Apple has officially rolled out watchOS 11.5, delivering a blend of personalization, functionality, and security enhancements that refine the Apple Watch experience ahead of watchOS 12’s unveiling at WWDC 2025. While this mid-cycle update doesn’t include a long list of headline features, it’s a meaningful refresh focused on user convenience, performance stability, and improved cross-device integration.
Here’s everything Apple Watch users need to know about what’s new in watchOS 11.5—and why this update is worth installing.
New Features in watchOS 11.5
Pride Harmony Watch Face
At the forefront of the update is the vibrant Pride Harmony watch face, a nod to inclusivity and celebration during Pride Month. The face features animated rainbow-colored stripes that respond dynamically to wrist movements. On newer models like the Apple Watch Series 10, this design supports the always-on display, ensuring even subtle animations and the seconds hand stay visible when the screen is dimmed.
This continues Apple’s tradition of supporting social causes through product design while giving users new ways to express themselves. Historically, Apple has released new Pride faces each year, and 2025’s design is one of the most visually dynamic yet.
Apple TV Purchase Integration
One of the more functional additions in watchOS 11.5 is deeper integration with the Apple TV app. Users can now authorize and complete purchases directly from their Apple Watch—even when using Apple TV on third-party platforms like Android TVs or smart TVs from brands like Samsung and LG.
This makes the Apple Watch a more useful companion for media consumption and expands its role in Apple’s broader ecosystem of services and devices.
Bug Fixes
watchOS 11.5 also addresses a key annoyance for many users: a bug that prevented iPhones from showing a full-charge notification when the Apple Watch reached 100% battery. This fix improves cross-device awareness and helps users stay better informed about their device status.
Other background fixes enhance connectivity and system responsiveness, especially during background sync and notification delivery.
Security Fixes and Under-the-Hood Improvements
Security remains a cornerstone of Apple’s software updates, and watchOS 11.5 is no exception. The update includes multiple patches targeting vulnerabilities in key frameworks like:
- CoreAudio – preventing potential audio-related exploits.
- WebKit – fixing known web-rendering vulnerabilities.
- Kernel – addressing low-level system flaws that could compromise device integrity.
These changes help protect your personal data and make the Apple Watch more secure for daily use, especially for those who rely on health data, notifications, and Apple Pay features.
Compatibility and How to Update
watchOS 11.5 is available for:
- Apple Watch Series 6 and later
- All Apple Watch Ultra models
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
To install the update:
- Make sure your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi and has at least a 50% charge.
- Place it on the charger.
- Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
The download should take just a few minutes depending on your internet speed and model.
A Stepping Stone Toward watchOS 12
watchOS 11.5 may be the last major update before Apple showcases watchOS 12 at WWDC 2025, where features like expanded health metrics, AI-driven smart coaching, and new third-party app integrations are widely expected. This makes 11.5 a refinement update—polishing the user experience and laying a smoother path for what’s next.
For now, watchOS 11.5 enhances personalization, fixes lingering issues, and improves device synergy—all signs of Apple’s continued commitment to a seamless wearable experience.
Key Takeaways
- WatchOS 11.5 adds a new Pride Harmony watch face and fixes an iPhone notification bug.
- The update emphasizes system stability and quality improvements for all Apple Watch users.
- Users can install the update through the Watch app on their paired iPhone.
watchOS 11.5 Release Overview
Apple has released watchOS 11.5, bringing new features and important bug fixes to Apple Watch users. The update includes a new Pride watch face and addresses notification issues that affected some users.
Key Features and Improvements
The watchOS 11.5 update introduces a new Pride Harmony watch face, giving users a fresh option to personalize their Apple Watch. This colorful addition celebrates diversity and inclusion through Apple’s annual Pride support.
The update also fixes an important bug that prevented iPhones from showing notifications from Apple Watch. This fix improves the connection between paired devices, making sure users don’t miss important alerts.
Apple has focused on stability improvements in this release. These changes make the watch run more smoothly and respond faster to user input.
The update comes alongside other Apple software releases including iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, tvOS 18.5, and visionOS 2.5, showing Apple’s commitment to keeping all their devices updated together.
Compatibility and Supported Devices
WatchOS 11.5 works with Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models. This includes the Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Ultra, Ultra 2, and SE models (both generations).
To install the update, users need an iPhone running iOS 18 or later. The iPhone must be paired with the Apple Watch for the update to download and install properly.
Older Apple Watch models (Series 3 and earlier) cannot run watchOS 11.5 due to hardware limitations. These watches have reached the end of their software support cycle.
Users should check their watch’s available storage before updating. At least 3GB of free space is recommended for a smooth installation process.
How to Update to watchOS 11.5
Updating to watchOS 11.5 is simple. Place your Apple Watch on its charger with at least 50% battery life.
To start the update:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone
- Tap General
- Select Software Update
- Tap Download and Install when watchOS 11.5 appears
The update will download to your iPhone first, then transfer to your Apple Watch. This process typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on your internet speed and watch model.
Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together during the update. Do not restart either device until the update completes.
If you don’t see the update, try restarting both your iPhone and Apple Watch, then check again.
