watchOS 11.4 now available with three new features for Apple Watch [U: Back]

Update 4/1/25: watchOS 11.4 has now officially re-launched to all users.

Update 3/31/25: After initially listing watchOS 11.4 on Apple’s website as released, the site has since been updated to remove the update. It’s unknown when it will return.

Apple has released watchOS 11.4 for Apple Watch users, and while it isn’t a particularly big update, it does include a few new features and at least one key bug fix. Here’s what’s new.

Apple Watch gains new alarm option, emoji, and more in watchOS 11.4

Apple Watch owners may not get as big of releases as what’s found in iOS, iPadOS, and more, but every new feature counts.

In watchOS 11.4, Apple has the following new features and fixes in store:

• Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners can be added to the Home app as well as used in scenes, automations, or simply say “Siri, clean the living room.”
• An option to allow Sleep Wake Up alarm to break through Silent Mode
• Seven new emoji added to the emoji keyboard
• An issue where face selection may become unresponsive when switching faces

The support for Matter-compatible robot vacuums and new emoji are also part of Apple’s other updates today, such as iOS 18.4.

But the new Sleep Wake Up alarm option is entirely exclusive to watchOS.

I’ve outlined the feature in detail here, but essentially it lets you, for the first time ever, keep your Apple Watch in Silent Mode while still getting an audible alarm.

I use my Watch in Silent Mode all the time to keep notifications haptic-only, but the chance to still get woken by an audible alarm is a nice addition.

Notice any other changes in watchOS 11.4? Let us know in the comments.

Best Apple Watch accessories

• Anker portable USB-C charger for Apple Watch
• AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
• MagSafe Qi2 3-in-1 charger
• Retro Mac stand for Apple Watch Nightstand Mode
• Anker 20W USB-C charging brick

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