watchOS 11 removes popular watch faces, and users aren't happy about it

Apple has once again managed to surprise its loyal fanbase — this time, not in a good way. With the launch of watchOS 11, several popular Apple Watch faces have mysteriously vanished. While iOS 18’s buggy Mail app and confusing redesign of the Photos app and Control Center were already causing a stir, watchOS 11 is now drawing heat for its quiet removal of iconic watch faces like Chronograph, Explorer, Siri, and more.

For years, Apple Watch users have relied on familiar faces to express their style and streamline their day-to-day tasks. But in watchOS 11, Apple decided it was time to do some housekeeping. Watch faces like the original Chronograph, Explorer, and even the once-loved Siri face are no longer available on the official list of Apple Watch faces. And if you’re wondering why, well, that’s a question Apple hasn’t answered yet. Some users speculate that Apple’s focus on new designs, like the artsy Reflections and Flux faces, means there’s little room left for the classic, functional faces that people actually use.

For many, the real sting comes from the lack of communication. Apple didn’t exactly put out a press release warning users that their favorite watch faces were about to be axed. Instead, users woke up, updated their watches to watchOS 11 and discovered that their go-to faces were just… gone.

Understandably, Apple Watch wearers aren’t thrilled. Some have turned to Reddit and Apple’s own support forums to vent their frustrations, calling the move anti-consumer and questioning Apple’s decision-making. Many are wondering why Apple would take away faces that are unique and functional for consumers like Explorer, Chronograph and Siri.

The reaction online has been swift, with users suggesting some fairly straightforward solutions. The most popular idea? Downloadable watch faces, which makes sense. If we can download apps, languages, and maps, why on earth can’t Apple Watch users download watch faces? It seems like a no-brainer: let users pick and choose which faces to keep, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all update that leaves many feeling shortchanged.

It’s interesting that Apple, in typical fashion, did the opposite of what fans have been clamoring for — custom/downloadable watch faces — by simply taking away the ones that people actually enjoy.

It’s not just about aesthetics. The missing faces also mean lost functionality. The Explorer watch face, for example, was a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its clean design and cellular connection bar. Similarly, Chronograph allowed for plenty of complications, making it a powerhouse face for those who needed data at a glance. Now, users are forced to find alternatives, but many admit that the newer options just don’t compare.

There’s also a larger, ongoing frustration with the limited customization options for Apple Watch faces. While rivals like Samsung and Google have opened up their devices to third-party custom faces, Apple continues to keep its ecosystem tightly closed. Users have long dreamed of an App Store section dedicated to downloadable faces, where they could mix, match, and swap at will akin to the watch face section in the Google Play Store. Instead, the current approach feels more like rationing.

Beyond the removal of popular faces, users are frustrated by Apple’s radio silence on the matter. For many, it’s not just about the missing faces but the way they disappeared without a heads-up, leaving some to wonder what else might quietly vanish in the next update.

If you’re one of the many Apple Watch owners feeling the sting of missing faces, make sure to send feedback through their official channels. While there’s no guarantee that voicing your concerns will bring Chronograph, Siri or Explorer faces back from the dead, it’s at least a chance to let Apple know that these seemingly small changes have a big impact.

From these reports, it’s become clear that Apple Watch users want more control, more customization, and a lot more transparency, something Apple isn’t exactly known for. On the brighter side, iOS is growing more flexible, so things might just change in future for watchOS as well.