The Next Evolution of Apple Watch: What’s Coming in Series 11
As Apple’s fall product event approaches, excitement is building around two major releases: the iPhone 17 series and the Apple Watch Series 11 . Over the past decade, Apple Watch has evolved into a powerful health and fitness companion — but there’s still room for growth. Here’s what we know so far.
More Models Than Ever
While Apple only launched the Series 10 last year, this year could bring multiple smartwatches at once. Alongside the standard Series 11, Apple may unveil an upgraded Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a refreshed, budget-friendly Apple Watch SE .
The Ultra 3 is expected to feature a sharper display , satellite connectivity , and new health sensors for hypertension detection . Meanwhile, the new SE could receive a design refresh , a new chip , and a plastic casing to keep costs low.
Design Refinements, Not a Redesign
With the Series 10 introducing a sleeker design last year, don’t expect any dramatic changes in 2025. However, Apple may aim for a slimmer and lighter build , with the same 42mm and 46mm case sizes available.
Display upgrades are also on the table, including a higher-resolution LTPO panel that offers better brightness and energy efficiency. Battery life and faster charging are rumored improvements as well.
Despite earlier rumors, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently confirmed that Apple has abandoned plans to add cameras to its smartwatches — at least for now.
A Fresh Look with New Software
At WWDC 2025 , Apple will officially reveal WatchOS 12 , featuring a glass-like UI redesign inspired by the Vision Pro headset’s visionOS. This update will be part of a broader visual overhaul across Apple’s platforms, bringing a more unified and modern look to the entire ecosystem.
Powerful New Chip Inside
Following tradition, the Series 11 is expected to come with a brand-new S11 chip , offering faster performance and better power management. The chip will also power the Ultra 3 and is likely built using a more advanced process node.
In addition, the watch may support 5G RedCap (reduced capability) technology via a MediaTek modem, enabling efficient high-speed connectivity. Satellite messaging for SOS features is also expected to carry over from previous models.
Health Innovations Ahead
One of the most anticipated features is non-invasive blood pressure monitoring , which Apple has reportedly been working on for years. While promising, Gurman notes that technical challenges and hardware changes have delayed its arrival until now.
Unfortunately, due to an ongoing legal dispute with Masimo, blood oxygen monitoring will remain unavailable on U.S. models. As for glucose monitoring , it’s still under development and not expected this year.
Instead, Apple is focusing on enhancing the Health app with AI-driven insights powered by Apple Intelligence , giving users personalized health recommendations based on their data.
Price Hikes on the Horizon
Apple has kept prices steady in recent years, but rising import tariffs from the Trump administration may force a change. If unresolved, these trade policies could push the starting price of the Series 11 to $399 or higher in the U.S.
Will these updates be enough to convince current Apple Watch owners to upgrade? Only time will tell — but one thing is clear: Apple is doubling down on health, AI, and performance in its next-gen wearable lineup.
