Apple has today released watchOS 11.1 to the public, bringing bug fixes but also introducing changes to default system volume and the default behavior for the VoiceOver Volume Rotor.
While we are unsure if this is an issue that is specific to VoiceOver, our testing suggests that Apple has made some changes to the default system volume level in watchOS 11.1.
Upon updating to watchOS 11.1, users may find that the volume of their device has decreased relative to its level in watchOS 11.0 or 11.0.1. For our team, this was most noticeable on the Apple Watch Series 10, a device which has seen noticeable improvements to the speakers.
In our testing, it appears that the new default volume level in watchOS 11.1 is 50%, whereas in earlier versions of watchOS it was 80%.
To further complicate things, it also appears to us that Apple has changed the default behavior of the VoiceOver volume rotor in watchOS 11.1. It now appears that the default behavior is for the Volume rotor to only adjust the level of VoiceOver speech relative to other sounds, whereas in the past the Volume Rotor adjusted all sounds--VoiceOver and otherwise.
If this issue impacts you, the easiest workaround is to tell Siri to turn the volume to the desired level. For example, "Set volume to 80%." As stated previously, we suspect that 80% was the default volume level prior to watchOS 11.1.
In terms of improvements for VoiceOver users, our testing suggests that the Vitals Complication now reads correctly on the Modular Watch face; whereas it did not previously do so in earlier versions of watchOS 11. At the time of writing, we are not aware of any new bugs specific to VoiceOver, braille, or low vision accessibility features in watchOS 11.1. However, as watchOS beta testing is particularly challenging given the inability to downgrade, it was not possible for us to do extensive testing of this release. If you notice any new improvements or regressions in your use of watchOS 11.1, please do let us know by posting a comment. Community input is critical to helping us ensure this page is up-to-date and accurate.
watchOS 11.1 Release Notes
This update includes improvements and bug fixes, including a fix for an issue with writing breathing disturbances data to HealthKit for some users.
How to Update
watchOS 11.1 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General> Software Update. To install the update, your Watch must be connected to its charger and have at least 50% battery power.
Comments
Does this fix the bug of volume being musch louder on restart?
it would be great if this was fixed with this update - trying to install it but it's saying it's going to take over 4 hours!
bexgray01
If you went from the RC to the current update it took me 10 minutes. It also might be your internet speed and also everyone in the US is trying to get it also.
Holger Fiallo
Yeah I wasn't expecting the 4 hour notice! I'll try again tonight when hopefully it will be a bit better
Volume much lower after update
Just installed the new update on my Apple Watch and the volume at 100% is much lower than it used to be at 75%. Is anyone else experiencing this issue, and if so, how can this be corrected?
Thanks.
Audio ducking
Go to audioducking and rase the valume.
Audio, docking, and volume
I went to audio docking in watch settings and turned it off. I raised the voice over volume to the maximum, 100%. However, this did not help. I also turned audio docking to while speaking, and raise the audio volume to the maximum, 199%. This also did not work. It seems that, at 100%, my Watch volume is much lower than it used to be. It will be very difficult to hear my watch in louder environments. I don’t know if there is a workaround. I will report this issue to Apple.
Thanks.
Volume bug
As stated in the post, the bug of Voiceover volume being much lower in 11.1 has been tested and confirmed. the slite work around is to Ask Siri to turn media volume to 80%.
Apple is aware of this and we hope that this can be addressed in a future update.
This is voiceover specific.
When voiceover gets turned off the volume behaves normally. Thank you for reporting the bug and letting us know.
Wayne A
Is the same with phone. In the past when I was listening to music or audiobook, and started to do something with VO the sound went down so you can focus on VO. Apple broke it trying to make it better.
Apple Watch Volume
My mistake. I should have read the post more carefully. When I asked Siri to turn the volume to 80%, the volume is now the same as before.
Glad That's All it Was!
Hi Wayne,
Glad that fixed the issue for you! :) In all my years using an Apple Watch, I never once changed the Media volume and did not even realize it could go any higher than what it was set at by default.
It's not exactly the same…
It's not exactly the same though, media volume @ 80% means that now because VO rotor or gesture for volume only changes VO volume notifications will be 80% loud or whatever your volume is set at.
my bug was fixed with this update!
I managed to get the update installed (only took about 10 minutes instead of the 4 hours it was predicting), and it fixed the bug of the volume being much too loud on restart! I'm so glad this was fixed.
i found a new bug - volume apparently at 180%
The volume is now apparently at 180% despite being the same volume as about the old 25 or 30.
VoiceOver's Volume Relative to Everything Else
Over in the iOS 18.1 bugs post, Steve Sawczyn wrote a great explanation of the changes to VoiceOver's volume level that I think applies to the Watch as well. The TL:DR version is that the Rotor now adjusts the volume of every other type of audio relative to VoiceOver.
Typing with VoiceOver enabled
For as long as I can remember, when VoiceOver was enabled, I could find the number or letter and then have to double tap to enter it. It seems now as if I can simply lift my finger and the character is inserted. This is now on par with VoiceOver on the iPhone. Is this new or have I been missing something all this time?