What's New in watchOS 114: Features, Fixes, and What You Need to Know

Apple has officially rolled out watchOS 11.4 for Apple Watch users, delivering a collection of new features, bug fixes, and enhancements. While this update isn’t as monumental as some of the updates to iOS and iPadOS, it brings with it some noteworthy additions that Apple Watch owners will appreciate. From new alarm features to expanded emoji support, here’s everything you need to know about watchOS 11.4.

What’s New in watchOS 11.4?

Apple Watch owners can look forward to several new features with watchOS 11.4, though it’s a more subtle update compared to the major system-wide updates for iPhones and iPads. Here’s a rundown of what’s included:

Matter-Compatible Robot Vacuum Support: The new update adds support for Matter-compatible devices, including robot vacuum cleaners. These can now be added to the Home app and integrated into various automations or scenes. For instance, users can command Siri to clean the living room, making home automation more seamless than ever.
New Sleep Wake Up Alarm Feature: One of the standout additions is the ability to let the Sleep Wake Up alarm break through Silent Mode. This feature is especially useful for users who prefer to keep their watch in Silent Mode for haptic-only notifications but still want to wake up to an audible alarm. It’s a much-needed enhancement that offers greater flexibility without sacrificing the benefits of Silent Mode.
Seven New Emoji: watchOS 11.4 also includes seven fresh emoji on the keyboard, allowing users to express themselves more creatively and enhance communication through their Apple Watches. This update is consistent with iOS 18.4, which also rolled out these new emojis.
Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements: Apple has addressed a number of bugs, including one where face selection could become unresponsive when switching between faces. As usual, the update also brings overall performance improvements and optimizations.

What Undercode Says:

watchOS 11.4 introduces several small but meaningful improvements to the Apple Watch ecosystem. While it may not be a headline-grabbing update like iOS 18 or other major system updates, its focus on enhancing usability and flexibility is notable. The most significant feature for many users will likely be the new Sleep Wake Up alarm, which addresses a common pain point for those who keep their Apple Watch in Silent Mode.

Silent Mode is a great feature, allowing users to maintain a distraction-free environment with haptic notifications. However, until now, this mode has meant that alarm notifications couldn’t break through, leaving users with no audible sound to wake them up. The new ability to let alarms sound through Silent Mode resolves this limitation, giving users a more customizable experience.

Another key feature worth noting is the integration of Matter-compatible robot vacuums into the Home app. As smart home technology continues to grow, the ability to control such devices directly from the Apple Watch makes it a more powerful tool for managing home automation. While it’s not groundbreaking, it’s certainly a welcomed addition for those looking to expand their smart home setups.

The inclusion of new emoji may seem like a small change, but it’s an important one in a world where communication is often reliant on digital expression. The update aligns with iOS 18.4, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to keeping the Apple Watch experience in line with other devices in their ecosystem.

Despite these improvements, watchOS 11.4 does raise questions about the broader strategy of incremental updates. While Apple continues to fine-tune and enhance its software, some users may wonder whether it’s time for more significant changes to the Apple Watch experience. Nevertheless, these ongoing updates serve to refine and polish the existing features that Apple users have come to rely on.

Fact Checker Results:

Matter-Compatible Robot Vacuums: The feature works as expected, allowing Matter-compatible vacuums to integrate seamlessly into the Home app.
Sleep Wake Up Alarm in Silent Mode: This feature is now active and functions as described, letting users wake up to an audible alarm even with Silent Mode enabled.
New Emoji: The update includes seven new emoji, consistent with updates to other Apple platforms like iOS 18.4.

References:

Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/01/watchos-11-4-now-available-with-three-new-features-for-apple-watch
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