Silent mode now allows audible alarms, new emojis, and robot vacuum control in watchOS 11.4.
Apple Watch users, rejoice—watchOS 11.4 has landed with several subtle yet highly practical updates. One of the most requested changes, the ability to hear audible alarms even with Silent mode activated, is now a reality. While many users prefer Silent mode to avoid constant notifications, the new setting provides flexibility for those who want to ensure they don’t miss their morning alarm.
Historically, Silent mode on the Apple Watch meant that even alarms were silenced, relying solely on haptic feedback to wake users. While this worked for many, others found that the lack of sound left them occasionally snoozing through important alarms. With watchOS 11.4, users can now toggle on a new feature titled “Break Through Silent Mode.” This allows sound to play when the alarm goes off, but only if the watch is still worn. If the watch is left off, the alarm will revert to silent haptic feedback.
This small but useful adjustment allows for greater flexibility when setting alarms, allowing users to opt for sound on some alarms while keeping others in silent mode, such as setting a backup alarm just in case.
Beyond the alarm update, watchOS 11.4 introduces seven new emojis to the Apple Watch. These include a face with bags under its eyes (perfect for those late-night work sessions), a fingerprint, a tree with no leaves, a root vegetable, a harp, a shovel, and a splatter. These new emojis mirror the additions in iOS 18.4, keeping the Apple ecosystem in sync with fresh symbols for communication.
Another exciting feature of the update is the improved integration with Matter-enabled smart home devices. If you have a compatible robot vacuum cleaner, you can now simply say, “Hey Siri, clean the living room,” and your Apple Watch will direct the vacuum to get to work. This is a handy addition for anyone looking to integrate their smart home devices more seamlessly into their daily routine.
In addition to these features, watchOS 11.4 addresses an issue that had plagued some users: switching watch faces. For a period, switching between watch faces would sometimes cause them to become unavailable, a problem now resolved in this update.
These updates apply to all Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 11.4, including the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 10, right down to Series 6 and the second-generation Apple Watch SE.
Looking ahead, there’s more to come with the expected release of watchOS 11.5 in May. Among the upcoming features, users can anticipate a new Pride-themed watch face that will coincide with the release of iOS 18.5. As is tradition, Apple will also introduce a new Pride Watch band, likely one of the most stylish offerings of the year. The vibrant colours and sharp angles promised by the Pride wallpaper provide a sneak peek at what’s to come, creating an exciting prospect for Apple Watch fans.
Overall, while these updates may seem small in isolation, they improve the Apple Watch experience by making it more adaptable, functional, and enjoyable for a wide variety of users. The ability to keep Silent mode while still hearing alarms and the added emojis are just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a year full of innovative changes for Apple’s flagship wearable device.
