Apple is addressing a common frustration among Apple Watch users who rely on silent alarms. With the upcoming watchOS 11.4 update, the company is introducing Break Through Silent Mode, a feature designed to prevent users from oversleeping by combining haptic feedback with audible alerts.
Currently, when Silent Mode is enabled, the Apple Watch attempts to wake users solely through gentle vibrations—a method that doesn’t always work for deep sleepers. The new feature ensures that alarms will bypass Silent Mode when activated, delivering both sound and vibrations for a more reliable wake-up experience.
How to Enable the Feature
Users can toggle Break Through Silent Mode in two ways:
- Through the Sleep app settings under Sounds & Haptics
- Directly in the Alarm app by selecting an existing alarm
The update is currently available to developers in its final version, with a public rollout expected as early as next week. Those not seeing the option yet should ensure their device updates to watchOS 11.4 once released.
This enhancement follows feedback from users who found silent alarms ineffective, particularly in critical situations where waking up on time is essential. Apple’s solution aims to provide flexibility while maintaining the Watch’s discreet notification capabilities.
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