Everything You Need to Know About the New Apple Watch Series 11
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The 2025 Apple Watch lineup has finally been revealed. This year, Apple is offering three Apple Watch models: the flagship Series 11, the budget SE 3, and the rugged Ultra 3. The Series 11, being the mid-generation, is intended to be an all-around smartwatch for most Apple users.
Last year, the Series 10 got a major overhaul , with a thinner, lighter case and a bigger, better display. This year, the changes will be gradual. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be new features. In addition to a few software changes (which will also affect older models of the watch), Apple promises a more durable display and longer battery life.
Same design but better display
The Series 11 has the same case and basic design as the Series 10 (though it’s now available in a new space gray color), and even many of the internal components are identical. It has the same S10 chip, the same heart rate sensors, and the same connectivity as the previous model. All of the existing software features for fitness tracking, health, apps, and notifications will also continue to work, though with the watchOS 26 update, all compatible Apple Watches will get an updated Liquid Glass finish .
Apple Watch Series 11 is available in two sizes: 42 mm and 46 mm, and is 9.7 mm thick. The 42 mm version of Series 11 in an aluminum case weighs 30.3 grams, and the 46 mm version weighs 37.8 grams.
There is a physical upgrade, though. This time, Apple has improved the display. The LTP03’s wide-angle display is now made of “Ion-X” material, making it twice as scratch-resistant as the previous model, which is always a good thing.
Best battery life
The Series 11 is the first non-Ultra Apple Watch since launch to get an upgraded battery. For a decade, the Apple Watch was rated for 18 hours of battery life, but Apple now says it will last 24 hours. That number is based on average usage throughout the day, including features like GPS workout tracking. If you’re a light user, you can expect to get more than three days of battery life, though Lifehacker hasn’t yet confirmed Apple’s claims through testing. Still, there are times when my Series 10 has lasted nearly two days.
The Series 11 also supports fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes, while a 15-minute charge will provide eight hours of use. Apple says the watch can last up to 32 hours on a single charge when using Low Power Mode.
5G connection
Series 11 is the first Apple Watch to support 5G, which can speed up podcast and music streaming. It can also make calls easier, especially in areas with spotty coverage, ensuring you don’t get dropped just because you’re using an Apple Watch instead of an iPhone.
High Blood Pressure Alerts
In its Awe Dropping keynote, Apple teased two new health features for the Apple Watch Series 11: high blood pressure notifications and sleep score. Both sound useful, but while they first appeared at the Series 11 launch, they ’re not exclusive to the Series 11. High blood pressure notifications will roll out to Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, while sleep score will be available to users starting with Series 6 and SE 2. Sleep score uses sleep tracking data like duration, time in sleep stages, and wake frequency to give you an overall assessment of your sleep health, while high blood pressure notifications will alert you when your watch detects chronic high blood pressure.
These notifications use heart rate data to analyze how your blood vessels respond to your heartbeat. The algorithm works passively in the background, analyzing 30 days of data and will notify you if it detects signs of possible hypertension.
If you have an older Apple Watch, now is the time to upgrade.
Overall, the Series 11 is a small upgrade over the Series 10, with its biggest new feature being improved battery life . That’s no small feat, though, especially considering the Apple Watch’s battery is quite small and drains faster than the iPhone’s.
If you already have a Series 10, like me, the Series 11 probably isn’t for you. But if you have a Series 8 or earlier, or if you’re using an SE 2 like my colleague Pranay Parab, the Series 11 is a great upgrade.
This is how Apple typically positions its new devices. If you’re upgrading from the Series 8, you’ll get a new thinner design, a bigger screen, impressive battery life, and new health features like blood pressure alerts.
The Apple Watch Series 11 retails for $399 for the 42mm model and $429 for the 46mm model. Apple also released the new Apple Watch SE 3 this year, which features an always-on display, the latest S10 chip, and an improved screen — all for $249. If you’re on a budget, the SE 3 is also worth checking out .
Apple Watch Series 11 is available for pre-order and will be available in stores on September 19.