watchOS 11, tvOS 18, visionOS 2 and new version of the HomePod system available | Message

Apple usually updates all platforms at the same time, which in the case of this year's major releases even includes macOS. watchOS and tvOS, on the other hand, have always been available on the day of the major iOS update. Anyone who wants to give their Apple Watch or Apple TV a system update can do so now. This can be done either via the Watch app on the iPhone or the integrated update function – whereas the Apple TV can only be updated from the device itself.

watchOS 11 – What’s new in the system
It's been almost exactly a decade since Apple introduced the Apple Watch and gave a glimpse of the future of smartwatches. Now the tenth major update is being released, bringing the operating system to version 11. Apple is once again focusing on fitness and health functions, including configurable activity rings, measuring training intensity and advanced sleep tracking including detection of breathing pauses (Apple Watch Series 9/10 or Ultra 2 required).

Smart stacks are designed to intelligently sort widgets by time and location – and the “journey companion” automatically notifies friends when you have reached your destination. Also very practical: A translation function supports 20 languages. According to the system requirements, watchOS 11 requires at least a Series 6, SE 2nd generation or Ultra.

tvOS 18 – as always only small adjustments
Among unexpected system updates, tvOS is usually the update with the fewest changes. Version 18 is no different, as the update descriptions for other systems are significantly longer. But you won't be left empty-handed after the update. For example, the dialogue in the videos you're currently watching can be improved: “Enhance Audio” uses machine learning to emphasize what is being said. You can also design your own screen savers and use the “Insight” feature to display additional information about content on Apple TV+. If you mute playback, subtitles appear automatically – and the system supports playback from projectors with a 21:9 aspect ratio.

As always with a tvOS update, there is also an update to the HomePod system – this has been based on tvOS for several years. However, Apple has not yet documented any new features.

visionOS2
There are certainly not millions of users waiting for the system update at the moment – but there are said to be several hundred thousand. They can now download visionOS 2, which comes with a number of new features.