From initially being regarded as a fashionable tech accessory to evolving into a comprehensive health wearable, Apple Watches have undergone significant transformation. Despite Apple introducing new features with each watchOS update, the potential of advanced health sensors remains largely untapped. As the Apple Watch approaches its 10th anniversary next year, anticipation mounts for substantial hardware upgrades coupled with cutting-edge software enhancements. For now, let’s set aside discussions about hardware improvements and focus on five features I eagerly anticipate seeing in watchOS 11 in 2024.
1. Customizable Side Button
The initial feature I’m eager to see in watchOS 11 is a customizable side button. Since the release of watchOS 10, Apple altered the method for accessing the Control Center and App Switcher, prompting a wave of criticism. Users found the new system confusing, as it disrupted their established habits. Needless to say, users prefer consistency and may resist further changes to their accustomed interactions.
The Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 come with an additional programmable Action Button, a feature not found in the standard Apple Watch series. Consolidating functionality across the side button, swipes, and the Digital Crown can be cumbersome. Therefore, incorporating a programmable side button on the Apple Watch would be advantageous. For example, a single press could initiate a workout, while frequent Stopwatch users could assign this action to the side button for easy access.
I envision the ability to customize the side button with double presses. For example, a single press could open the Control Center, while a double press could launch the Workout app. However, given Apple’s recent omission of this feature on devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and the Apple Watch Ultra models, it’s unlikely to be implemented anytime soon. Nevertheless, dreaming is allowed, isn’t it? Despite this, requesting a programmable side button in watchOS 11 seems like a reasonable ask.
2. Enhanced Nightstand Mode with AOD
Another feature I’m eagerly anticipating in watchOS 11 is a redesigned Nightstand mode. Since its introduction, the Apple Watch’s Nightstand mode has remained relatively unchanged, displaying basic elements like battery status, a digital clock, and upcoming alarms. However, I believe it’s time for an overhaul of this mundane and limited feature. The 2024 update for the Apple Watch should introduce a completely redesigned Nightstand mode that offers greater customization options and enhanced functionality.
I’m keen on having an analog watch display option for Nightstand mode. Additionally, incorporating the ability to decorate the night mode with personal photos would be fantastic. Essentially, I envision watchOS 11 offering a feature akin to the StandBy mode introduced in iOS 17, where I can add widgets and tailor the Nightstand mode to my liking.
Next, I hope watchOS 11 introduces Always-On functionality to the Apple Watch Nightstand mode. Currently, Nightstand mode activates when the Apple Watch is charging, displaying information for a brief period before the screen turns off until prompted by a tap. With watchOS 11, it would be ideal for Apple to implement an Always-On Nightstand mode, providing continuous glanceable information.
Since the Apple Watch Series 5 and later models already have the Always-On feature, integrating it into the Nightstand mode shouldn’t be a problem. If these smartwatches can handle Always-On Display while on your wrist, there’s no reason they can’t do the same when connected to a charger. I’m not suggesting Apple invent a new feature; I just want them to expand the Always-On functionality to the Nightstand mode. Of course, there should be an option to dim the brightness to avoid disturbing light sleepers. Additionally, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro models, there should be an option to disable the Always-On Standby mode entirely.
3. Enhanced and User-Friendly Health Insights
While the Apple Watch and watchOS have undoubtedly progressed over time, there’s still a sense that certain advanced features are overdue. Additionally, the abundance of information presented on the device can often feel overwhelming and challenging to decipher, particularly for casual users. I’m hopeful that watchOS 11 will streamline and simplify the user experience, making information more accessible and easier to understand on the device’s small screen.
Below are the health features I’m eager to see in watchOS 11. Let me guide you through each of them.
Improved Sleep Monitoring
Although Apple introduced sleep tracking with watchOS 8 and made notable improvements in watchOS 9, I believe they still lag behind competitors in this area. While the Apple Watch provides insights into various sleep stages (Deep, Core, REM), as well as resting heart rate and respiratory rate, the tracking may not be sufficiently adaptable for users without a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine. Additionally, the current sleep tracking on the Apple Watch does not account for naps or short breaks, as these are not typically part of nightly sleep schedules.
I’m hopeful that watchOS 11 will introduce more intelligent sleep tracking that can automatically adjust to my routine and provide more comprehensive insights into my sleep quality. Additionally, it should offer guidance on whether I’ve had enough sleep to be prepared for the next day’s workout or busy schedule.
