Every year, Apple's WWDC event sparks a debate about whether older hardware will support new software. The company has been delivering on this front for a while and typically supports its devices for at least five years. Before the developer conference begins, we are hearing details on watchOS 11, the company's next generation of the operating system for its wearable, and which Apple Watch models it will drop support for.
watchOS 11 to drop support for Apple Watch Series 4 after years, all newer models will be compatible
This year, it appears that Apple will drop support for one model of the Apple Watch from getting the upcoming watchOS 11 software update, as the wearable has aged with older hardware on board. Last year, Apple released watchOS 10, which brought support for all Apple Watch models that were compatible with watchOS 9. This means the Apple Watch Series 4 and all newer models were compatible with the upgraded software. This time around, the Apple Watch Series 4 will not be so lucky as it will not get the company's upcoming watchOS 11 update with the new additions (via iPhoneSoft).
watchOS 11 will be a major update for the Apple Watch as it could house a boatload of new health and fitness-related features with the possibility of new AI features, which will work in conjunction with the iPhone. Note that precise details are scarce at this stage, but we suspect the upgrade will bring improvements on a system level, with AI being the center of attention. Based on earlier reports, the following list of Apple Watch models will be compatible with watchOS 11:
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch SE first-generation
- Apple Watch SE second-generation
- Apple Watch Ultra first-generation
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 second-generation
While Apple is dropping support for the Apple Watch Series 4 this year, we are glad that the wearable received the attention from Apple that it deserved, as it continued to receive the latest software updates five years after its announcement. While it varies how features are distributed on each model after a new update is released, it is a mark on Apple's end to keep older hardware relevant with the latest features and security updates.
Besides watchOS, iOS has been bolstering older hardware as well with its years of compatibility with the iPhone. It is rumored that all models that supported iOS 17 will feature support for iOS 18. The company will announce iOS 18 and other software updates at its WWDC event on June 10, where it will take center stage to showcase the AI capabilities of the platform.
