Apple WatchOS 11: Huge New Features - Everything Detailed!

Here's your deep-dive look at the new Apple WatchOS 11 features, which adds training load, custom routes, true offline maps, expanded structured workouts, and tons more. I dive into all the details, there's more than meets the eye.
I dive into Apple WatchOS 11 custom route, offline mapping, new training load, effort rating/score, vitals, and tons more new WatchOS 11 features that'll be coming to Apple Watches soon.
0:00 Quick Apple HQ & WWDC Overview
1:30 Effort Rating
2:23 Training Load Detailed
4:08 Vitals App
6:24 Route Creation & Offline Mapping
8:26 Pause Activity Rings
8:40 Change Move Goals
8:52 Customize Fitness App Dashboard
9:06 New Structured Swimming Workouts
9:25 Custom Workout Segment Names
9:40 Automatic Safety Checkin on-watch
10:18 Watch Face Photos App Overhaul
10:37 Intelligent Smart Stack Changes
10:51 New Translate App
11:23 Satellite iMessage & SMS Messages
#WatchOS11 #AppleWatch #WatchOS #WWDC

[@fitgearhunter]

Far superior breakdown of updates and features - and nuances with each of them - than others out there. Great job!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks man, appreciate it as always!

[@MStar10]

The best explanation of how the features actually work and look. I really appreciate the pictures/screenshots throughout - epic job!!!

[@ked4864]

I hope you do a later detailed video on HOW to use the routes, how to change what I've been doing to take advantage of the new features.

[@Mocnm]

Great coverage as usual. Thanks man!

[@HeliosDroneWorks]

Thanks for posting! I’m watching now and looking forward to it

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@andyhickmann2173]

Congrats on 500k subscribers Ray!

[@markgallagher1377]

Interesting to see Ray break a sweat over the course of the video. Does the Apple watch have 'doing a video' as a workout?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hahaha, it was almost 90*f standing there in the sun. Was dying by the end of it!

[@seanvk]

Great summary. Just updated and looking forward to your insight as the software progresses through the summer.

[@ZeRo-22-]

These updates are great. Happy with my Garmin Epix pro but I have an ultra 1 on standby for whenever strikes the mood. Love seeing strong competition from both sides!

[@trannel73]

The camera perspective is such a low-key flex :D Nice! I'm a Garmin guy. But I really enjoy that Apple enables us to mark a day as a "rest day". This was way overdue for Apple Watch athletes!

[@johndarcey]

You are an incredible operator. The new sat phone text feature for non emergency. Fantastic. Downloading the BETA 11 and 18 now.

[@yasharfazili4016]

Yet another great breakdown! Thanks a lot!

[@Bjustis2222]

This is the best review of this update by far. Thanks DC 👍

[@qpice52]

Double tap to scroll through workout pages 👌this alone is enough to convince me to keep my AWU.

[@Oharsh0928]

Any chance they added maps to the workout app so you can see maps while you’re doing an outdoor workout?

[@KI4ASK]

Best WatchOS overview from WWDC. Thanks.

[@mstrathmore]

Great summary, thank you!

[@joshuaRbrooks]

once again Ray you a step in front of the curve, thanks for your time.

[@bvp663]

First thought after the event: “Can’t wait for the dcrainmaker breakdown”

[@RickaB]

Another FAB video, thanks!

[@rodrigonarciso]

Really good breakdown thank you!

[@CED.Dweller]

You're thorough. I appreciate it.

[@JD-lv3oo]

Excellent as always 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@georgesoto5436]

Great descriptive video, as usual. Although Apple Watch appears to be tending in the right direction, I will stick to my Garmin Forerunner and Whoop recovery band. However, if Apple keeps innovating in this direction, perhaps I’ll drop multiple devices and just wear one!

[@user-sc4dv7yk1i]

Love the updates to swimming - Do you know if there's the ability to hit the action button to manually 'lap'?