Monitoring Stress and Anxiety
When discussing my wishlist for watchOS 11, one of my primary requests is the addition of stress and anxiety tracking. I firmly believe that mental health is just as crucial, if not more so, than physical health. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact overall well-being, affecting our emotional, mental, and physical capabilities. While the Apple Watch excels at tracking fitness levels through the Activity app, it lacks a robust mechanism for monitoring mental well-being. My hope is that watchOS 11 will incorporate features to detect and alert users to elevated stress and anxiety levels, as well as provide guidance on how to manage and alleviate them.
Although there are third-party watchOS apps available for tracking stress levels, I yearn for an integrated functionality within the system that provides a more comprehensive perspective
Smarter Rings
Since 2014, Apple Watches have used activity rings to gauge the healthiness or activeness of your lifestyle. However, in 2024, these rings remain unchanged. I don’t want to sound harsh, but I believe the three-ring fitness system is somewhat toxic and aggressive, as it doesn’t tell the whole story. It focuses on monitoring achievements and suggests more challenging goals once you meet your current ones.
While this approach may be helpful for some users, it’s not very useful for athletes or fitness enthusiasts whose goals involve building muscle or gaining weight. It also overlooks the importance of rest and recovery. Additionally, the Apple Watch doesn’t understand the user’s intentions or focus.
Another missing feature in watchOS is the ability to maintain a streak even if you take a day off. Everything seems great when you close your rings every day, but if you’re tired one day and don’t meet your goals, your streak is broken. This doesn’t seem fair. Apple Watch should have something akin to Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score, which better understands your body and provides personalized workout intensity and recovery recommendations.
I strongly believe that the Move, Stand, and Exercise goals should not be the only health metrics considered by the Apple Watch. It should also take into account mental health, rest and recovery, and sudden life changes. In short, I hope that watchOS 11 will introduce smarter rings that do not constantly push you to do more.
There should be a way to manually add rest days or receive personalized recommendations for rest days. Rest is crucial! Instead of sending alerts to go out and exercise, I would appreciate it if watchOS 11 could send motivational quotes and applaud me for making it through the day when I feel like giving up.
AI-Generated Health Summary
I’m incredibly excited for the upcoming iOS 18 and the smarter “Siri 2.0” powered by generative AI. With that in mind, I hope watchOS 11 will leverage AI to provide straightforward health insights. Currently, Apple Watch presents information through graphs and reports, which can sometimes feel either too sparse or overwhelming. However, they consistently lack ease of comprehension.
My wish for watchOS 11 is to introduce an AI-generated health summary feature that presents a user-friendly summary covering all essentials without technical jargon. Just imagine how much easier it would be to interpret ECG graphs and lengthy sleep-tracking reports. Even better, I could simply ask Siri to display my sleep or workout summary.
4. Instant Steps Count Access
If there’s one thing I dislike about the Apple Watch, it’s the cumbersome process of accessing the steps count. Why should I have to navigate to the Activity app every time I want to check my steps? While it may not bother those who rarely track their steps, for someone like me who monitors them multiple times a day to meet my goal, it’s undeniably frustrating.
With a step challenge underway at my office, it’s frustrating not being able to quickly glance at my step count on my Apple Watch. After all, shouldn’t the basics be readily available at my fingertips? I urge Apple to address these frustrations by introducing quick access to the steps count in watchOS 11.
5. Store for Watch Faces
A store for watch faces would undoubtedly be a top priority on every Apple Watch user’s wishlist. Despite nearly a decade since the launch of Apple’s smartwatch lineup, users are still limited to first-party watch faces. The demand for third-party watch faces has been evident since the release of the Apple Watch Series 1 in 2015. While Apple periodically introduces new faces with each watchOS update, the desire for third-party options and greater customization remains strong among users.
In watchOS 11, I hope to see the introduction of a watch face store that enables users to personalize their watch faces. This store should include support for third-party watch faces, allowing users to design, customize, and share their creations, as well as download watch faces made by others. Such a feature would serve as a one-stop solution for sharing faces, accessing customizations, and exploring a wide variety of options.
I understand that the likelihood of this happening is slim, especially considering Apple’s statement last year regarding concerns that third-party watch faces could compromise watchOS functionality. However, I view this as more of an excuse than a valid reason. There must be a way to address these concerns and develop a solution that works for everyone. In the meantime, I urge Apple to at least introduce some flexibility to the first-party watch faces.
It would be enjoyable to have the ability to add complications to a watch face, or better yet, for watchOS to suggest useful complications based on my usage habits or frequently used apps on my smartwatch. While a watch face store may not be a feature in watchOS 11, I’m still eagerly anticipating its introduction in the near future. Apple, I hope you’re listening!
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