watchOS 11.5 rolls out focusing on stability and quality updates

AppleInsider

It's time to update your Apple Watch, as Apple has just released watchOS 11.5 to the public.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

As is often the case, the recent watchOS update was rather uneventful and has not introduced any new features. While it may not be the most exciting sort of update, such updates are essential for ensuring that previously added features continue to function correctly.

In watchOS 11.4, Apple introduced a new "Break Through Silent Mode" alarm option in Sound & Haptics. Switching this feature on means that sound and haptics will play regardless of whether or not Silent Mode is engaged.

It's designed to ensure those who wear the Apple Watch to bed will still hear the alarm, even if they've silenced their phone for the night. Previous to this, if Silent Mode was enabled, the Apple Watch would only use haptics as part of its alarm.

Apple unveiled watchOS 11 in September 2024, introducing several notable enhancements to its flagship wearable device. Among these features are customizable Activity Rings, advanced health monitoring capabilities through the Vitals app, and a new Training Load tool specifically designed for athletes.

The watchOS 11.5 update is build number 22T572.

How to update to watchOS 11.5

1. Ensure the Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% and connected to Wi-Fi


2. On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app


3. Tap General


4. Tap Software Update


5. Tap Install if a software update is available


6. Follow the on-screen instructions

How to update to watchOS 11.5 via iPhone

1. Ensure your watch is charged to 50% and connected to Wi-Fi


2. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app


3. Tap General


4. Tap Software Update


5. Download the update if it is available


6. Follow the on-screen instructions

Read on AppleInsider

robin huber

I listen to podcasts while using the Outdoor Walk fitness app on my watch. For a while it was easy to swipe left or right to access either the Fitness app or the Podcast app. Lately it been very difficult. Swiping in general on the Watch has become hit or miss, usually miss. Either nothing happens or something unexpected and unwanted happens (like the podcast restarting at the beginning). I wish they would make this a better user experience.  Frustrated!

anthogag

One annoyance with WatchOS upgrading is the requirement the Watch still has to be on the charger. If my Watch Ultra is on my wrist at 75% charge why do I still have to put it on the charger to upgrade the OS? 

spheric

anthogag said:

One annoyance with WatchOS upgrading is the requirement the Watch still has to be on the charger. If my Watch Ultra is on my wrist at 75% charge why do I still have to put it on the charger to upgrade the OS? 

Because updating eats through battery like hell, and your battery may not actually last as long as it used to at 75% (mine certainly doesn't). 

macgui

Apple has pretty much given up on the Watch as jewelry and rightly so given its case shapes. The S10 has a tiny refinement in its shape that I see as an improvement. I'd like to see some simple, elegant watch faces. Releasing one or none of any watch face with updates is disappointing. 

I'd also like to see some photo-realistic/3D watch faces. That would be great. And completely unexpected.

macgui

I've noticed my S10 has shorter battery life which I attribute to 11.5. I expect/hope it will improve in a short time. That's what usually happens.