Apple’s latest watchOS 11 updates, which brought numerous health and fitness improvements, have left some long-time Apple Watch users frustrated after the removal of several beloved watch faces. Watch enthusiasts were surprised to discover that classic faces such as Chronograph, Explorer, Numerals, and Siri Face were no longer available following the update.
Changes were first noticed by users on Reddit, where a discussion thread quickly gained traction. One user expressed her disappointment: “I’m super disappointed that I’ve taken away both Explorer and original Chronograph faces. Se were my two favorites, and quite a bit more functional than most of the new faces that have been introduced over the last couple of years.”
Apple replaced the removed faces with similar alternatives such as Numerals Mono, Infographics, and Chronograph Pro, though users argue that the replacements lack the same charm or functionality as the originals. While some older variations like Numerals Duo and Chronograph Pro remain available, they do not replicate the exact features or aesthetics of removed faces, forcing users to adapt to different designs.
New Faces, Unmet Expectations
watchOS 11 updates did introduce new faces, including an AI-powered Photos face that suggests images from the user’s gallery, a dynamic Flux face, and an analog-inspired Reflections face, designed to complement the titanium finish of newer Apple Watch models. However, these additions have not been enough to appease long-time fans of original faces, especially those who preferred traditional design elements.
Several Apple Watch users have voiced their frustrations across social media platforms, urging ors to submit feedback directly to Apple through its official website in hopes of getting faces reinstated.
“I’ve been using Chronograph face since the very first Apple Watch came out in 2014. It’s disappointing that y would remove something that has been part of Apple Watch identity for so long,” one user wrote.
No Clear Reason for Removal
Apple’s decision to remove faces has raised questions, especially as re appears to be no technical reason for its removal. In a statement to Tom’s Guide, Apple stated, “We are constantly evolving our Faces collection to ensure our customers have the widest variety of expressions,” adding that newer faces share “a similar design sensibility” to removed options.
Despite this explanation, users remain unconvinced, with many pointing out that newer faces are more abstract and artistic rather than functional and classic designs they were used to.
A Trend Among Smartwatch Makers
Apple is not the only company facing backlash for removing beloved watch faces. In July 2024, Google’s Wear OS 5 update led to the removal of older faces on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy watches due to incompatibilities with the new Watch Face Format introduced in 2023. However, in Google’s case, changes were made for technical reasons, whereas Apple’s motivations seem to be primarily aesthetic.
Re is also an ongoing issue where sharing an Apple Watch face through Messages app on iPhone can cause repeated crashes, compounding users’ frustrations.
What’s Next for Apple Watch Users?
While many users have suggested that Apple should allow the option to download older faces, the company has not yet indicated where it will respond to see requests. For now, those who favored classic Chronograph, Explorer, and Numerals faces must adapt to changes or switch to alternative options like the much-criticized Flux face.
As Apple continues to evolve its watchOS platform, it remains to be seen where it will address outcry from loyal customers who feel that functionality has been sacrificed in favor of aesthetics.
