Updated: May 15, 2025

WatchOS 11.5 Review: New Features, Updates and What’s New?

Apple’s Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches in the world, and it keeps getting better with free software updates. The newest update, watchOS 11.5, was released on 12 May 2025.

While it doesn’t have big, flashy changes, it adds a few helpful features, fixes some annoying problems, and keeps your watch safe from hackers.

In this review, we’ll explain everything you need to know about watchOS 11.5. We’ll cover:

  1. New Features.
  2. Bug Fixes.
  3. Security Updates.
  4. How to Install the Update.
  5. Should You Update?

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just curious about tech, this guide will make it easy to understand!

1. What’s New in WatchOS 11.5?

A. Pride Harmony Watch Face

What It Is:
Every year, Apple releases a special watch face to celebrate Pride Month(June). This year, it’s called Pride Harmony. It’s a colorful, animated face that shows support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Features:

  • Rainbow Colors: The watch face has a rainbow design that shifts colors when you tap it or raise your wrist.
  • Animation: The colors "flow" like waves when you interact with it.
  • Matching Accessories: Apple also sells a Pride-themed watch band and added a matching wallpaper for iPhones (in iOS 18.5).

How to Set It Up:

  1. Press and hold your current watch face.
  2. Swipe left and tap the + (plus) button.
  3. Scroll to Pride Harmony and tap Add.
  4. Customize it with one complication (like weather, date, or activity).

Why It’s Special:

  • Celebrates Diversity: The design honors LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity.
  • Fun to Use: Kids and adults love the moving colors!

B. Buy with Apple Watch on Third-Party TVs

What It Does:
You can now use your Apple Watch to confirm purchases on the Apple TV app, even if you don’t own an Apple TV. This works on smart TVs (like LG, Samsung) or streaming devices (like Roku).

Example:
Imagine renting a movie on your LG TV:

  1. Open the Apple TV app and pick a movie.
  2. At checkout, select Buy with Apple Watch.
  3. Double-tap the side button on your watch to approve.

Why It’s Useful:

  • No more typing passwords on your TV remote!
  • Safer than saving payment info on shared devices.

C. Charging Notification Fix

The Problem:
Before watchOS 11.5, some users didn’t get a notification on their iPhone when their Apple Watch finished charging.

The Fix:
Now, when your watch hits 100%, your iPhone will show a message like:

“Apple Watch is fully charged.”

Why It Matters:

  • You’ll know exactly when to unplug your watch.
  • Avoids overcharging (though Apple says this isn’t harmful).

D. Security Updates

Apple fixed 30+ security holes in watchOS 11.5. These are like "locked doors" that hackers could’ve used to steal your data.

Key Fixes:

Issue What It Did Why It’s Fixed
WebKit (Safari) Bad websites could crash apps. Safer internet browsing.
Core Media Corrupted files could freeze the watch. Smoother video/music playback.
Kernel (System) Hackers could take control of the watch. Better protection for personal info.

Why Security Updates Matter:
Just like locking your house, these updates keep your data safe from strangers.

2. Compatibility: Which Apple Watches Work?

watchOS 11.5 works on all Apple Watches that support watchOS 11. Here’s a list:

Apple Watch Model Release Year Notes
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 2023 Budget-friendly, no blood oxygen.
Apple Watch Series 6 2020 First with blood oxygen sensor.
Apple Watch Series 7 2021 Larger screen, faster charging.
Apple Watch Series 8 2022 Crash detection, temperature sensor.
Apple Watch Series 9 2023 Brighter screen, Double Tap feature.
Apple Watch Ultra 1 & 2 2022 & 2023 For athletes, divers, and hikers.

How to Check Your Model:

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to General > About > Model.

3. Performance & Battery Life

Speed:
Most users say their watches feel snappier after updating. Apps open faster, and animations are smoother.

