Apple Watch Series 11 rumors: Could be amazing, could be meh

Before its anticipated September launch, here are the pre-release reveals for the Apple Watch Series 11.

The updated smartwatch is just weeks away, but surprisingly, there are few rumors about it. Nevertheless, we’ve gathered all the information we could find to help those considering making a purchase.

Apple Watch Series 11 rumors: What to expect

For some background, Apple Watch Series 10 released in 2024 got a slightly larger screen, a slimmer chassis, and a new titanium option. Series 11 will take advantage of these changes, which is why the 2025 iteration of the smartwatch will surely come in 42mm and 46mm display options. No further external changes are expected.

But an internal change is likely: a move from the Apple S10 processor to an S11 SiP. Don’t anticipate a dramatic speed boost, just general improvement. The S11 could lengthen the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 11, for example.

And the new chip should enhance performance of watchOS 26, which is expected to debut on Apple’s 2025 smartwatch. The new operating system version got its big reveal at WWDC 25 in June, so we already know what it’ll bring to Series 11 — and earlier models too. The signature feature is the Workout Buddy, which uses Apple Intelligence to analyze the wearer’s activity and provide real‑time voice feedback and encouragement during workouts. In addition, watchOS 26 makes the Smart Stack context-aware so it surfaces suggestions based on your habits and location. Plus, the OS update adds the Notes application and provides live translations of texts shown on the Watch.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 mystery factor

While there have been few rumors about the Apple Watch Series 11, quite a bit already leaked out about Apple Watch Ultra 3, which is expected to launch at the same time. It’s possible some of these features rumored for the Ultra 3 will make it into the Series 10 model, too.

The new top-of-the-line Watch version is expected to add native satellite messaging. Users who venture off the grid will be able to send texts over Globalstar satellites even without Wi‑Fi or cellular coverage. Could it also be in Series 11? Maybe.

Another expected Ultra 3 addition that might also come to Series 11 is blood pressure trend detection. This will supposedly monitor for hypertension risk and alert users about potential problems, but not be able to give exact proof pressure readings. Just note that Apple has been struggling for years to pull off blood pressure monitoring, and it’s not guaranteed in any 2025 Apple Watch.

Also, rumors say Apple Watch Ultra 3 will leave slow LTE cellular-wireless connections behind for 5G RedCap — a power-efficient version of 5G designed for wearables and “internet of things” devices. That could come to Series 11, too.

Apple Watch Series 11 rumors: Price and release date

The price for the base model Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, Series 5 and so on has been $399. A cost increase is possible, but it would break a long-held practice.

And speaking of long-held practices, September is the traditional time for new watchOS devices, and rumors aren’t needed for us to expect that to be when Apple Watch Series 11 launches. It should arrive at the same time as iPhone 17.