watchOS 11 Allegedly Drops Support for Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, and Original SE

While rumors suggest that iOS 18, macOS 15, and tvOS 18 will largely be compatible with the same iPhone, Mac, and Apple TV models as the current versions of each platform are, it could be a much different story for watchOS 11.

apple watch series 4
In a post on social media platform X today, a proven leaker claimed that watchOS 11 will drop support for the Apple Watch Series 4 from 2018, Apple Watch Series 5 from 2019, and first-generation Apple Watch SE from 2020. The update would be compatible with all other models, including the Apple Watch Series 6 and beyond.

Even though the Series 5 has an S5 chip, it has the same processor as the S4 chip in the Series 4, so it would not be too surprising if Apple dropped support for these models simultaneously. Key changes with the Series 5 compared to the Series 4 included an always-on display option, increased storage, and a compass.

The leaker who revealed this information has a private account on X, so we have elected not to share its name or link to it, but they have shared accurate compatibility information and build numbers for Apple's software updates in the past.

We'll find out official watchOS compatibility details during the WWDC keynote in just a few hours.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch SE
Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

vertsix Avatar
14 months ago
So does this mean that Apple will drop S6, S7, and S8-based watches in one get go in the future? They're all based on the A13's E-cores. This would be abhorrent.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheNewLou Avatar
14 months ago

Doubt SE 2020 too soon
This would be Planned Obsolescence Pro tactics
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DocMultimedia Avatar
14 months ago
Just because you can’t do a software update you don’t need to buy a new watch. Apple is not forcing you to do that.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Howard2k Avatar
14 months ago

I have still never owned an Apple Watch, thankfully.
Superb! What other products don't you own?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DMG35 Avatar
14 months ago
My Ceramic Series 5 will be devastated. Although it struggles mightily WatchOS 10 anyway.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
14 months ago
I care so little about the watch nowadays, I just had to google to remind myself which one I have ? Series 6 apparently so phew
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)