Battery Life:

  • Normal Use: Lasts 1-2 days (same as before).
  • After Updating: Your battery might drain faster for 1-2 days while the watch adjusts.
  • Tips to Save Battery:
    • Turn on Low Power Mode (Settings > Battery).
    • Reduce screen brightness.
    • Turn off Always-On Display (if you have it).

Battery Health:
To check your battery’s condition:

  1. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
  2. Look for Maximum Capacity.
    • 100% = New battery.
    • Below 80% = Time to replace it.

4. How to Install WatchOS 11.5

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Charge Your Watch: It needs 50%+ battery and must be placed on its charger.
  2. Connect iPhone to Wi-Fi: Updates won’t work on cellular data.
  3. Open the Watch App on your iPhone.
  4. Tap General > Software Update.
  5. Tap Download and Install.

What Happens Next:

  • The update takes 15-30 minutes.
  • Your watch will restart. Don’t touch it during installation!

Troubleshooting:

Problem Solution
Update not showing up Restart iPhone and watch.
Stuck on "Verifying" Check Wi-Fi and storage space.
Error message Contact Apple Support.

5. Should You Update?

Pros:
New Pride Face: Fun, colorful, and supports a good cause.
Apple TV Purchases: Easier than typing passwords.
Security: Protects your private data.

Cons:
Small Changes: No major new apps or fitness features.
Battery Drain: Temporary issue after updating.

Who Should Update:

  • Everyone! The security fixes alone make it worth it.

Who Should Wait:

  • If you’re tracking a big race or event, update afterward.

6. What’s Next? WatchOS 12!

Apple’s next big update, watchOS 12, will be announced at WWDC 2025(June 9). Here’s what to expect:

Rumored Features:

  • AI Health Coach: Tips for workouts and sleep.
  • New Watch Faces: More customization.
  • Better Battery Life: For older models.

How to Prepare:

  1. Update to watchOS 11.5 now.
  2. Back up your watch before installing beta software.

FAQ: 5 Common Questions About watchOS 11.5

1. Q: What is the Pride Harmony watch face, and how do I use it?

A: The Pride Harmony watch face is a colorful, animated design Apple added to celebrate Pride Month. It shifts rainbow colors when you tap it or raise your wrist. To use it:

  1. Press and hold your current watch face.
  2. Tap the + button, scroll to Pride Harmony, and select Add.
  3. Customize it with one complication (like weather or date).

2. Q: Why isn’t the update showing up on my Apple Watch?

A: If watchOS 11.5 isn’t appearing:

  • Ensure your watch is charged to 50%+ and on its charger.
  • Check that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
  • Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
  • If it still doesn’t show, contact Apple Support.

3. Q: Will updating to watchOS 11.5 drain my battery faster?

A: Your battery might drain slightly faster for 1-2 days after updating. This is normal while the watch adjusts to the new software. To save battery:

  • Turn on Low Power Mode (Settings > Battery).
  • Lower screen brightness.
  • Disable Always-On Display (if enabled).

4. Q: Is the Apple TV purchase feature safe?

A: Yes! Confirming purchases with your Apple Watch is safer than typing passwords on a TV. It uses Face ID/Touch ID (from your iPhone) and requires double-tapping the watch’s side button to approve.

5. Q: Can I remove watchOS 11.5 if I don’t like it?

A: No. Apple doesn’t let users downgrade to older watchOS versions. Once you install watchOS 11.5, you can’t go back.

Conclusion

watchOS 11.5 is a small but meaningful update that brings a fun Pride-themed watch face, easier Apple TV purchases, and important security fixes. While it doesn’t add major new apps or features, it keeps your Apple Watch running smoothly and safely.

Final Recommendation:

  • Update now if you want the latest security and Pride features.
  • Wait only if you’re in the middle of an important activity (like tracking a workout).

Apple’s next update, watchOS 12, is coming soon with bigger changes. But for now, watchOS 11.5 is a solid choice to keep your watch secure and stylish.