How to Download watchOS 11 on Your Apple Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide

This story is part of our comprehensive coverage of Apple’s WWDC event.

The latest updates to Apple’s smartwatch operating system, watchOS 11, bring a host of exciting features. A new Vitals app will help you monitor critical health measurements, while a Training Load feature will enable you to better manage your workout intensity. Users can also establish more specific objectives for their activity rings or even choose to take a day off from reaching them. Additional workout types now include detailed distance and route tracking, as well as enhancements for swimming sessions.

In addition to health and fitness functionalities, watchOS 11 introduces Live Activities via the Smart Stack, allowing you to keep track of sports scores or receive notifications about your Uber Eats delivery. There are also various new widgets, a dynamic Photos watch face, and the ability to translate text using voice input through your wrist.

It’s essential to note that this year’s updates will not be available for every Apple Watch model. Specifically, watchOS 11 will only work on Apple Watch Series 6 and newer versions, including the Apple Watch Ultra and the second-generation Apple Watch SE. Unfortunately, the original Apple Watch SE will not receive this update due to its reliance on older hardware from the Series 5.

On a brighter note, if you own the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can look forward to the highly anticipated Sleep Apnea Detection feature arriving alongside the Apple Watch Series 10. Moreover, a new Tides app will assist avid surfers and kayakers in planning their next adventures.

Keep in mind that you need to be running iOS 18 on your iPhone to install watchOS 11 on your Apple Watch.

Back Up Your Apple Watch

Before installing any updates to watchOS, it’s crucial to create a backup of your Apple Watch.

You can find detailed instructions on how to back up your Apple Watch in our dedicated article. Although you won’t be able to revert to watchOS 10 directly, having a backup allows for restoration on devices operating watchOS 11 in case anything goes wrong. It’s wise to keep an additional copy of that backup on your computer should your Apple Watch require replacement and you need to revert to a previous model running watchOS 10. Since backups are stored on your iPhone, you can achieve this by backing up your iPhone to either a Mac or a PC.

Install iOS 18 on Your iPhone

Since your Apple Watch is tightly integrated with your iPhone, upgrading to each major watchOS version necessitates a corresponding iOS update. Therefore, you must ensure that your iPhone is running iOS 18 to install watchOS 11.

Refer to our guide on how to download and install iOS 18 on your iPhone. Once everything is set, you can proceed with the next steps.

Install watchOS 11 on Your Apple Watch

After updating your iPhone to iOS 18, it’s time to install watchOS 11 on your Apple Watch. This can be accomplished via either your iPhone or directly on the Apple Watch.

Step 1: Launch the Watch app on your iPhone or open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.

Step 2: Tap on General.

Step 3: Tap on Software Update. The update for watchOS 11 should be visible.

Step 4: Place your Apple Watch on its charger, ensuring it is within range of your iPhone and connected to Wi-Fi.

Step 5: Tap Install Now to begin the update process for watchOS 11.

Downloading, preparing, and installing the update might take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Feel free to use your Apple Watch while the download is in progress, but make sure it is charged to at least 50% and remains on the charger before the update can commence.