Apple Watch Series 11 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
The Apple Watch Series 10. | Image Credit - PhoneArena
What we know so far
The Apple Watch Series 11 is the premium Apple timepiece that is expected to be unveiled in early September, alongside the models from the iPhone 17 lineup.
The timepiece itself may not come with a huge redesign, but one's for certain: the recently-announced watchOS 26 will sure make it feel and look different. Possibly, some new colors for the case or watch bands may be introduced.
In terms of health and fitness, there are no new sensors reportedly added (so this long-awaited non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is not happening (most likely) this time around). Probably, Apple may have some new AI features specifically for Watches to make it feel new and exciting, though.
Apart from that, expect pretty much the same battery size, bright display, and a fast chip.
Apart from that, expect pretty much the same battery size, bright display, and a fast chip.
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Apple Watch Series 11 release date
The Apple Watch Series 11 is expected together with the iPhone 17 models, meaning potentially on September 9. As per tradition, the fall is when Apple releases iPhones and Apple Watches.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 8 | September 7, 2022 | September 16, 2022 |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | September 12, 2023 | September 22, 2023 |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | September 9, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | September 9, 2025* | September, 2025* |
* - probable dates
Apple Watch Series 11 price
We have no leaks about the potential price of the Apple Watch Series 11. Judging by previous generations, we expect the timepiece to start at $399 for the smaller size with GPS-only connectivity. We expect two sizes and two options for connectivity: GPS-only or GPS + Cellular. The iPhones are rumored to be getting a $50 price increase, though, so this price hike may affect the timepiece as well, so keep that in mind.
| Apple Watch model | 41mm (or 42mm) GPS only | 45mm (or 46mm) GPS only | 41mm (or 42mm)GPS + Cellular | 45mm (or 46mm) GPS + Cellular |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 8 | $399 | $429 | $499 | $529 |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | $399 | $429 | $499 | $529 |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | $399 | $429 | $499 | $529 |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | $399* | $429* | $499* | $529* |
*- anticipated price
Apple Watch Series 11 design
It's very likely we won't see dramatic changes from previous models when it comes to the Series 11 design.
Apple Watches come with a very recognizable square design, and it seems that Apple will stray from the tradition here. We have buttons on the right side of the display and speakers on the left side. We may expect some new fancy watch bands, as Apple usually unveils something new in terms of bands with new Apple Watches.
Apple Watches come with a very recognizable square design, and it seems that Apple will stray from the tradition here. We have buttons on the right side of the display and speakers on the left side. We may expect some new fancy watch bands, as Apple usually unveils something new in terms of bands with new Apple Watches.
The Apple Watch Series 10 showcasing the recognizable rectangular Apple Watch design. | Image Credit - PhoneArena
The Apple Watch Series 10 introduced two new sizes: 42 and 46mm, which grew from the 41 and 45mm of the Series 9. The Series 10 also got thinner and lighter than its predecessor, so we expect the Series 11 to build on that. Most likely, it will keep the same two sizes: 42 and 46mm, although it's quite early to know for certain.
You will likely be able to choose between aluminum and titanium for the material of the case.
As for colors, we expect the titanium option to sport a natural titanium color, possibly gold and a silver/grey version. A new blue variant is in the rumors as well. The aluminum case variant is usually more colorful and may feature something more interesting, but we don't know the exact shades just yet.
Apple Watch Series 11 display
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes with a bigger display than its predecessors. It also came with improved viewing angles but with the same brightness as the Series 9.
As for the Series 11, it's very early for leaks to show up in terms of display specs. We already have quite a good brightness level and a big display that gives you a lot of info at a glance. Maybe Apple will improve there, but I expect some slight improvements over something more dramatic here.
As for the Series 11, it's very early for leaks to show up in terms of display specs. We already have quite a good brightness level and a big display that gives you a lot of info at a glance. Maybe Apple will improve there, but I expect some slight improvements over something more dramatic here.
