Watch Ultra 2: How Do I list my app on Auto-Launch Settings

I'm developing a watchOS app for Watch Ultra 2 that implements water detection using CMSubmersionManager.

I would like to make it appear in the Auto-Launch settings menu, but my app is not appearing in the settings (Settings > General > Auto-Launch > When Submerged > Selected App)....

What additional steps should I take to make this work?

Environment

  • Device: Watch Ultra 2
  • watchOS: 11.2
  • Xcode: 16.0

Implementation

I have implemented the following as per documentation:

  1. Added the Shallow Depth and Pressure capability and Entitlement.
  • Added the "Shallow Depth and Pressure" capability
  • Confirmed entitlement "com.apple.developer.submerged-shallow-depth-and-pressure" was automatically added

Note: I initially thought I should use "com.apple.developer.submerged-depth-and-pressure" (without "-shallow") since I'm targeting a maximum depth of 6 meters, but this resulted in compilation errors.

ref: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/740083

ref: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/735296

  1. Added NSMotionUsageDescription and WKBackgroundModes
<key>NSMotionUsageDescription</key>
<string>Required for water detection</string>

<key>WKBackgroundModes</key>
<array>
    <string>underwater-depth</string>
</array>

According to the documentation:

"It also adds your app to the list of apps that the system can autolaunch when the wearer submerges the watch."

What additional steps are needed to make the app appear in Auto-Launch settings? Has anyone successfully implemented this feature?

When I tested with my Apple Watch Serials 10 + watchOS 11.3 (22S555), simply adding the following background mode to Info.plist, as documented here, makes my app show up in the Settings > General > Auto-Launch > When submerged > App:

<key>WKBackgroundModes</key>
<array>
    <string>underwater-depth</string>
</array>

However, doing the same thing on my Apple Watch Ultra 2 + watchOS 113 (22S555) indeed doesn't have my app show up there.

I don't see any reason that Apple Watch Ultra 2 should behave differently from what the documentation says, and so would suggest that you file a feedback report – If you do so, please share your report ID here, and I'd keep an eye on what the watchOS team has to say.

Best,
——
Ziqiao Chen
 Worldwide Developer Relations.

Thank you for keeping eye on my post! And I have just reported. my reportID: FB16448625

@DTS Engineer

I’m experiencing the same issue. If anyone has found a solution or has any updates, I’d appreciate it if you could share. Thanks!

Watch Ultra 2: How Do I list my app on Auto-Launch Settings
 
 
Q