watchOS 11.3 Release Candidate Fixes HealthKit Issues and More

Apple Watch running watchOS 11.3 Release Candidate with enhanced features and performance improvements.

Arnas J.

Jan 21, 2025

Apple has released the watchOS 11.3 Release Candidate (RC), signaling that the final public version is right around the corner. While this build brings no major changes compared to Beta 3, it continues Apple’s efforts to refine performance and address lingering bugs, particularly in HealthKit.

Key Updates and Highlights

HealthKit Authorization Fix

According to the official watchOS 11.3 release notes, Apple resolved an issue where HealthKit authorization granted by the user for certain data types might not persist, potentially causing apps to re-prompt for access. This fix ensures consistent data sharing between your Apple Watch and health-related apps.

No Major Changes from Beta 3

If you’ve been following watchOS 11.3’s previous beta releases, you won’t see many notable updates in RC. Existing improvements—like smoother screenshot syncing, complication stability, and Snoopy-themed watch face animations—remain intact, ensuring a refined experience without introducing additional features.

Final Public Release Next Week

With the RC now out, the final watchOS 11.3 public release is expected as early as next week, likely before the end of January. Users can look forward to enhanced stability and a few subtle performance tweaks once Apple completes its final testing phase.

Overall Performance

Navigation remains smooth, complications load reliably, and the charging alert inconsistencies seen in earlier betas appear further polished. Apple continues to focus on bug fixes rather than headline-grabbing features, suggesting watchOS 11.3 is primarily about getting everything right under the hood.

Should You Update to watchOS 11.3 RC?

If you’ve already been testing Beta 3, updating to the RC should feel nearly identical in day-to-day use. For those who prefer the utmost stability, waiting just a short while longer for the final public release may be the best course of action. However, if you’re comfortable experimenting with pre-release software, this RC offers the most stable glimpse yet of what’s coming in watchOS 11.3.

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