watchOS 11 public beta: 5 new features that should make your life easier

The watchOS 11 public beta launched on Monday, July 15, allowing testers to explore the new features coming to the next big Apple Watch update.

Keep in mind, though, that watchOS 11 is still a rudimentary, not-yet-finished version, so you'll want to either back up your Apple Watch or run it on a test device. (Here's a quick-and-easy guide on how to install watchOS 11 public beta.) With that disclaimer out of the way, let's dive into the top five features of watchOS 11 public beta — and how to access them.

watchOS 11 public beta: 5 new features that'll make your life easier

The watchOS 11 public beta is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 to 9, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. The second-generation Apple Watch SE is getting watchOS 11, too.

Now that you've checked whether your Apple Watch is compatible, let's dive into the top five coolest features you should be testing.

1. New translation app

A new translation app, specifically the Apple Translate app, is arriving to watchOS 11. Apple Translate, which debuted on iOS 14 about four years ago, allows users to speak one language before it's translated to another.

You must choose between 20 languages to install. Credit: Apple

Although the Translate app isn't new on iPhone, watchOS 11 marks the first time it's made an appearance on an Apple Watch.

As a frequent traveler, this is far more convenient that holding a clunky phone in my hand to help break language barriers. Instead, I can use the sleek and featherweight Apple Watch to help translate foreign languages into my native tongue.

Scroll down to the Translate app, tap on the three-dot icon on the top-left corner, and hit "Downloaded Languages." This will allow you to choose from 20 languages to download, forcing you to be judicious about which languages you want to add to the Translate app.

2. Double tap for scrolling

Introduced with the Apple Watch Series 9, Double Tap lets you bring your fingers together to answer calls, stop timers, play and pause music, and more.

Via Giphy

Now, with WatchOS 11, you can use the Double Tap gesture to scroll through apps with multiple pages. Try it with apps like Activity, Sleep, and Stocks.

3. Sleep tracking can now detect naps

Prior to watchOS 11, Apple Watch wouldn't record your daytime naps. Now, with watchOS 11, it can intelligently and automatically detect if you're taking a nap and record the duration (even if "sleep mode" isn't activated.)

4. Workout 'Check In'

Check In, first introduced to iPhone, is the embodiment of the "text me when you get home" scenario. This feature lets trusted user know when you've reached your destination without much effort on your part.

Credit: Apple

Now, Apple is introducing Workout Check In with watchOS 11, which allows others to keep tabs on you while you're working out. If something is off (e.g., your heart rate decreases in an abnormal manner or your speed increases dramatically), you'll get a prompt on your Apple Watch. If you don't respond, your Check In loved one will be notified.

To access this, swipe right after kicking off an exercise in the Workout app. Next, scroll down and tap on "Check In."

5. Send money via Apple Watch

With watchOS 11, users will be able to send money to someone by raising their Apple Watch to the person's Apple Watch or iPhone.

However, this feature is only available to U.S. Apple Watch owners.

6. Start time and your seat info for your shows

Let's say you purchased tickets to watch Deadpool vs. Wolverine, and they're now stored in Apple Wallet. As the showtime approaches, a Live Activity will appear at the top of the Smart Stack, showing you all the important details you need right from your wrist, including seat information and venue open time.

Credit: Apple

You can also get updates on the whereabouts of your rideshare — and whether your Uber has arrived.

7. Unlock your Home Keys by simply approaching the door

On watchOS 11, users with UWB Home Keys will now be able to unlock a door by simply being adjacent to it (0.39 to 1.18 inches). Before, users would have to move their watch super close to the lock.

If you're wondering when watchOS 11 is expected to roll out to the wider public, Apple is eyeing a fall release, likely alongside the iPhone 16 series launch.

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