Apple has just released watchOS 11.4, bringing several new features and improvements to Apple Watch users worldwide. The update includes support for Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners in the Home app, enhanced sleep tracking with a new alarm feature, and important bug fixes. The software update was briefly released earlier but has now officially launched for all compatible Apple Watch models.
To install watchOS 11.4, make sure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% and connected to Wi-Fi. You can download the update by opening the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, going to General > Software Update, and following the on-screen instructions. The update is available for all Apple Watch models that support watchOS 11.
This release comes as Apple continues to improve the functionality of its wearable devices. The new sleep alarm feature has been particularly well-received by early adopters, while the Home app integration with robot vacuums adds another layer of smart home control directly from your wrist.
Key Features and Changes in watchOS 11.4
Apple’s watchOS 11.4 update might look subtle on the surface, but it brings a handful of useful upgrades that improve everyday usability, HomeKit integration, and system reliability. Let’s break down what’s new.
Wake Up Alarms That Break Through Silent Mode
One of the most practical features in watchOS 11.4 is the new ability for wake-up alarms to override Silent Mode. If you’ve ever missed a morning alarm because your Apple Watch was silenced the night before, this update has your back.
Here’s how it works:
| Feature | Behavior in Previous Versions | Behavior in watchOS 11.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Up Alarm in Silent Mode | No sound or vibration | Plays sound and provides haptics |
| Standard Alarms in Silent Mode | Remain silent | Still remain silent |
| Customization | Limited | Toggle override on/off in Sleep Focus |
This update is particularly useful for people who use the Sleep Focus regularly. It ensures you won’t miss critical alarms—without having to manually toggle Silent Mode off every night.
Matter-Compatible Robot Vacuum Support
watchOS 11.4 extends Apple’s commitment to the smart home with expanded Matter support. This time, robot vacuums are joining the party.
Now, if you own a Matter-compatible vacuum cleaner, you can:
- Add it to the Home app
- Control it using Siri on your Apple Watch
- Trigger cleaning routines via scenes or automations
Example Siri commands include:
- “Hey Siri, start cleaning the kitchen”
- “Pause the vacuum”
- “Send the vacuum back to its dock”
This makes the Apple Watch a surprisingly capable smart home controller—no iPhone needed.
7 New Emojis
While not a headline feature, Apple has added seven new emojis with this release. These include:
- A lime
- A phoenix
- A broken chain
- A shaking face
- A brown mushroom
- A donkey
- A harp
These were part of the Unicode 15.1 update and have rolled out across all Apple platforms in this wave of software updates, including iOS 17.4 and macOS Sonoma 14.4.
Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
Apple also tackled some annoying bugs in watchOS 11.4:
| Issue Fixed | Description |
|---|---|
| Watch face switching lag | Sometimes unresponsive when changing faces via swipes or the Watch app |
| Home app device syncing delay | Delays when syncing with new HomeKit accessories |
| Calendar complications not refreshing | Some complications were not updating events in real time |
If you’ve had minor frustrations with responsiveness or syncing, this update should feel noticeably smoother.
How to Install watchOS 11.4
You can update your Apple Watch directly or through your iPhone. Here’s a quick refresher on both methods:
On Apple Watch:
- Connect your watch to Wi-Fi
- Make sure it’s at least 50% charged and on the charger
- Open Settings > General > Software Update
- Tap Install
On iPhone:
- Open the Apple Watch app
- Go to General > Software Update
- Tap Download and Install
- Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch close together until the update finishes
The update is compatible with Apple Watch Series 5 and later (including SE models). Series 4 and older do not support watchOS 11.
watchOS 11.4 may not be packed with groundbreaking features, but it delivers where it counts—reliability, convenience, and better smart home control from your wrist. If you’re someone who lives in Silent Mode or uses your watch as a daily controller for your connected home, this one’s worth downloading.
Key Takeaways
- WatchOS 11.4 adds Matter-compatible robot vacuum control and improved sleep alarms to Apple Watch.
- The update requires 50% battery charge and can be installed through the Apple Watch app on iPhone.
- All Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 11 can receive this update with its bug fixes and new features.
Overview of watchOS 11.4 Update
Apple’s latest watchOS update brings several practical improvements focused on alarm functionality, smart home integration, and bug fixes. The update adds convenience features while maintaining compatibility with existing Apple Watch models.
Key Features and Enhancements
The standout feature in watchOS 11.4 is a new Sleep Wake Up alarm option that breaks through Silent Mode. This helps ensure you won’t miss important morning alarms even when your watch is silenced.
Apple has also expanded smart home capabilities, allowing users to add Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners to the Home app. This integration makes controlling your smart cleaning devices more convenient right from your wrist.
The update includes new emoji options to enhance messaging directly from your Apple Watch. These small additions make communication more expressive without needing to reach for your phone.
Bug fixes address performance issues reported in previous versions, improving overall watch stability and battery life. Apple Watch users will notice smoother animations and more responsive apps after installing the update.
Compatibility and Availability
WatchOS 11.4 is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models, including all versions of Apple Watch Ultra and SE. Users with older watch models won’t be able to install this update.
