Apple Watch To Track Sleep Automatically With WatchOS 11

Sleep is one of the most important health metrics that smartwatch users eagerly track. And for some reason, Apple Watches haven’t managed to crack the code, lagging behind its competition. 

Apple Watches are not designed to track sleep unless they use Apple’s Sleep Focus mode. However, with watchOS 11 it will be possible for users to automatically track sleep regardless of what mode their device is in.

This small yet significant change was spotted by Max Weinbach, who tweeted about the automatic sleep-tracking abilities. He later confirmed that the watch will automatically record naps in addition to overnight rest.

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Apple Watch To Track Your Afternoon Naps With WatchOS 11

Simply put, if a user crashes out before their prescribed sleep schedule or oversleeps their intended wake-up, the watch will continue to collect their stats. It will enable users who want to use focus modes to still track their sleep. However, if users want to use the DND features of Sleep Focus, they are recommended to continue setting up a sleep schedule.

This isn’t the only health-tracking upgrade users will see in watchOS 11. The latest Vitals app, announced at WWDC 2024, will give users a closer look into a range of crucial metrics, including temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and, yes, sleep tracking. Besides, users will be able to customize Activity rings to accommodate days off, suggesting an overall emphasis on adequate rest and recovery.

Though a beta version of the update is available currently, a stable watchOS 11 build will officially be rolled out this fall, most likely in September, with a new generation of devices.

Also Read: WWDC 2024: Apple Announces iOS 18, iPadOS 18, And WatchOS 11

WatchOS 11 Brings Vitals And Translate Apps

Apple also announced the next iteration of its watchOS for the Apple Watch. The new OS brings along a new Translate app that allows users to translate languages straight from their wrist, without having to use their iPhone at all. Moreover, the app is capable of recognizing when the user is traveling to a different country, and what language is spoken there. The OS will automatically show a widget in the Smart Stack with support for 20 languages.

Another AI-backed feature of the watchOS 11 analyses “thousands of photos” from the library and provides recommendations for watch faces. It leverages machine learning to determine which images feature the best composition, facial expressions, and other aesthetics.

The Health app will be showing more information to its pregnant users, such as gestational age and high heart rate notifications. Also, the new Training Load feature shows users the intensity and duration of workouts, and how they impact their health.