watchOS 11 debuts with workout intensity monitoring & better Cycle Tracking

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in watchOS

Apple's new watchOS 11 is available for everybody, and brings users a range of new health and fitness features.

Apple Watch on wrist displaying heart rate data, humidity percentage, and time.
watchOS introduces new health and fitness features



The update introduces more customizable Activity Rings, advanced health monitoring with the Vitals app, and the new Training Load tool for athletes. Additionally, users can enjoy a revamped Photos Face, smarter widget functionality with the Smart Stack, and innovative safety features like Check In.

With broader support for personalization and privacy, watchOS 11 continues to make the Apple Watch an indispensable part of daily life.

Health & fitness



One of the standout updates in watchOS 11 is the enhanced Activity Rings, which now allow users to pause their activity tracking. Users can maintain their streaks even when taking a break for a day, week, or longer.

Apple Watch displaying activity rings with text: 'Live a better day by closing all three rings.' Background features abstract yellow and orange shapes on blue.
Pausing Activity Rings



The rings are now more customizable, allowing users to adjust their goals daily to match their lifestyle and fitness plans better.

Next, the new Vitals app provides users an all-in-one overview of their overnight health data. Vitals help establish a typical range for various health metrics, making monitoring deviations easier and receiving notifications when something is amiss.

Users significantly gain better insights into their health if factors like medications, elevation, or illness influence their well-being.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate Training Load, which helps athletes monitor workout intensity over time. Comparing current activity levels with the previous month's data allows users to understand their training patterns better and make informed decisions about adjusting their routines.

Apple Watch screen showing overnight vitals as typical from 10:08 PM to 6:05 AM, with the time 10:09 visible at the top.
The new Vitals app



Finally, the update enhances Cycle Tracking, focusing on pregnancy. It now displays gestational age and tracks pregnancy across health charts, providing expectant mothers a comprehensive view of their progress.

Personalization with the Photos face



The Photos Face on Apple Watch has been reimagined. It uses machine learning to curate and display the best images from a user's photo library.

Three Apple Watches display a cat, a woman running with two kids, and a mountain landscape. The bands are green, yellow, and pink.
Photos faces



The redesigned watch face offers greater customization, including adjusting time size, layout, and font. New color options add a personal touch, allowing users to make their watch face unique.

Compatibility and availability



The watchOS 11 update requires an iPhone Xs or later running iOS 18. It's supported on the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Series 6 through 9, and both generations of Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple will soon announce the date of availability.



Read on AppleInsider

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