Apple just dropped the Watch Series 11, and it’s packing some potentially life-saving new health tech. But with a familiar design and only a modest battery bump, the biggest question is whether its new smarts are enough to warrant an upgrade.
Apple Watch Series 11 is here with some serious health upgrades
All the new features in the Apple Watch Series 11. | Image credit — Apple
As expected, Apple took the stage today to unveil the new Apple Watch Series 11, and the focus is crystal clear: your health. While it looks pretty much the same on the outside, the internals are getting some significant new capabilities aimed at turning the watch from a fitness tracker into a proactive health monitor.
The two headlining features are hypertension notifications and a new sleep score. The watch can now passively monitor for signs of chronic high blood pressure and alert you, which is a massive step for wearable tech. It’s also adding a numerical score to your sleep tracking to give you a clearer picture of your nightly rest. On top of that, Apple is promising a slightly better battery, a more durable screen, and 5G for faster connectivity on the go.
Apple Watch Series 11 key features
Hypertension notifications
Sleep score
Up to 24 hours of battery life
2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass display
5G cellular connectivity
The usual slate of new colorways and matching bands and a new "Flow" watch face. Available in 42mm and 46mm aluminum or titanium cases.
Available in the following aluminum finishes: Jet black, Silver, Rose Gold, and Space Gray. Also available in the following titanium finishes: Natural, Gold, Slate.
The Apple Watch Series 11 will be available to pre-order today starting at $399 for the 42mm aluminum versions and $699 for the titanium finishes. 46mm sizes are priced starting at $429 and $749 respectively. All will launch on September 19th.
The smartwatch health race is heating up
Images credit — Apple
So, why is this a big deal? For years, smartwatches have been in an arms race over fitness features, but Apple is pushing things into the clinical space. Features like ECG and blood oxygen were the start, but passively monitoring for a chronic condition like hypertension is a different ballgame. It’s a move that puts real pressure on competitors like Google’s Pixel Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.
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The Pixel Watch, with its deep Fitbit integration, has long been a champion of sleep tracking, offering detailed analysis that many users love. Apple’s new "sleep score" feels like a direct answer to that, trying to simplify sleep data in a way that’s easier to digest. But where Google and Fitbit focus on wellness and fitness, Apple is making a clear play for the "health" space. A Pixel Watch can tell you how well you slept, but the Apple Watch Series 11 might be the one to tell you to see a doctor about your blood pressure.
Do you plan on getting a new Apple Watch Series 11?
Yes
20%
No
80%
Is this the upgrade we've been waiting for?
Honestly, this one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. The hypertension detection is genuinely groundbreaking for a consumer device and could provide life-changing information for millions of people. I have to give Apple major props for continuing to push the envelope on what a watch can do for our well-being.
That said, the battery life is still a sticking point. An increase to 24 hours is nice, but it’s still a far cry from the multi-day battery life offered by some competitors. It means you’re still charging this thing daily, which can be a hassle.
So, who is this for? If you’re an iPhone user with an Apple Watch Series 9 or older, the new health features alone make this a very compelling upgrade. However, if you have a more recent model, you might not feel the need to rush out and buy one. The Series 11 isn't a radical redesign, but rather a thoughtful, focused update that doubles down on the Apple Watch’s biggest strength: being a guardian for your health.
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Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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