watchOS 11 Unveils Hidden Features for Apple Watch Users

watchOS 11 brings a host of new features to the Apple Watch, enhancing its functionality and making everyday use even more seamless. While some changes are more widely recognized, others offer subtle but highly practical improvements.

Turn the Digital Crown to View Notifications

One of the more convenient updates in watchOS 11 is the ability to view notifications using the Digital Crown. Unlike previous versions where you had to swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Notification Center, this new method allows users to simply unlock the Apple Watch and turn the Crown towards themselves. The Notification Center will appear, and users can scroll through their notifications by turning the Crown upward or downward. Pressing the Digital Crown will exit the Notification Center, making it a simple and efficient way to interact with notifications, especially when wearing gloves.

Customize Alert Tones

Apple finally addresses a long-requested feature in watchOS 11 by allowing users to change alert tones. Now, Apple Watch users can choose from eight different tones for various notifications, such as text messages, emails, reminders, and calendar alerts. To adjust the tones, users can go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics on their Apple Watch, or use the Watch app on their paired iPhone. This customization gives users greater control over how they interact with their device.

Live Activities in Smart Stack

watchOS 11 also introduces the ability to view Live Activities directly on the Apple Watch via the Smart Stack. This feature, which builds on iOS 16’s Live Activities, allows users to see real-time updates for things like music playback, food delivery, ongoing workouts, and ridesharing apps without needing to open any apps. Live Activities automatically appear at the top of the Smart Stack, and users can scroll through them using the Digital Crown. Tapping on a Live Activity provides more details, and if an app is not available on the Apple Watch, users can open it on their iPhone. This feature makes it easy to stay updated on ongoing activities without constantly checking the paired phone.

Translate Phrases Right on Your Wrist

Another notable addition in watchOS 11 is the Translate app. This app enables users to translate phrases in real-time directly on their Apple Watch. To use it, simply open the Translate app, select the input and output languages, and tap the microphone icon to speak a phrase. The watch will automatically detect and translate the phrase, with an option to hear the translation and save it for later use. Users can also customize aspects of the translation experience, such as input mode and pronunciation speed, through the app’s settings.

Integrated Music Recognition

Music lovers will appreciate the new Music Recognition feature in watchOS 11, powered by Shazam. This app allows users to identify songs playing nearby right from their wrist. After opening the Music Recognition app and tapping the Shazam button, the Apple Watch will display the song’s title and artist. Users can then tap the song to open it on Apple Music, where they can add it to a playlist. The app also keeps a history of all identified songs for easy access later.

With these updates, Apple continues to refine the Apple Watch experience, adding new features that reduce reliance on the paired iPhone and enhance the device’s utility. Whether you’re using the Digital Crown for notifications or translating phrases on the go, watchOS 11 offers several features that elevate the Apple Watch’s role in daily life.