenience even further.
Quick Access to Steps Count
If you were to inquire about one aspect of the Apple Watch that I find unfavorable, it would be the cumbersome access to the step count. Why must I navigate to the Activity app each time I want to view my steps? I understand that this may not pose an inconvenience for individuals who rarely track their steps. However, for someone like myself who checks those figures numerous times daily to monitor progress towards the step goal, this is undeniably a hassle.
There’s currently a step challenge happening in my office, and I find it frustrating that I can’t quickly check my step count on my Apple Watch. I believe I should have the ability to see my daily step count right there on the watch face. After all, what’s the use of having a smartwatch if it can’t provide me with essential information at my fingertips? I strongly urge Apple to address these frustrations by implementing quick access to the step count in watchOS 11.
A Watch Face Store
A store for watch faces would undoubtedly be at the top of every Apple Watch user’s wishlist. It’s been nearly a decade since Apple introduced its smartwatch lineup, yet users are still limited to first-party watch faces. The demand for third-party watch faces has been evident since 2015 when the Apple Watch Series 1 debuted. To address this, Apple periodically introduces a few new faces with each watchOS update. While these additions offer some variety, the desire for third-party watch faces and customization options remains strong among users.
In watchOS 11, I hope to see the introduction of a watch face store that empowers users to personalize their watch faces. This feature should include support for third-party watch faces, enabling users to design and customize their own faces or download creations made by others. Such a store would serve as a centralized hub for sharing faces, downloading customizations, and exploring a wide range of options, providing a comprehensive solution for users seeking personalized watch faces.
I understand the skepticism, especially considering Apple’s previous statement about the potential impact of third-party watch faces on watchOS functionality. However, I believe there must be a way to address these concerns and develop a robust solution. In the meantime, I agree that Apple could enhance the first-party watch faces by adding more flexibility and customization options, providing users with some level of personalization while maintaining the integrity of watchOS functionality.
Adding complications to watch faces or receiving suggestions based on usage habits would be enjoyable. Though a watch face store in watchOS 11 seems unlikely, many users, including myself, eagerly anticipate its introduction. Apple, please take note!
