At Apple's recent event, the spotlight may have shone brightly on the iPhone announcements, but the new updates to the Apple Watch lineup are certainly noteworthy. This year, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Each model boasts intriguing features that cater to both fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike. After a hands-on session at Apple Park, I found the Series 11 to be particularly captivating.
At first glance, the Apple Watch Series 11 appears nearly identical to its predecessor, the Series 10, in terms of design and dimensions. Both models maintain a sleek and thin profile, but the Series 11 introduces an IonX coating that is twice as scratch-resistant. Additionally, a new space grey case option adds a fresh aesthetic, although I found the pairing of the rose gold band and case to be particularly appealing. During my time with the Series 11, I placed it next to my Series 10 and struggled to discern any visible differences.
While some may question the need for an upgrade from the Series 10, the updates in the Series 11 are substantial and beneficial. One of the standout features is the introduction of possible hypertension alerts. This innovative tool utilizes data from the existing optical heart rate sensors to analyze the patterns of blood vessel constriction and expansion in relation to heart rate. It alerts users to concerning variations in blood pressure, although it does not provide specific readings like "130/80". Instead, it aims to notify users when to consult a medical professional, similar to existing features such as sleep apnea detection and high heart rate alerts.
Another anticipated addition is the sleep score feature coming with watchOS 26. This feature is not exclusive to the Series 11 and will be available on all Apple Watches compatible with the latest software. Users can expect to receive sleep scores after wearing the watch to bed without needing to wait several nights for insights to accumulate.
Battery life is another area of improvement, with Apple claiming that the Series 11 can now last up to 24 hours on a single charge, including eight hours dedicated to overnight sleep tracking. However, as this was a hands-on event, I couldn't fully test this claim until I receive a review unit.
My excitement peaked with the announcement of the Apple Watch SE 3, especially upon learning that this entry-level model will feature an Always On Display. When I picked up the Watch SE 3, I immediately noticed the relatively chunky bezels, but overall, the watch felt quite similar to the Series 10. While it is slightly thicker and heavier, it remains a solid choice at a price point of $250.
This budget-friendly smartwatch comes equipped with a skin-temperature sensor for cycle tracking and boasts a charging speed that is twice as fast as its predecessor, the last-generation Watch SE. This improvement brings its charging speeds closer to those of the Series 9 and later models, which is a significant upgrade considering the slower charging times of previous Apple Watches.
Although many of the SE 3's enhancements are features already available on other models, I believe that Apple offers a compelling package for the price. The primary features missing from the SE 3 compared to the Series 11 are the ECG and blood oxygen capabilities. Despite being a bit heavier, the SE 3 remains comfortable and user-friendly.
This story is still developing, and I encourage readers to refresh for updates as more information becomes available about these exciting new Apple Watch models.
