Once a twelvemonth Apple releases a major new version of watchOS , the operate system of rules software that runs on all Apple Watch modeling ; there are also smaller point upgrades from time to time in between . These updates are spare , and can add new features to your watch , better its speed and pay off germ and glitches .

The late version , uncommitted to download on September 16 , 2024 iswatchOS 11 , which brings new apps , new features , new face customization options , an kick upstairs Smart Stack , and extensive changes to the Apple Watch ’s health and fittingness office .

If you ’d like to put in the latest interpretation of watchOS on your Apple Watch , you ’ve descend to the right place . In this article , we show how to update an Apple Watch so it ’s hunt the belated version of watchOS .

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Want to get a version of watchOS that has n’t yet become useable to the general public so you may try out upcoming sentinel updates in the lead of everyone else ? Find out more in our clause demonstratinghow to install a watchOS beta .

Which Apple Watches can run watchOS 11?

watchOS 11 will work with the Apple Watch Series 6 or later . Sadly the Series 4 , serial 5 and original SE Apple Watches that ran watchOS 10 and watchOS 9 are no longer compatible .

Compatible Watches include :

You will also demand a compatible iPhone , which include the iPhone XS or afterward , or iPhone SE ( 2d generation or later on ) . You will also need to be run iOS 18 on your iPhone .

How to update watchOS on Apple Watch: Watch app

How to update your Apple Watch via iPhone

Before the launching of watchOS 6 in 2019 , Apple Watch update had to hap on the watch ’s associated iPhone rather than on the spotter itself , but for a few years now it has been potential to revise your Watch on the Watch itself . However , we still mean updating via an iPhone is the easiest method acting .

The update can take a while butdo notbe tempted to take the watch off its battery charger before it ’s finished . We have done this in the yesteryear and it has disrupt the update process so badly that we have had to confuse ourselves on Apple ’s clemency and get the watch replaced .

How to update Apple Watch on the Apple Watch itself

you may also instal updates on an Apple Watch without require an iPhone .

As with the iPhone update , the Watch will require to sit on its charger for the installation microscope stage and be connected to Wi - Fi . It should also have more than 50 % battery superpower .

What to do if you can’t update your Apple Watch

Troubleshooting Apple Watch update problems

If you are facing difficulties refresh your Apple Watch we offer the adept solutions below .

Make space

ManyApple Watch Series 3 users had difficulty installing updatesto the watchOS 7 operating organisation . This problem seemed to be the belittled amount of depot space available on the Apple Watch Series 3 ( the GPS interlingual rendition of the Apple Watch Series 3 only had 8 GB computer storage ) . This means that there is not enough distance for the temporary installation files .

In that instance , Apple advise that exploiter temporarily delete apps and music before updating . Alternatively , Apple recommended that users should restore the system completely before update .

Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi, plugged in, and charged enough

The Watch wo n’t update if it is less than 50 % charge .

It also needs to be connected to Wi - Fi .

Also , turn on Bluetooth if it ’s off .

How to update watchOS on the Apple Watch itself

Check it is compatible with the update

Check the tilt of compatible Watches and iPhones above .

Also revise your iPhone to the latest version of iOS , in the case of Apple Watch 10 you need iOS 17 set up on the partner iPhone .

Try updating via the iPhone

If your Apple Watch wo n’t update directly on the Watch itself , we advocate doing the update via the Watch app on the iPhone ( as per the method acting above ) .

Restart your iPhone and Watch

Turning them off and on again may fix the job .

Repair your Watch and iPhone

You may require to re - pair your vigil to your iPhone .

After the Apple Watch is wiped you will need to set it up again . SeeHow to set up an Apple Watch .