Alarm Overhaul Offers Users More Flexibility
Apple has rolled out watchOS 11.4, introducing subtle yet practical enhancements for Apple Watch users, with the standout feature being the ability to let alarms sound even when the device is set to Silent Mode. Previously, Silent Mode meant that all sound-based notifications and alarms were muted, relying solely on haptic feedback—a gentle wrist vibration—to alert users. While this feature has been useful in environments like theaters or shared bedrooms, some users have expressed concern that they could sleep through the silent alarms.
The new update introduces a feature called “Break Through Silent Mode”, allowing alarms to audibly ring even when Silent Mode is enabled—provided the watch is being worn. This ensures users can still receive an audible wake-up call when needed, while preserving silence for other notifications. The feature must be set individually for each alarm, allowing users to customize their wake-up strategy, such as having a silent early alarm followed by a louder backup. Apple Watch users who leave their device on a nightstand will still receive vibrations only, though these can be surprisingly loud on certain surfaces.
Fresh Emoji Add Fun and Personality
In addition to the alarm updates, watchOS 11.4 brings a batch of new emoji to the Apple Watch’s keyboard. These include seven new symbols previously introduced with iOS 18.4: a tired face with under-eye bags, a fingerprint, a bare tree, a root vegetable, a harp, a shovel, and a splatter shape. These additions add more personality and expression for users sending quick replies from their wrist, making casual communication even more expressive.
Though not as flashy as some of the platform’s major health or fitness upgrades, these new emoji reflect Apple’s ongoing effort to ensure consistency across devices and operating systems. With these additions, users have more creative tools at their fingertips—literally—for everything from humorous responses to mood expression, all from their wearable device.
Improved Home Integration and Stability Fixes
Another notable enhancement in watchOS 11.4 is better integration with smart home devices. Users with robot vacuum cleaners compatible with the Matter platform can now issue voice commands through their Apple Watch, such as “Hey Siri, clean the living room.” This improvement aligns the watchOS experience more closely with Apple’s expanding HomeKit ecosystem, turning the Apple Watch into a more central controller for smart homes.
In terms of stability and usability, the update also addresses a bug that had previously caused issues when switching between watch faces. Some users had reported that watch faces would become unavailable or fail to load properly—a frustrating glitch that’s now been resolved.
watchOS 11.4 is compatible with all Apple Watches from Series 6 onward, including the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. While the changes in this update may seem minor, they collectively improve the daily experience for users, demonstrating Apple’s continued focus on refinement and functionality in its wearables.