[@canyonblue737-8]

Thanks Ray. Some things I heard and also have questions on: 1) it seems the new turn by turn maps will be in the maps app right? so we still have to bounce between the workout app and the map app to see the route? Im hoping or wish for a map page IN the workout app 2) they mentioned changes to the Fitness+ interface, anything important? 3) I see they have O2 as a vitality metric, any updates on the patent battle and getting this back for watches sold since the ban? 4) hopefully we still have the surprise rumor of an AI coaching feature that maybe brings that vitality and training load piece together as part of service at the September event that announces the Series 10 and Ultra 3 which I hope incorporate the rumored blood pressure monitoring. Thanks for everything as always, enjoy California!

[@ChilternburtYT]

Bro, great video as always!

[@cam.h96]

Great video!

[@MrsMAntonio82]

Thanks, as always 👍🏻

[@tajjson]

Awesome 👏🏻 thanks 🙏🏻

[@danielbliss1988]

are they finally going to incorporate bike power meter data into their VO2 max calculation?

[@AnotherMartinez]

If I’d be working for Strava right now, I’d be submitting my CV everywhere . Training load (free feature) vs $14 per month subscription is no brainer

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@AnotherMartinez Honest curiosity: Are there people that primarily use Strava just for the training load? To me, that's honestly the last feature I'd be looking to them for. Mainly because basically every other watch except the Apple Watch already has it.

[@drucejnr]

This is the question I want answered too. My friend has installed the current beta on his Ultra and said he’ll get back to me after a week. Fitness app on his phone still states it’s calculated from running and walking data…

[@davewaterworth8846]

@@Dcrainmaker It's the main thing I still use Strava for since I bought my Apple watch. I use to be very active but after several years of next to no exercise I'm working on getting back in shape. Some sort of training load is the one thing the watch didn't have and I find it's an important motivator that I missed when I upgraded from a garmin to apple watch.

[@waynejohnstone3685]

I’m on Garmin, edge 530 and Epix pro. To get vo2max on a bike you need the $1000 power meter pedals. There are cheaper ones but I track vmax on my runs so I’m not spending the money.

[@UK-Cycling]

Thanks Ray. Best regards Martin

[@ShamanMick]

The training load implementation is interesting. The upside of a HRV aligned approach like Garmin is you don't have to worry about subjective experience biasing your input... but the downside is it only works for something like two sports and it nags you about dropping load when you really aren't. I build up a massive sweat tilling my 25m squared veggie patch but Garmin acts like I'm "in recovery". So being able to set it yourself is useful to some degree. I hope over time they will incorporate some easy way to track how much comes from high versus low intensity cardio, and unlike Garmin develop an actually useful anaerobic tracking function...

[@JoshuaCurey]

For the training load, I hope in the future they add the option to split the training load into two categories, muscular fatigue and cardiovascular fatigue.

[@nabilalanbar]

Looks great.

[@egraham9049]

Great video! Waiting on glucose monitor

[@sarawoldhuis550]

Great video. Thank you….I’m more into the fitness capability than anything else, what’s the difference with the OS 11 and the X coming out. I dont need ekg, not diabetic, and definitely don’t need to track my cycle lol.

[@n-rajesh]

That’s a whole lot of useful updates! Thank you for breaking it down in a neat way 👍🏽 Finally, we get a way to better manage/ pause our rings. Really looking forward to seeing them in my devices ⌚️

[@timwildauer5063]

Hands down the best source for watchOS updates. Thanks for all you do to keep us informed!

[@friedrichborggrefe41]

Thanks for the summary, do you know for which workouts they added GPS-support? They say this in the Keynote with showing it for rowing, do you know things about it? Like for Skiing or Football?

[@thndercat1]

Can’t wait to see all the new stuff…

[@anthonyrampino7734]

How new does your phone have to be? I have a 10. Also do you know when the iso 11 will hit my watch?

