Read the full watchOS 11.5 release notes from Apple to learn about the new features, fixes and other changes in this Apple Watch update.
Apple has launched the watchOS 11.5 release candidate along with release candidates for iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, tvOS 18.5 and visionOS 2.5. These updates will arrive for public consumption next week.
To download and install an over-the-air watchOS 11.5 update, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your watch. Or, open the companion Watch app on your iPhone running iOS 18.5 or later, select the “My Watch” tab and navigate to General > Software Update. Your Apple Watch must have at least 50% battery and be plugged into a charger for the update to complete.
watchOS 11.5: What’s new for your Apple Watch?
watchOS 11.5 includes a new Pride-themed watch face, the ability to buy content in Apple’s TV app on third-party devices and a fix for an iPhone notification bug.
A fix for iPhone notifications not showing
watchOS 11.5 and iOS 18.5 bring a fix for a bug that causes notifications on your iPhone to stop showing up when the battery in your Apple Watch is fully charged.
The handy Apple Watch battery notification appears on your iPhone to let you know when your Apple Watch is fully charged and good to go. For some reason, this bug suspends notification delivery on the phone after it displays a battery full notification for the watch. I didn’t have this problem, but I’m glad watchOS 11.5 squishes it.
Buy with Apple Watch in the TV app
watchOS 11.5 also lets you approve purchases of movies, TV shows and video subscriptions in Apple’s TV app on third-party devices like TVs and gaming consoles. When a notification appears on your Apple Watch, you can approve the pending purchase in the TV app by double-pressing the watch’s side button.
Pride Harmony watch face
Lastly, watchOS 11.5 includes a new Pride Harmony watch face from Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection which animates as you raise and lower your wrist, with the individual rainbow stripes shifting in sequence across the screen to form large hour numerals.
The new face must be downloaded through the companion Watch app on an iPhone, the official Apple Store app or Apple’s website. The collection also brings the new Pride Harmony wallpapers for the Home and Lock Screen which animates when you move, lock or unlock your iPhone and iPad, available with iOS and iPadOS 18.5.
watchOS 11.5 release notes
You can read the watchOS 11.5 release notes in Software Update on Apple’s website and in Software Update on the watch or the companion Watch app on your iPhone. We’ve included the full watchOS 11.5 release notes below.
This update includes new features, improvements and bug fixes, including:
● A new Pride Harmony watch face
● Buy with Apple Watch is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
● Resolves an issue that may prevent your iPhone from showing a notification when the watch battery is fully charged
Apple’s support page will provide detailed information about the security contents of watchOS 11.5, including critical bug fixes and patched vulnerabilities.