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Apple Releases macOS 11, watchOS 10, and watchOS 9 Updates to Keep iMessage and FaceTime Working on Older Devices

Apple today released macOS 11.7.11, watchOS 10.6.2, and watchOS 9.6.4 for older Macs and Apple Watches that are not able to run the current watchOS and macOS 26.

apple watch se red
According to Apple's release notes, the updates extend the certificate that features like device activation, iMessage, and FaceTime use. The certificate update ensures that these functions will continue to work after January 2027.

On the Mac, the update can be installed through the Settings app, while on the Apple Watch, the updates can be installed through the Apple Watch app on iPhone.

watchOS 9.6.4 and the update that preceded it are the final versions of watchOS that support devices like the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, which are limited to iOS 16 and cannot be updated to iOS 17. watchOS 10.6.2 is available for the Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, and the original Apple Watch SE.

Update: Apple has also released macOS Catalina Security Update 2026-001 and watchOS 6.3.1 for older devices.

Related Roundup: watchOS 26
Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

13 weeks ago
And I’m sure there will be a new thread in approximately 30 minutes of someone screaming about how they “ARE FORCING TAHOE ON ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apple BAD!!!!! TIM CROOK!!!!!!!”
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
13 weeks ago
Great to see updates for older devices. Long software support is very welcome and is needed.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
13 weeks ago

Build numbers?
macOS 11.7.11 (20G1443)
macOS 10.15.8 (19H2036)
watchOS 10.6.2 (21U594)
watchOS 9.6.4 (20U512)
watchOS 6.3.1 (17U224)

also there is

iOS 16.7.14 (20H370)
iPadOS 16.7.14 (20H370)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
13 weeks ago

They might not do this one ...?
All "standard configuration" Macs that can run Mojave can also run Catalina.
The Mac Pro 2010 and 2012 models are maxed out at Mojave and it is the last to support 32 bit applications.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FoxyKaye Avatar
13 weeks ago
11.7.11? Wow, I actually had to confirm I was seeing this correctly. Good on that, I suppose.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
13 weeks ago
What about Mojave?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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