Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Wearables
  3. Mobile
  4. News

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

Add as a preferred source on Google
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
Recommended Videos

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.

Joe Maring
Joe Maring has been the Section Editor of Digital Trends' Mobile team since June 2022. He leads a team of 13 writers and…
This smart ring makes a blood pressure promise Apple and Oura still won’t
The $399 Signal Ring provides actual systolic and diastolic readings, but it’s launching as a wellness device without FDA clearance
Oura Ring 4, Galaxy Ring and RingConn Gen 2 in the palm of a hand

Vital Signals has unveiled a $399 smart ring that goes further than Apple and Oura currently dare. The Signal Ring displays numerical blood pressure readings without requiring an arm cuff for initial or recurring calibration.

Bloomberg reports that preorders open July 16, with shipping scheduled to begin in October. The ring can collect readings during the day and overnight, then display the results through an iOS or Android app.

Read more
HTC’s smart glasses are apparently coming to the US, but HTC hasn’t said so
Amazon briefly listed the VIVE Eagle for a September 1 launch, while HTC still says the $499 glasses are only available in Taiwan
A woman wearing the HTC Vive Eagle smart glasses

HTC’s VIVE Eagle smart glasses could finally be heading to the US. Apparently, Amazon got the memo before HTC was ready to share it.

Notebookcheck spotted six versions available for preorder at $499, each carrying a September 1 release date. Amazon has since pulled the pages, so new orders are closed and anyone who already placed one is left wondering whether it still counts.

Read more
Don’t expect smartwatches and fitness bands with replaceable batteries anytime soon
Turns out even the EU thinks your smartwatch is too small for a battery swap.
Wristwatch, Arm, Body Part

The EU has a habit of pushing tech companies to adopt meaningful changes in their product. It's the reason your iPhone finally has a USB-C port, and it's also why companies now have to offer spare parts and repair support for electronics for several years after launch. So naturally, many of us assumed wearables were next in line for mandatory swappable batteries. Turns out, the EU just went the other way.

So what did the EU announce?

Read more