Apple is set to release a significant update to its watchOS, version 11.4, which will bring a notable change to the Apple Watch's Silent Mode. According to the release candidate's notes, the update will allow alarm notifications to be heard and felt, even when Silent Mode is activated. This means that users will soon be able to hear their alarms, in addition to feeling haptic vibrations, even when their watch is set to silent.

Currently, when Silent Mode is enabled, the Apple Watch only delivers alerts to users through haptic vibrations. This feature helps keep notifications private, reduces distractions, and prevents the watch from making noise at inopportune times, such as during meetings. However, some users have reported that they often sleep through the vibrations of an alarm, even with the haptics set to the highest intensity.

The new feature, described as "an option to allow Sleep Wake Up alarm to break through Silent Mode," will allow individual alarms, including those set in the Apple Watch's sleep settings for waking up in the morning, to have a new option to "Break Through Silent Mode." With this option enabled, both sounds and haptic vibrations will play when an alarm goes off, according to 9to5Mac.

This update may seem counterintuitive to Silent Mode, but it addresses a common issue faced by many Apple Watch users. By allowing alarms to break through Silent Mode, users will be able to rely on their Apple Watch for critical alarms, such as waking up on time, without having to disable Silent Mode.

The watchOS 11.4 update is expected to roll out in the coming weeks, bringing this new feature and several bug fixes to Apple Watch users. While the exact release date has not been confirmed, users can expect to see the update soon.

This update highlights Apple's commitment to continually improving the user experience of its devices. By listening to user feedback and addressing common pain points, Apple is able to refine its products and provide a better experience for its customers.

The implications of this update extend beyond the Apple Watch itself, as it demonstrates Apple's focus on creating a seamless and integrated ecosystem of devices. As the wearables market continues to grow, updates like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the future of wearable technology.