Sleep tracking has been a core functionality of Apple watches since watchOS 7. Since then, over 100 million users have routinely measured their sleep data as a vital health metric. However, the limitations of the feature can be interminably frustrating as it requires users to manually turn on Sleep Focus when napping outside their preset schedule. Although workarounds, sleep detection comes built-in with other wearables for a fraction of the cost of an Apple Watch – the Google Pixel Watch, for example.

With the beta release of watchOS 11 it seems automatic nap detection has finally come to Apple smartwatches. Noticed by Redditor u/jahshua06, the tracking appears incomplete and buggy as yet, and not every beta tester has been able to use the feature. Still, this is merely the first watchOS 11 beta – which makes this all the more exciting.

Obviously there is the possibility that the feature itself is the bug. Sleep data recorded without Sleep Focus turned on does not show a full breakdown into the typical stages. And despite the head of watchOS Engineering, David Clark waxing eloquent at WWDC about workout tracking, customizability and the new Vitals app, there was no mention of sleep auto-detection. Apple's blog preview also makes no mention of this update, so there is really no other way to find out how it works than to experiment directly with the beta or to wait for the final release version.

A word of caution: the beta is not for everyone. While all betas come with risks, Apple's watchOS beta releases are notorious for preventing downgrades afterwards, which leaves beta testers with no recourse but to wait for the next update if anything goes awry.

For eager Apple watch owners, an adventure awaits! You can find the beta quite easily from device settings on the Watch app on your iPhone. Your Apple Watch will have to remain on charge with at least 50% battery to install the developer beta, but once that is over, you can test out the new features, including nap detection and tracking.

[IOS 18 DB 1] Nap detection byu/jahshua06 iniOSBeta