Apple Watch users can now install watchOS 11.4, an update that improves wake-up alarms and makes a few other tweaks.
Apple announced on Monday that the update was available, but didn’t actually release it until Tuesday.
What’s new in watchOS 11.4
watchOS 11 went out in the autumn with features Apple Watch users had wanted for years. That includes the option to pause an Activity streak without losing it, set Activity goals for each day of the week, and more.
Apple introduced three smaller updates since then, and this week brought the fourth. The official release notes reveal what’s new:
This update includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:
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Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners can be added to the Home app as well as used in scenes, automations, or simply say “Siri, clean the living room.”
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An option to allow Sleep Wake Up alarm to break through Silent Mode
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An issue where face selection may become unresponsive when switching faces
For those who don’t have a robot vacuum cleaner, the big change is to the Sleep Wake Up alarm. With watchOS 11.4 installed, even when a Watch is in Silent Mode, the Wake Up alarm can be set so it goes off as normal, with an audible alert. Previously, the alarm was restricted to a haptic alert… which might not be enough to wake some people up.
Apple lists April 1 as the release date for the update, so it seems Monday’s announcement that watchOS 11.4 was ready on March 31 was premature. Still, iOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and other Apple operating system updates did launch on Monday.
How to update your Apple Watch
After Monday’s oddness, watchOS 11.4 is actually ready. The update can be installed directly onto an Apple Watch, as long as the wearable is connected to Wi-Fi. From the Settings app, navigate to General > Software Update. Or install it from an iPhone by opening the Apple Watch app and going to My Watch > General > Software Update.
