watchOS 11.1 RC available now, with public launch next week

Apple has released the one RC version that was missing from yesterday’s beta drop. watchOS 11.1 is now available for developers and public beta users, bringing the latest software to Apple Watch owners.

RC beta means final expected shipping version

Next week, Apple is planning to release a variety of big software updates across its platforms. The Apple Watch is one of them.

Today’s watchOS 11.1 RC (release candidate) is a beta version that’s expected to be the exact software update launching publicly next week.

However, if any big issues or bugs are discovered by beta users, Apple may release another RC later this week to correct those problems before they ship to millions of Watch owners.

New features in watchOS 11.1 have appeared very light so far. And you shouldn’t get your hopes up for any new features or big changes in today’s RC, either. It’s expected to focus entirely on bug fixes in advance of the public launch.

New software launching next week

Apple just released a ton of new software updates last month, but the company is expected to ship another big wave next week, including:

• iOS 18.1
• iPadOS 18.1
• macOS Sequoia 15.1
• watchOS 11.1
• visionOS 2.1
• tvOS 18.1

The highlight of these releases is the first wave of Apple Intelligence features, which will be available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Although the Apple Watch does not officially support Apple Intelligence, after updating your iPhone to iOS 18.1 there is one great AI benefit your Watch will get: notification summaries.

Have you found any noteworthy changes in watchOS 11.1? Let us know in the comments.