Digital Magazine – Apple’s latest event may have been dominated by the unveiling of the iPhone 17 family, but the company also refreshed its entire smartwatch portfolio, introducing the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. While the upgrades are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the changes reflect Apple’s strategy of refining health monitoring, durability, and accessibility across its wearables.
Apple Watch Series 11: Health First, Design Familiar
At first glance, the Series 11 looks nearly identical to its predecessor, the Series 10. The dimensions and thin profile remain unchanged, but Apple added an IonX coating that is twice as resistant to scratches. A new space gray case option joins the lineup, appealing to users who prefer a modern aesthetic alongside Apple’s existing finishes.
The most significant advancement comes on the health side. Series 11 introduces “possible hypertension” alerts, which analyze subtle changes in blood vessel expansion using the existing optical heart rate sensor. Unlike a traditional blood pressure cuff, the feature does not provide numeric readings, but it can flag irregular patterns and prompt users to seek medical advice. This is consistent with Apple’s broader approach to health technology—focusing on early detection and preventive alerts rather than full diagnostic tools.
Apple also promised improved battery life, claiming the Series 11 can now last up to 24 hours per charge, with a third of that time optimized for overnight sleep tracking. Coupled with sleep scoring—a new feature in watchOS 26—the Series 11 positions itself as a more well-rounded health companion.
Apple Watch SE 3: Affordable, but More Capable
Apple’s entry-level smartwatch, the SE 3, received perhaps the most practical upgrade: an Always-On Display. Previously reserved for higher-end models, this feature makes checking the time and notifications more seamless.
The SE 3 also benefits from faster charging speeds, now on par with the Series 9 and later. A built-in skin temperature sensor adds support for cycle tracking, further closing the gap between the budget-friendly SE and Apple’s premium models.
Starting at $249, the SE 3 retains its appeal as a cost-effective option, though it still lacks ECG and blood oxygen sensors. For most users, however, the trade-offs are minimal compared to the savings.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Bigger, Brighter, and More Connected
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, the Watch Ultra 3 takes Apple’s rugged smartwatch even further. The device now features the largest Apple Watch display to date, with a faster refresh rate that enables smoother animations and an improved Always-On experience.
Notably, Apple added 5G connectivity and satellite communication support, features that cater to adventurers and users in remote areas. While these capabilities couldn’t be fully tested during Apple’s demonstration, they mark a significant expansion of the Ultra’s utility beyond fitness and endurance sports.
A Subtle Yet Meaningful Update Cycle
Apple’s 2025 smartwatch refresh is less about radical redesigns and more about enhancing durability, accessibility, and health features across price points. The Series 11 refines its role as a health monitoring device, the SE 3 brings premium features to budget-conscious buyers, and the Ultra 3 expands into connectivity for extreme use cases.
Together, these updates demonstrate Apple’s continued commitment to positioning the Apple Watch not just as a timepiece or fitness tracker, but as a comprehensive health and lifestyle companion.
