Apple Watch: users have been waiting for this possibility for 10 years. The watchOS 11 update finally brings it

News JVTech Apple Watch: users have been waiting for this possibility for 10 years. The watchOS 11 update finally brings it

A decade of waiting for the Apple Watch

Since the launch of the first Apple Watch, users have always been able to make and receive calls from their iPhone directly from their wrist. However, this feature was marred by a frustrating limitation: it was impossible to personalize the ringtone. This seems crazy to those who don’t have the watch, but yes, the ringtone has always been the same, without any customization options.

With watchOS 11, that wait is finally over. The latest operating system update for Apple Watch, introduced a few weeks ago during WWDC 2024, offers the ability to choose from eight different ringtones. Users can now opt for sounds like “Pebbles”, inherited from the Cellular version, or even “Focus”, “Nighthawk”, “Transmit”, “Twirl”, “Windup” and “Wonder”.

In addition to ringtones, watchOS 11 also offers the ability to change notification sounds for text messages, emails, calendar alerts, reminders, and regular notifications. Available options include “Resonate”, “Brilliant”, “Cheer”, “Flutter”, “Globe”, “Moment”, “Scoop”, “Timekeeper” and “Tinker”. Although it’s still not possible to set a specific ringtone for each contact or choose a ringtone from the iTunes Store, we’re not going to shy away from this change. For now, only people who have downloaded the developer beta can benefit from it.

Other new features of watchOS 11

Along with the new sound customization options, watchOS 11 brings a few additional features. A new app called Vital Signs follows closely, and more clearly, the essential elements of our health such as breathing, sleep or the level of oxygen in the blood.

“Live Activities” also make their debut with watchOS 11. This feature allows you to follow certain activities in real time directly from the watch screen, as you already have on iPhone (to follow a workout, a delivery or a race).

Another notable addition, the “Translate” application also makes its debut on the Apple Watch with watchOS 11. This application allows you to translate sentences directly from the watch, making it easier to communicate when traveling or in situations where the language barrier may be a problem.

The watchOS 11 update will be available to the general public this fall, with a beta already available to developers and a public beta planned for next month. However, it should be noted that this update will require an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer model.