[@nares2005]

Great video 👍 subscribed for more detailed on watchOS in the future.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@mpageaustin]

Great breakdown

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@AChang-ju6gb]

Apple addressed the load for my workout and my physical abilities. The current workout load for me would normally report lower. Several months ago my high blood pressure medicine was increased. My previous elliptical workout would result in my pulse rate as high as 150+ bpm. After my new dosage, it dropped down to under 120 bpm. I am looking forward to watchOS 11, hopefully these features will work on my series 7 watch.

[@EJOVLTW]

Great breakdown as always Ray, thanks. All interesting features but what about just making the "action" button available in more than one app, or God forbid, third party developed apps? Did they do that and I just missed it? I got the AWU because I was diagnosed with a heart condition and the communication ability while working out was pretty much a negotiated family requirement but it's lack of capability as a sports watch (or just stop watch!) is shocking when compared to other market offerings.

[@Tigersfan081982]

So if I make a custom route will it work in the walk activity? Or do we have to load the turn by turn and the fitness app and change back and forth?

[@edmn]

MKBHD and The Studio crew spotted at 1:12

[@aimeelinekar3902]

I was briefly thrilled about the pause function on the rings until you said “up to 90 days”! Ah yes, the well-known tech bro gestation period of 90 days…. (Not that I’m advocating stopping all activity for the duration of a pregnancy, but there may be cases where 90 days just doesn’t quite cut it). For swimming and other watersports: it is currently impossible to stop the timer on a workout promptly as you have to eject water first, and even then it usually won’t recognise wet fingers without a lot of trial and error. Some button or crown shortcuts for pausing and stopping the workout until you can dry off your fingers are long overdue!

[@juanjaviercoka7406]

if you press both side button at the same time that will pause your workout. once you pause it you can stop it as you normally would.

[@aimeelinekar3902]

@@juanjaviercoka7406 thank you! I thought I had tried everything and was very frustrated! Will give this a try.

[@Tarkov.]

The satellite text messaging is so cool! I wonder if we'll see that tech get copied over to android soon.

[@imperiaristyankee]

Smart Stack clock should always have seconds display plus minute marks for the anagloue face. We should be able to choose between analogue and digital clocks there too.

[@FoxyScott]

You look like you're sweating more in that video than on your turbo, go get your headwind 😂

[@antonioCsilveira]

Any updates on the pricing for the Text over Satellite? Is that going to be for free?

[@AceBoogie82]

So far it's free just like the emergency call over satellite

[@philippkellner4757]

I don’t know why they didn’t bring something like the whoop score…that would be sick

[@nocturnus009]

Watching the presentation I came to the realization that the WatchOS platform was a litmus test: dividing folks that understand the Woop & Training Peaks Recovery/Readiness utility. As an Environmental Engineer I had a parallel realization during the iPad Calculator demo.

[@em0haircutx]

Can we build workouts on the phone in this update??

[@bjkbaum]

Great recap!! If only they would have made it so you could create your own custom workout on the phone. Doing it on the watch kind of stinks.

[@WalterRiggs]

Hopefully the send-things-to-your-watch function is faster. I gave up sending books, music, or maps years ago.

[@israelgamlieli5064]

Are does updates run’s on iOS 11 developer?

[@ianccrook8899]

Ray. Thank you. 78 years young adventure cyclist from Oz … been watching and waiting for the time to update my ancient iPhone AND invest in a Watch. Has the time come? Maybe. To what extent do the new features reduce the need for a PLB.? Be interested in your take on the yes and no arguments.

[@Mowikan]

One question: van we now, like on the fenix program set a distance warning with swimming. On the fenix you could set an alarm every x-lanes. As soon as you hit the x lanes the watch gives a buzz. I like your reviews and like to hear the answer.

