Apple may stop updating one of its best Apple Watches this year

By Joe Maring Published August 29, 2024

Apple Watch Series 4 Best Smartwatches — Digital Trends

WatchOS 11 — Apple’s next big Apple Watch update — is coming soon. Unfortunately, according to one new report, it looks like the update won’t be available for one of Apple’s best models.

According to iPhoneSoft, the iconic Apple Watch Series 4 will not be updated to watchOS 11 this year. Instead, the list of Apple Watches expected to receive the update is as follows:

Apple Watch Series 5
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch SE 2
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra 2

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On the one hand, this news isn’t all that surprising. The Apple Watch Series 4 launched in 2018, and although Apple doesn’t guarantee a set number of software updates for Apple Watch models, it was only a matter of time before it was laid to rest. The Apple Watch Series 4 has already received more than five years of software support, launching with watchOS 5 and being updated to watchOS 10 last year.

On the flip side, it is sad to think that the Apple Watch Series 4’s life may finally come to an end this year. The Series 4 ushered in one of the biggest upgrades we’ve ever seen for the Apple Watch, adding a much bigger display, the ECG app, fall detection, and more. It was my personal Apple Watch of choice for years before upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 8, and like many Apple users, it’ll always have a special place in my heart.

We’ll know for sure if the Series 4 is being cut off from updates soon, likely during Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). WWDC 2024 is set to take place on June 10 this year.

Former Section Editor, Mobile

Joe Maring has been the Section Editor of Digital Trends' Mobile team since June 2022. He leads a team of 13 writers and…

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