Questions have arisen regarding whether the first major redesign of Apple’s watch, potentially the Apple Watch Series 4, will be incorporated into the watchOS 11 update. This is due to past instances of earlier models being omitted from updates despite sufficient hardware support.
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Fears are growing based on Apple’s previous pattern of prematurely ending updates for older models. Thus, users are increasingly worried about potential compatibility issues and the possible obsolescence of their devices.
Apple faced backlash in 2017 for marketing the Apple Watch Series 3 without providing the promised watchOS update. However, the company has been working hard to prevent such situations from recurring, making a real effort to keep all promised updates on schedule. As a sign of this dedication, they’re also improving communication channels with customers.
Rumors indicate that the upcoming watchOS release might not support the Apple Watch Series 4. This suggests that the latest features of watchOS 11 might be restricted to the Apple Watch Series 5 and newer models. This could potentially raise security concerns, since new operating system updates typically include essential security patches.
Uncertainty over future updates for Series 4 Apple watch
Despite using the same processors, Apple doesn’t consider the Series 4 and 5 chips equivalent. This discrepancy prompts theories that Series 4 models might be purposely overlooked in the upcoming update, but there’s no firm proof. The situation may be interpreted as Apple’s attempt to phase out the older Series 4 models or simply a strategic focus on the latest releases.
The current pattern of Apple Watch 1, 2, and 3 stopping updates at watchOS version 4, 6, and 8 respectively suggests that Apple Watch Series 4 might not receive updates beyond watchOS 10. A formal announcement is anticipated at the June 10 WWDC 2024 event. Apple Watch Series 5 models and newer are projected to continue receiving software updates due to their superior hardware capabilities.
Despite potential update restrictions, Apple remains a market leader in the entry-level sector with the second-generation Apple Watch SE. This model mirrors the design of the Apple Watch Series 4, demonstrating a balance between affordability and functionality. With features like heart rate notifications, fall detection, and a large OLED display, the Apple Watch SE represents Apple’s commitment to affordable, high-performance devices.
