At its annual WWDC conference, Apple unveiled watchOS 11 and introduced a range of features for the Apple Watch that leverage its sensor technology, advanced algorithms and science-driven approach to deliver advanced insights into users' health and fitness, along with better personalisation. The new Vitals app presents key health metrics and context. watchOS 11 also brings pregnancy tracking and support.
Pregnancy Tracking And Support
watchOS 11, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18 provide enhanced assistance for pregnant users to accommodate the fluctuations in their physical and mental well-being throughout this phase. Upon logging a pregnancy in the Health app on iPhone or iPad, the Cycle Tracking app on Apple Watch will display the user's gestational age and enable them to record symptoms commonly associated with pregnancy. Additionally, users will receive prompts to review settings such as their high heart rate notification threshold, as heart rate typically rises during pregnancy.
watchOS 11 Brings New Vitals App
Apple Watch now offers users the ability to track vital health metrics during sleep, including heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, and blood oxygen levels. With watchOS 11, the new Vitals app provides users with a convenient way to access these essential health metrics and gain valuable insights into their well-being.
By analysing these metrics, Apple Watch allows users to monitor their daily health status, easily identify notable trends, and promptly detect deviations from their usual range. In instances where two or more metrics fall outside the typical range, users receive notifications accompanied by explanations of how changes in these specific metrics may be linked to various factors in their lives, such as altitude changes, alcohol consumption, or potential illness.
“watchOS is the world’s most advanced wearable operating system, supporting Apple Watch users throughout their day to stay healthy, active, and connected,” David Clark, Apple’s senior director of watchOS Engineering, said in a statement.
“This fall, watchOS 11 makes Apple Watch an even more essential companion by offering users additional actionable insights into their health and fitness, more personalisation to fit their unique needs, and new ways to stay connected while on the go.”
Activity Rings Are Cutomisable Now
Each day, Activity rings serve as a source of motivation for Apple Watch users, encouraging them to reduce sedentary time, increase movement, and engage in physical activity. With watchOS 11, these rings become even more adaptable. Whether users are taking a rest day from training, nursing an injury, or simply requiring a break, they can now pause their rings for a day, week, month, or longer, all without impacting their award streaks. With watchOS 11, Apple Watch users can personalise their Activity ring goals based on the day of the week, ensuring that the rings offer the appropriate level of motivation at the optimal times.