What’s New in watchOS 11.5
Apple’s latest update brings fresh features and important fixes to Apple Watch users. The update focuses on new customization options and performance improvements that enhance the overall user experience.
Pride Harmony Watch Face and Customization
The most visible addition in watchOS 11.5 is the new Pride Harmony watch face. This watch face celebrates diversity with colorful rainbow stripes and smooth animations that respond to your wrist movements.
Users can customize the face with different color variations and complications to match their style. The face pairs perfectly with the new Pride Edition Sport Band, available in both S/M and M/L sizes.
To set up the new face:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone
- Tap “Face Gallery”
- Scroll to find “Pride Harmony”
- Customize and add to your collection
The vibrant wallpapers complement the watch face design, creating a cohesive look across Apple devices. Many users appreciate how the colors flow naturally around complications without obscuring important information.
Performance Enhancements and Bug Fixes
WatchOS 11.5 addresses several key issues that affected previous versions. Most notably, it fixes a problem that prevented iPhones from showing notifications when connected to Apple Watch.
Battery life improvements are also included, with many users reporting longer usage times between charges. The update optimizes background processes to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
Apple has enhanced the reliability of:
- Health data syncing
- Activity ring tracking
- Workout detection
- App launching speed
The stability improvements work alongside recent iOS 18.4.1 updates to create a more seamless experience between Apple Watch and iPhone devices.
Beta Release and Public Beta Details
The watchOS 11.5 beta program started in March 2025, with five developer beta releases before today’s public launch. Each beta version progressively refined the features we see in the final release.
Public beta testers got access in early April, allowing a wider group of users to provide feedback. This testing period helped Apple identify and fix additional bugs before the official launch.
Key beta timeline:
- Developer Beta 1: March 12, 2025
- Public Beta 1: April 2, 2025
- Release Candidate: May 5, 2025
- Public Release: May 12, 2025
The beta program also tested integration with other Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV. This cross-device testing ensured compatibility with the broader Apple ecosystem.
Tips for Getting the Most from watchOS 11.5
To update your Apple Watch to watchOS 11.5:
- Make sure your watch is at least 50% charged
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Place on charger during installation
- Open Watch app on iPhone
- Tap General > Software Update
Try customizing the new Pride Harmony face with different complications based on your daily needs. Weather and activity complications work especially well with this design.
Battery life can be extended by turning off features you don’t regularly use. Check Settings > Battery to see which apps consume the most power.
The improved health monitoring features in the Vitals app work best when you wear your watch consistently. The new Training Load features help prevent overexertion by tracking workout intensity over time.
Restart your watch after updating to ensure all changes take effect properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new watchOS 11.5 brings several changes to Apple Watch users, including a fresh watch face and important bug fixes. Here are answers to common questions about this update.
How can I update my Apple Watch to the latest watchOS 11.5 version?
To update your Apple Watch, make sure it’s charged to at least 50% and connected to Wi-Fi. Place your watch on its charger during the update process.
Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, tap General, then Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
You can also update using your iPhone. Open the Watch app, go to the My Watch tab, then tap General > Software Update.
Are there any notable features introduced in the watchOS 11.5 update?
WatchOS 11.5 includes two new features for Apple Watch users. The update adds a fresh watch face to the collection.
The update also contains important bug fixes that improve the overall performance and stability of the Apple Watch. Some users had reported issues with previous versions that are now fixed.
These changes build upon the subtle but helpful changes that Apple has been making to improve the watch experience.
What are the compatibility requirements for installing watchOS 11.5?
WatchOS 11.5 is compatible 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.
Your iPhone must be running iOS 17 or later to install the update. Older iPhone models that can’t run iOS 17 won’t be able to update a paired Apple Watch to watchOS 11.5.
Make sure both devices have sufficient storage space available for the update process.
Is it possible to manually download and install the watchOS 11.5 update?
Unlike iOS updates, there is no way to manually download a watchOS update file. The update must be installed through the official channels.
You can check for updates manually by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your Apple Watch. This will force the watch to check for available updates.
If you’re a developer, you can access the watchOS 11.5 RC (Release Candidate) through the Apple Developer website, but you’ll still need to install it through the proper channels.
What should I do if my Apple Watch is having trouble updating to watchOS 11.5?
If your update is stuck or fails, first try restarting both your iPhone and Apple Watch. This often resolves connection issues between the devices.
Ensure your Apple Watch has sufficient battery (at least 50%) and is placed on the charger. Check that your iPhone has a strong Wi-Fi connection and enough storage space.
If problems persist, try unpairing and repairing your Apple Watch with your iPhone. This is a more drastic step but often fixes stubborn update issues.
Will my existing watchOS apps work after updating to version 11.5?
Most existing apps should continue to work normally after updating to watchOS 11.5. Apple typically maintains backward compatibility with apps.
Developers have had access to the watchOS 11.5 RC Release Notes to update their apps for the new version if needed.
If you notice any apps behaving strangely after updating, check the App Store for available updates to those specific apps. A quick app update often fixes compatibility issues with new watchOS versions.
