Apple has followed the pattern of providing software updates for its Apple Watch models for about 5 years after their initial release. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 3 was released in 2017 and received updates until 2022 when it reached the end of its support cycle with the release of watchOS 9. In 2023, Apple continued to provide support for watchOS 10 compatible with all the same Apple Watch models as watchOS 9.
However, in 2024, rumors are suggesting that the watchOS 11 update will not support the Apple Watch Series 4, which is currently the oldest supported model. This means that if you own an Apple Watch Series 4, you may not receive the watchOS 11 update when it is released. In other words, if you are still using these devices either upgrade to a newer model or continue with the watchOS 10 update on your Watch Series 4 since September.
While watchOS 10 was a major update with significant changes to the interface and functionality, watchOS 11 is expected to be more incremental, focusing on refining existing features and possibly introducing some new ones.
The specifics of what modifications watchOS 11 will bring are not official yet. Apple typically unveils these details during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is scheduled for June 10th, 2024. Apple is expected to preview a range of new software updates. While iOS 18 and macOS 15 are anticipated to be significant updates, visionOS 2 could also bring interesting new features to the Apple Vision Pro.
However, watchOS 11 might not be as feature-packed. Reports are suggesting that it could drop support for the Apple Watch Series 4.
“If watchOS 10 had renewed the same list of compatible Apple Watch as watchOS 9, this will not be the case according to our information. Indeed, Tim Cook’s company would have planned to do without the Series 4, the first watch with an electrocardiogram and a larger screen than the original Apple Watch, which was released in 2015, “ claims the French website iPhonesoft.
However, given the current technological trends, it’s likely that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a role in some of the enhancements. AI can be used to improve various aspects of the Apple Watch, such as health monitoring, fitness tracking, and overall user experience. Overall, while watchOS 11 may not be a revolutionary update like watchOS 10, it is expected to bring some notable improvements and new features to the Apple Watch ecosystem.
List of eligible Apple Watch to receive watchOS 11 update (unofficial)
While all watches that supported watchOS 9 were able to upgrade to watchOS 10, however, it’s likely that for watchOS 11, you’ll need one of the following models:
- Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)
- Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
- Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
- Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
- Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
- Apple Watch SE (1st generation, 2020)
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, 2022)
- Apple Watch Ultra (1st generation, 2022)
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023)
Any new Apple Watch models getting announced in 2024 would also be added to the list of watches compatible with watchOS 11. There are rumors that Apple will announce the Apple Watch X and a new Apple Watch Ultra in the Fall of 2024 and they would likely be compatible with watchOS 11 as well.
In the meantime, the list of compatible iPhones to receive iOS 18 are the ones currently capable of running iOS 17. However, certain AI functions in iOS 18 may only be available on devices with more powerful A chips and NPU performance.
The expected list of iPhones compatible with iOS 18 includes:
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone XS series
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
For iPads, models expected to be compatible with iPadOS 18 include:
- iPad Pro models from 2018 and newer
- iPad Air models from 2019 and newer
- iPad mini models from 2019 and newer
- iPad models from 2020 and newer
iOS 18 is anticipated to feature an updated interface borrowing elements from visionOS, improved AI and Siri capabilities, and support for RCS messaging.
