Apple Releases watchOS 11.1 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases watchOS 11.1

by

Apple today released watchOS 11.1, the first major update to the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 11.1 comes one month after Apple released watchOS 11. watchOS 11.1 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and the Apple Watch SE 2.

watchOS 11 Thumb 2 1
watchOS 11.1 can be downloaded on an iPhone running iOS 18.1 by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.

According to Apple's release notes, watchOS 11.1 adds improvements and bug fixes, including a fix for an issue with writing breathing disturbances data to HealthKit for some users.

More of the features available in watchOS 11 can be found in our watchOS 11 roundup.

Related Roundups: watchOS 26, watchOS 27
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Popular Stories

watchos 27

Apple Seeds watchOS 27 Beta 4 to Developers

Monday July 20, 2026 11:14 am PDT by
Apple today seeded the fourth beta of watchOS 27 to developers, with the update coming two weeks after the launch of the third beta. The beta can be downloaded through the Watch app on the iPhone with a free developer account. The Apple Watch will need to be on the charger, connected to Wi-Fi, and have a battery level of 50 percent or above for new software to be installed. The beta is...
Read Full Article • 36 comments
General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Seeds watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6 and visionOS 26.6 Release Candidates

Monday July 20, 2026 10:00 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the release candidate versions of upcoming watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6, and visionOS 26.6 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple seeded the fifth betas. The RCs are the final version of the software that will be released to the public as long as no bugs are found during this final testing period. The software updates are available...
Read Full Article • 3 comments
watchos 27

tvOS 27 and watchOS 27 Second Public Betas Now Available

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:38 am PDT by
Apple today released the second public betas of tvOS 27 and watchOS 27, giving Apple TV and Apple Watch users a chance to try the new software ahead of its fall launch. There's also a new HomePod Software 27 beta for the HomePod and HomePod mini. You can sign up for Apple's public beta testing program on the beta website, and then download the updates through the Settings app on each device. ...
Read Full Article • 4 comments

Top Rated Comments

MacPoulet Avatar
MacPoulet
24 months ago
Hopefully it improves battery life. Since upgrading to WatchOS 11, my battery is drained by the end of the day. WatchOS 10 would usually be about 40% left...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
CouldBeWorse
24 months ago
Every time there is an Apple Watch update I am reminded of how long it takes to install an update. It's worse than my Homepods.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
Apple_Robert
24 months ago
I wish Apple allowed updating over cellular.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Radeon85 Avatar
Radeon85
24 months ago

I wish Apple allowed updating over cellular.
I wish Apple allowed updating without being forced to put it in on the charger. Many times since the very first watch, I've put it on the charger just to bypass the installation restriction and then taken it off. Updates just fine without mains power and barely use any battery anyway.

As long as the watch has 50% or more, then they should scrap this restriction on all watches, Ultra ones especially as its just not needed.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tgwaste Avatar
tgwaste
24 months ago
Now make a deal with Masimo and give me back the BO sensor.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
morphineseason
24 months ago

Hopefully it improves battery life. Since upgrading to WatchOS 11, my battery is drained by the end of the day. WatchOS 10 would usually be about 40% left...
The last update (11.0.1) was supposed to address battery drain issues. I think mine has been mildly better, but my Series 7 battery is aging in general.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments