Apple WatchOS 115: New Features, Bug Fixes, and What You Can Expect

Apple’s latest software update, watchOS 11.5, has just landed, bringing some exciting new features for Apple Watch owners, along with a critical bug fix that users have been waiting for. While not an earth-shattering update, the release adds a touch of flair to the Apple Watch experience with new watch faces and functionality. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about watchOS 11.5.

What’s New in watchOS 11.5

One of the most anticipated additions in this update is the new Pride Harmony watch face. Watch faces are a rare treat for Apple Watch users, typically introduced alongside major OS updates or new hardware releases. But with watchOS 11.5, Apple has introduced a beautiful, colorful Pride Harmony watch face that makes a bold statement.

The new face features an abstract representation of the Pride flag, offering a stunning visual experience for users who want to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. This new face pairs perfectly with the Pride wallpapers introduced in iOS and iPadOS 18.5, creating a cohesive and visually appealing theme across all Apple devices.

For Apple Watch Series 10 owners, there’s another bonus. The Pride Harmony face is one of the very few watch faces that support the always-on display feature while also showing the seconds hand. The Series 10 boasts a more advanced always-on display, capable of updating more frequently than previous models. However, the feature is not compatible with most faces, making the Pride Harmony face a significant addition to the list of supported options. It is now the fifth watch face to support this feature.

Aside from the new watch face, watchOS 11.5 introduces two other notable updates:

Buy with Apple Watch: This new feature allows users to purchase content directly from the Apple TV app on a third-party device using their Apple Watch. It’s a convenient addition for those who want to make purchases seamlessly without needing to grab their iPhone.
Bug Fix: Apple has also resolved a bug that was preventing some iPhones from displaying notifications when the Apple Watch’s battery reached full charge. This fix should bring peace of mind to users who rely on these notifications to monitor their watch’s charging status.

While the update may not seem groundbreaking, it’s important to remember that watchOS 12 is expected to be announced next month at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Rumors suggest that the next version of watchOS could bring new Apple Intelligence features, along with some design changes and additional functionality.

What Undercode Says:

While watchOS 11.5 doesn’t come with a major overhaul, it still delivers some noteworthy improvements that Apple Watch users will appreciate. The addition of the Pride Harmony watch face is a testament to Apple’s continued commitment to inclusivity and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a small but meaningful gesture, offering both aesthetic appeal and a sense of connection for many users.

The always-on display support in Series 10 for the Pride Harmony face is a highlight, especially considering the Series 10’s advanced display capabilities. As more users move towards always-on displays, it’s clear that Apple is listening to their needs and continuously refining its hardware and software to offer the best experience.

On the functionality front, the new “Buy with Apple Watch” feature is a welcome addition. It shows that Apple is committed to making the Apple Watch a more integral part of its ecosystem, not just as a fitness tracker but as a full-fledged tool for everyday tasks. However, the absence of any major new features in this update suggests that Apple is saving the big innovations for watchOS 12, which could introduce more substantial changes and features aimed at improving user experience.

The bug fix addressing charging notifications is also a useful improvement for users who rely on these alerts to manage their Apple Watch charging cycle. While this might seem like a minor fix, it reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the reliability of its devices, ensuring that even small issues are addressed.

Fact Checker Results:

Pride Harmony Watch Face: Accurate. The new face was indeed introduced with watchOS 11.5, offering a colorful abstract representation of the Pride flag.
Always-On Display Compatibility: True. Series 10 users can now view the seconds hand on the Pride Harmony face while the display is dimmed, a feature previously unavailable on most watch faces.
Bug Fix for Charging Notifications: Correct. Apple resolved the issue preventing iPhones from showing notifications when the Apple Watch battery is fully charged.

Prediction:

Looking ahead, watchOS 12 could be the update that brings more significant changes to the Apple Watch ecosystem. We anticipate that Apple will introduce a slew of new health features, including further integration of artificial intelligence to monitor users’ well-being more proactively. Additionally, expect design enhancements and more customization options for watch faces, continuing Apple’s trend of making the Apple Watch more personalized and versatile.

As Apple leans into AI and health, we could see expanded support for third-party apps that leverage machine learning, along with updates to the always-on display feature to support more watch faces. WatchOS 12 could also pave the way for more seamless integration with other Apple devices, turning the Apple Watch into an even more central hub for users’ daily lives.