Apple has officially released watchOS 11.1 Beta 4, continuing its commitment to enhancing the user experience and providing developers with the tools they need to create innovative applications for the Apple Watch. This latest beta version includes several important fixes and addresses known issues that users and developers should be aware of.
One of the significant fixes in this release is related to StoreKit. Developers using StoreKit Testing in Xcode may have encountered issues where the offer identifier in the subscription renewal information was reported incorrectly for offer codes. This problem has now been resolved, allowing developers to manage their in-app purchases and subscriptions more effectively.
In the realm of SwiftUI, there is a known issue that developers should note. Using if #available in @WidgetBundleBuilder and @SceneBuilder can lead to crashes on prior operating system versions due to an “unknown OS version” error. This issue is identified under the number 136098106, and developers are advised to exercise caution when working with these components until a fix is provided.
Additionally, the WidgetKit framework has seen improvements in this beta release. A fix was implemented to address issues with rectangular complications and Watch-specific custom Live Activity views that were using incorrect font metrics. This resulted in title2 and title3 being rendered much larger than intended and largeTitle showing up much smaller than expected. Furthermore, it was noted that custom Live Activity views were using the wrong default font, defaulting to SF Pro instead of SF Compact. This correction ensures a more consistent and visually appealing experience for users.
Overall, the release of watchOS 11.1 Beta 4 is a positive advancement for both developers and users. The fixes implemented in StoreKit and WidgetKit enhance functionality and usability, while the ongoing known issues highlight areas for future improvement. Developers are encouraged to test their applications against this latest beta to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. As Apple continues to refine its watchOS platform, users can look forward to a more stable and feature-rich experience. Stay tuned for further updates as Apple progresses in its software development journey.