Exciting updates are on the horizon for Apple’s operating systems, and we’ll get our first official glimpse at WWDC 2024 on June 10th. While iOS 18 and visionOS 2 are expected to steal the spotlight, we’ve already received some unfortunate news for owners of a particular model of Apple Watch: it might lose support for watchOS 11.
According to a report from the French site iPhonesoft, it appears that watchOS 11 won’t be compatible with the Apple Watch Series 4. This comes as a disappointment, as over the years, this model, once considered top-of-the-line, may cease to receive future updates. It will remain on watchOS 10, which was released last September.
The Apple Watch Series 4, known for introducing features like ECG and a larger display, will be left behind by watchOS 11. If watchOS 10 had followed the same list of compatible watches as the previous edition of watchOS 9, this situation with the Apple Watch Series 4 might not have happened so soon. However, plans were already in motion to phase out compatibility for a smartwatch that introduced groundbreaking features like the electrocardiogram and a larger screen. This model laid the foundation for what the Apple Watch has become today.
Compatible Apple Watches for watchOS 11
The following Apple Watch models are expected to be compatible with watchOS 11:
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch SE 2
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
Additionally, the list may include the rumored Apple Watch X and possibly a new Apple Watch Ultra. It’s likely that the watchOS 11 beta will be released for developers on June 10th, with an official public release in September, just before the new watches hit the market.
Why the Apple Watch Series 4 Might Be Left Out
The decision to exclude the Apple Watch Series 4 from watchOS 11 compatibility might be due to hardware limitations. Typically, devices may not meet the necessary specifications to support new software features. While no major innovations are expected with watchOS 11, there could be developments related to artificial intelligence.
Let’s hope this report is inaccurate and that Apple doesn’t forget about a model that played a significant role in reshaping the perception of the Apple Watch as an essential health monitoring device.