To install watchOS 11.4, your Apple Watch must be charged to at least 50% and connected to Wi-Fi. The update can be installed through the Settings app directly on your watch or through the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
Apple initially released watchOS 11.4 at the end of March 2025, but has since rereleased the update to address installation issues some users experienced. This fixed version is now available for all users.
The update is free and Apple recommends all eligible users install it to benefit from the latest features and security improvements.
In-Depth Feature Analysis
The watchOS 11.4 update brings three significant improvements to Apple Watch users. These changes enhance the sleep tracking experience, provide better notification options, and expand smart home control capabilities.
Improvement to Sleep App
The Sleep app in watchOS 11.4 now includes a new crucial option for Sleep Wake Up alarms. Users can set alarms to break through Silent Mode, ensuring they won’t miss important wake-up calls. This feature addresses a common complaint from users who missed alarms when their watch was in silent mode.
The update also improves sleep tracking accuracy. The app now provides more detailed sleep stage information, making it easier to understand sleep patterns.
Apple has added colorful visual indicators to show sleep quality at a glance. These simple charts help users quickly see how well they slept without digging through menus.
The Sleep app also works better with the Health app. Sleep data syncs faster between devices, giving users a more complete picture of their rest habits.
Enhanced Haptic Feedback
The Sound & Haptics menu features improved controls in watchOS 11.4. Users now have more options to customize how their watch vibrates for different notifications.
The update introduces three new haptic patterns:
- Gentle Pulse: A soft, rhythmic pattern for non-urgent alerts
- Double Tap: Two distinct vibrations for important notifications
- Escalating: Starts soft and gradually increases in intensity
These new patterns help users tell notifications apart without looking at their watch. This is especially useful in meetings or other quiet settings.
Apple also improved haptic strength consistency across different watch models. The Series 8 and Ultra models now deliver more precise feedback that feels the same regardless of which watch you own.
Support for Matter-Compliant Devices
WatchOS 11.4 expands smart home control with better support for Matter-compatible devices. Users can now control more smart home products directly from their wrist.
The update adds specific controls for Matter-certified robot vacuum cleaners. Watch users can start, stop, or schedule cleaning cycles without using their phone. The interface includes simple buttons and status indicators that work well on the small watch screen.
Smart lighting controls have been streamlined too. Users can adjust brightness with the Digital Crown and change colors with simple taps.
The update also improves response times when controlling Matter devices. Commands from the watch to smart home products now execute almost instantly, making the experience feel much more responsive.
These improvements make Apple Watch a more effective hub for controlling various aspects of a smart home ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
The watchOS 11.4 update brings several key improvements including alarm enhancements and smart home features. Users can easily install this update with a few simple steps.
What new features does the watchOS 11.4 update include?
WatchOS 11.4 adds support for Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners in the Home app. This makes controlling smart home cleaning devices easier right from your wrist.
The update includes an important alarm improvement that makes Wake Up alarms break through Silent Mode. This helps ensure users don’t miss important morning alarms, even when their watch is silenced.
Multiple bug fixes and performance improvements are also included in this update to enhance the overall Apple Watch experience.
How can I download and install the watchOS 11.4 update?
To install watchOS 11.4, make sure your Apple Watch has at least 50% battery and is placed on a charger. This prevents the watch from running out of power during installation.
You’ll also need to ensure your watch is connected to Wi-Fi. Open the Settings app directly on your Apple Watch to begin the update process.
Alternatively, you can use your paired iPhone to check for and install the update through the Watch app.
Is the watchOS 11.4 update compatible with all Apple Watch models?
The watchOS 11.4 update works with Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models. This includes the Apple Watch SE (both generations), Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Series 9, and Ultra models.
Older watch models like Series 3 and earlier are not compatible with the new update. These devices reached the end of their software support in previous update cycles.
All compatible watches must be paired with an iPhone running iOS 17 or later.
What are the steps to troubleshoot if the watchOS 11.4 update is not appearing?
If the update isn’t showing up, first check that your iPhone is running iOS 17 or later. The Watch app on your iPhone requires the latest iOS version to show watchOS updates.
Make sure both your iPhone and Apple Watch have strong connections. Your iPhone should be on Wi-Fi and your watch should be within Bluetooth range.
Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch if the update still doesn’t appear. After restarting, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, then Software Update to check again.
Can users expect any performance improvements with the watchOS 11.4 update?
The watchOS 11.4 update includes various performance enhancements that help improve battery life on compatible Apple Watch models. Users may notice their watch running slightly more efficiently.
App launching times may be faster after installing the update. Apple has optimized system processes to reduce lag when opening and switching between apps.
The update also improves background processes, which helps maintain consistent performance throughout the day without unexpected slowdowns.
Are there any known issues or bugs associated with the watchOS 11.4 update?
Some users have reported temporary battery drain issues immediately after installing watchOS 11.4. This typically resolves within 24-48 hours as the watch completes its post-update processes.
A small number of users experienced issues with third-party app compatibility. App developers are working on updates to ensure full compatibility with the latest watchOS version.
If experiencing persistent issues after updating, users can contact Apple Support for assistance. Most minor bugs will likely be addressed in future point updates to watchOS 11.4.