Apple Watch Series 11 battery
Many Apple Watch fans have been wishing for better battery life for what seems like ages. The Apple Watch's battery life has stayed consistent and new generations have not improved there: Apple promises 18 hours of battery life with the Series 10, which is the same it offered for the 9, 8, 7, etc.
Although this battery life isn't terrible, with detailed sleep monitoring and other features that the timepiece sports, it would be very, very nice if it would last at least two days. There are no rumors about improvements in battery life for the Series 11, unfortunately. It's very likely the battery size will be the same.
As for charging, Apple worked on things with the Series 10, and it now charges faster than previous models: Apple says the Series 10 needs 30 minutes to reach 80% charge and another 30 minutes to hit 100%. Which beats previous generations by 15 minutes, and the Ultra models by 30 minutes.
Although this battery life isn't terrible, with detailed sleep monitoring and other features that the timepiece sports, it would be very, very nice if it would last at least two days. There are no rumors about improvements in battery life for the Series 11, unfortunately. It's very likely the battery size will be the same.
Apple Watch Series 11 features and software
The Series 11 will come with watchOS 26. | Image Credit - Apple
The Apple Watch Series 11 will likely come with watchOS 26. During WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled watchOS 26 with a rebrand of all its OSes (now, there's iOS 26, iPadOS 26, etc).
The new OS brings a redesigned themed Liquid Glass which will unite the looks of all Apple software in a beautiful, semi-transparent style.
Apart from the new look, watchOS 26 brings a new feature called Workout Buddy, which should help you stay motivated to achieve your workout goals. The feedback it gives you will be powered by your workout data, so it's personal and should help you progress towards your fitness goals faster.
A new wrist flick gesture would allow you to mute incoming calls, silence timers, and dismiss notifications. The volume for calls and notifications will also get automatically adjusted based on your surroundings. Also, the Notes app is coming to the Apple Watch with watchOS 26 as well.
Apart from that, you will likely get the usual suspects for the watch: a wide variety of workouts, ECG, blood oxygen, irregular heart rhythm notifications, sleep monitoring, wrist temperature, and other health metrics. The Series 11 will also likely feature safety functionalities like Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and the like.
Apart from that, you will likely get the usual suspects for the watch: a wide variety of workouts, ECG, blood oxygen, irregular heart rhythm notifications, sleep monitoring, wrist temperature, and other health metrics. The Series 11 will also likely feature safety functionalities like Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and the like.
There's another thing that is more on the wish list than in the rumors so far: something Apple Intelligence-related. The Series 10 didn't come with specific AI features, but given how AI is the center of attention nowadays, it would be a good addition to the Series 11. We'll know more about watchOS 12 probably during WWDC in the summer of next year, so we'll get a glimpse of the features we might get with the 2025 Apple Watches.
Apple Watch Series 11 hardware and specs
The Apple Watch Series 10 came with an upgraded S10 chip. Probably the Series 11 will come with an S11 chip.
Apple Watch Series 11's expected specs:
Apple Watch Series 11's expected specs:
- CPU: S11 (expected)
- Battery: Up to 18 hours (expected)
- Sizes: 42 and 46mm (expected)
- Materials: Aluminum and Titanium (expected)
- Connectivity: GPS-only, or GPS + Cellular
- Storage: 64GB (expected)
Should I wait for the Apple Watch Series 11?
- You should wait for the Apple Watch Series 11if you're currently sporting the Series 9 or older and you may be ready for an upgrade. Also, if you're rocking an Apple Watch SE or SE 2 and are looking for a more powerful and premium Apple Watch. Given that its release is now pretty soon, I'd advise you wait to see what else Apple brings to the table at this point and then decide if you want to get it or not.
- You should not wait for the Apple Watch Series 11if you currently have an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or an Apple Watch Series 10. The differences between the 10 and 11 may not be enough to warrant an upgrade, while there would be an Ultra 3 (reportedly) for people who prefer a more rugged smartwatch.
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