[@grllaspeak]

You know what would have been pretty damn cool for Apple to do is connect the low and a fib heart rate to the SOS siren..Also faster HR readings. Garmin and Galaxy watch can read HR continuously at faster rates. Thanks again

[@chris7503]

Is offline Topo maps on the watch available in Germany too? I thought US only

[@juanjaviercoka7406]

what I don't get is why doesn't apple let us use the pacer view in custom workouts. most of my custom runs have an average pace per interval and it would be visually easier to see if I am above or below that pace. I don't always get the audio notification.

[@gerryfrancis3350]

you are the gadget king how did you get into this?

[@n22pdf]

Awesome info.. really want to get rid of my whoop strap due to the costs and losing my job so be great if Apple Watch is getting closer to whoop.. 😊 look forward to your next updates.. wish app,e watch could connect to MyWhoosh via Bluetooth.. Pete 🚴🏻👍

[@jacob.williams]

Same here. I feel tied to my whoop data only because it has been the most consistent over the years. I’m hoping to cut it loose for the Apple Watch soon.

[@n22pdf]

@@jacob.williamsyeah I’ve had whoop for a few years and would love my Apple Watch Ultra to at least broadcast heart rate, I’ve bought a coospo bicep band to try that with MyWhoosh and then think I will cancel whoop subscription. 😊

[@DeeKay1911]

So for us in Europe it is still possible to make offline maps for hike/run if I keep on streets/trails we know here? Only the advanced trail maps US only?

[@monkswhiskers3354]

I wonder if the new software takes more HRV readings for accuracy? The Training Today app I use currently is vastly better when AFib detection is turned on.

[@jamesgentile2432]

Are you currently able to create those custom walking/running routes? Or is that only for specific “trails”?

[@DrSarge37]

But will you be able to edit workouts? 😅 the Apple Watch constantly gets lap swimming incorrect with no way to adjust it.

[@JonathanGreene]

Wouldn’t adjusting RPE on Garmin or TP be the same as adjusting the effort score?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It wouldn’t change the acute load any, at least in Garmin. It can impact sole ancillary recommendations though.

[@JulAlxAU]

I am stunned that they have Garmin as an example and yet they’ve not been able to pull it off so far! Hopefully this new OS bridges the gap.

[@DougInMN]

Related to satellite messaging, is it only “send” via satellite or is it “send and receive”. I’m curious if you have been out of cell coverage all day, will it receive all undelivered messages when you send via satellite?

[@highlanderes]

And is it only in US?

[@swalkner]

loooooove your videos! And this one will be the reason I'm moving back to wearing my Garmin AND my AWU 🙂 Can you give me a hint of what to answer when asked why I wear two watches? Still feeling a little bit... weird/crazy 🙂

[@Dcrainmaker]

Surprisingly, very few people ever ask me that!

[@trxfrmr4191]

Will the watch still tell time for the people that don't give a hoot about exercising and just want to know what time it is?

[@targher123]

Did they managed to let the workout running when not wearing the watch? ( Chest hr+ kettlebells situation)

[@lordgonzo.]

Do you think these upgrades are up there with Garmin Connect’s data? Shall I finally ditch the Forerunner for an Apple Watch?

[@loganjackson9559]

depends which forerunner you have, and also which data is important to you

[@Motawa88]

Why adjust only move goal? What about standing hours and training minutes?

[@cypvh74]

When are they going to add heart rate zone support for swimming?

[@Ennis09]

Hmmm, only ever used Apple Watch. I was going to ditch my series 6 for a garmin forerunner 265, maybe I’ll just get an ultra 2.

[@WorstSanta]

Strange Vitals doesn’t take into account HRV. Thanks for the video, Ray.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I think this is more of an interium step, than anything against it.

[@Harrythehun]

Great updates but still to bad/low battery time capacity. Not a Apple Watch again until they include a bigger battery for battery times.

[@anonymous134y]

7:06 how accurate is the offline maps compared to garmin, suunto, corros? Is the route finder as bad as Apple Maps used to be? Alltrails, fatmap, gaia are great because you can tell how trafficked the trail is. I don't want to go on a trail then find out it leads to the edge of a cliff with a bridge that was broken 10 years ago.

