Apple Watch is getting a new feature in watchOS 11.4 within the next few weeks, allowing alarm notifications to be both heard and felt, even when the device is in Silent Mode. The update, previewed in the release candidate out today, primarily addresses how alarms function within the often-used Silent Mode.
Currently, Silent Mode on the Apple Watch restricts alerts to haptic vibrations only. This is useful for maintaining privacy, minimizing distractions, and avoiding unwanted noise during sensitive times like meetings.
The watchOS 11.4 release notes specify a new capability: “an option to allow Sleep Wake Up alarm to break through Silent Mode.” 9to5Mac reports that each alarm, including the wake-up alarm within the Apple Watch’s sleep settings, will now include a “Break Through Silent Mode” setting. Activating it ensures that both sounds and haptic vibrations will trigger when the alarm is activated.
