On Tuesday, Apple introduced its latest generation smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 11. Initially, this model appeared to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, but a deeper examination reveals some drawbacks that may make it less appealing to potential buyers.
One of the most important aspects of any smartwatch is its battery life. While Apple claims that the Apple Watch Series 11 offers up to 24 hours of battery life—an improvement from the 18 hours provided by the Apple Watch Series 10—this figure may not tell the whole story. Users discovered that the new battery estimates include an additional 6 hours of sleep tracking based on Apple's internal benchmark, which is not comparable to the testing methods used for older models. This indicates that the actual daily usage may be less impressive than initially presented.
During the keynote event, Apple highlighted two new features: Hypertension notifications and Sleep Score. However, it’s essential to note that these features are not exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 11. In fact, Hypertension notifications are available on previous models, including the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2. Similarly, the Sleep Score feature is accessible on all Apple Watches running the latest watchOS 26, which includes models from the Apple Watch Series 6 and onward.
If you're looking to save money, the Apple Watch Series 10 remains an excellent choice. Currently, you can purchase a brand new Series 10 (42mm) on Amazon for $329, which is a $70 savings compared to the price of the new Series 11. The 46mm model is also available for just $359. If you prefer a Titanium build, the Gold Titanium Apple Watch Series 10 is priced at $609—over $140 cheaper than the brand new Series 11.
Despite some drawbacks, the Apple Watch Series 11 does offer some worthwhile upgrades. The most notable is the new Ceramic Shield display, which Apple claims provides double the scratch resistance compared to previous models. The physical battery capacity has also increased slightly, though not as significantly as the advertised numbers suggest. Additionally, for users of the cellular version, the inclusion of 5G connectivity marks a substantial upgrade across the entire lineup, promising improved coverage as carriers phase out their LTE spectrum.
Fans of the Space Gray color will also appreciate that the Apple Watch Series 11 returns this shade for the first time since the Series 6, although it features a different hue than before.
If you're interested in the latest Apple products, here are some pre-order options available on Amazon:
AirPods Pro 3 – $249 Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) – $249 Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm) – $279 Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm) – $399 Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm) – $429 Apple Watch Ultra 3 – $799In conclusion, while the Apple Watch Series 11 introduces some exciting features and enhancements, potential buyers should weigh these against its price and the availability of similar features in older models. The Apple Watch Series 10 may still be the more sensible investment for many consumers.