[@dakalla]

It's a little disappointing that they won't add HRV data to the vitals to show a kind of body battery, training readyness or strain recommendation for the day.. There are apps that do that quite reliably, but it would be nice to have them integrated by apple.

[@lucapersico8023]

Anyone have news about topography maps outside USA? Tks

[@sebcam9498]

Interesting stuff that will be useful in my ultra, but nonetheless feel sorry for your shirt

[@doop2541]

I have 3 problems with this: 1. Even my stupid little Venu 3 gets 4-5 days without charging, and that's with 1+ workouts/2 dog walks/many work emails/texts per day. 2. At some point in my fitness journey, I really wanted an AW--but just couldn't bring myself to give up my Android phone (and yes, that's even comparing vs the newest iPhone this year). 3. the more I use my Garmin, the more I realize, Hey, maybe I DON'T want my phone strapped to my wrist 24/7. And maybe that's where Garmin's niche is. I want to track and improve my fitness, but there used to be Life Before Smart Phones--and there's a lot to be said for that approach

[@full_metal2452]

I just want a HotSpot option for my AppleWatch Ultra

[@stefanmayerhofer]

can you use sms messaging over satellite without the cellular version?

[@Pewpew_123]

Have they fixed the dimming problem on the ultra 2 watch?

[@rasooldadkhan]

Does it automatically track sleep? Nap?

[@applerunner1184]

Do the maps appear in the workout app, or do you have to navigate to another app?

[@dylanmace1951]

You have to do it though the maps app, so another app :(

[@canyonblue737-8]

@@dylanmace1951 ugh. if I'm not mistaken if you stay in the workout app you should still see a small pop up with a turn notification (direction arrow but no map) if the map is running turn by turn in the background. I wish they could have had the map as a "page" in the workout app, it seems such an obvious feature.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Separate app at this time. You can double-tap the crown to quickly swap back and forth though.

[@applerunner1184]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks for response. I know that u can technically use the crown double tap, but I put it into water lock mode to prevent random touches from my running jacket. The AW is death by a thousand cuts when it comes to serious running. That is why I always run with a Coros pace 3 in addition to the AW as a backup. I will just continue to use the breadcrumb directions on the pace 3.

[@nroose]

Can you do a video on how accurate the self report effort is?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Definitely!

[@tanja6530]

Thank you for your video! That seems to be the point where I will turn away from apple. I have the first Apple Watch SE, which is not supported for that awesome update. The watch still works decently, so I will not replace it with a newer and more expensive one. Instead I will head over finally to Garmin and one of the Smart Rings.

[@phillipprice7472]

Any idea if speed sensor support is there now for outdoor cycling so that we can get a better distance when mountain biking or under heavy cover?

[@sridvan]

I connect my bike speed sensor to the watch. But didn't know that it isn't taking it in to consideration.

[@chawley52]

Yesterday I wanted to upgrade to a Wahoo Roam v2...now I want to upgrade to an Apple Watch Ultra 2! I don't think my family is up for my Father's Day wish this year...

[@MegaSpyder13]

Looking forward to the inevitable Ray X MKBHD collab vid

[@yilmanbabilonia]

Ive Never had other Fitness Watch other thab the polar. The interface sucks in my opinion and it is not very snappy but I like the amount of information I get. I’m buying the Apple ultra 2 this year but I think I’m gonna miss those number from polar

[@plsrhall6290]

Does that mean we get blood oxygen sensor turned back on?

[@douglasmijangos3327]

That’s what I’m hoping bruh 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@TrekMTBikeRider]

Seems like what is going to happen

[@iMaxPatten]

Are there any disclosed limits or limitations on the satellite messaging features? From what I understand Garmin charges through the nose for this on a subscription basis. Would be cool if Apple is subsidizing those newer iPhone profit margins into this feature