Apple Watch Series 11 vs Series 10: expectations and what we know
The Apple Watch Series 11 should come out in September, just like clockwork!
Intro
Every year, every 8,760 turns of the small hand of your watch, we get new models of Apple's popular smartwatches. One might argue that the wearables have long plateaued and there's little need for a new Series every 12 months. Apple seems to disagree.
Whether Cupertino wants to keep the line fresh with new colors and finishes, or it's simply content with small step upgrades, Apple has shown us that it doesn't mind releasing a new Apple Watch every time there's a new iPhone coming out. We are now up to Series 10, and this September, we will no doubt get an Apple Watch Series 11. Most probably with a new chip, new colors, and in the familiar two sizes — 46 mm and 42 mm.
So, what do we know so far, what do we expect, and will the Apple Watch Series 11 be a huge upgrade over the Series 10? Here we go:
Apple Watch Series 11 vs Watch Series 10: differences
- New 5G modem and S11 chip on Watch 11
- High blood pressure detection on Watch 11
- watchOS 26 with new looks to launch with Watch 11, but will come to Series 10, too
- Similar ~one-day battery life on either wearable
Table of Contents:
Design & Sizes
Same old? Sold!
Would you believe it if we told you that there's very little information on the Apple Watch Series 11 out there right now? This could signify two possibilities. Either Apple is keeping things under very tight wraps... Or there isn't much to talk about.
While the former is not improbable, it's pretty impossible in the year 2025. Everything has a penchant to leak, be it through supply chains or insider analysts with strong insider information. Something always comes out. But the Apple Watch Series 11? No mumblings thus far.
So, our expectations for an updated look, or a circular shape are pretty much not there. At this point, we believe the design for the Apple Watch Series 11 will match the one of the Series 10, but with new colorways.
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|
| Sizes 42/46 mm | Sizes 42/46 mm |
| Materials Aluminum/titanium Ion-X glass | Materials Aluminum/titanium Ion-X glass |
| Thickness ~9.7 mm | Thickness 9.7 mm |
Bands
Back before the Apple Watch Series 10 launched, there were rumors that Apple is planning a band latch redesign. Supposedly for reasons that would make it either sturdier or easier to switch bands. However, that change did not come to pass.
Of course, once such rumor comes out, the fear of a redesign is ever-present. The one downside for users, if Apple were to change the latch, is that old Apple Watch bands may not fit the new design. Considering this is a lifestyle accessory, many people have amassed a serious collection of bands, so that'd be bad.
But don't panic just yet — no word on a latch redesign has come down the grapevine right now.
Software & Features
watchOS jumping to 26
The Apple Watch Series 11? Yep, it's on track to launch with watchOS 26 — not a typo, not a leap into the future. Apple’s reportedly going all-in on a unified naming convention for its platforms, and that means jumping ahead to bring watchOS in sync with iOS, macOS, and the rest of the pack.
But it’s not just the number that’s changing. At WWDC '25 we saw that watchOS 26 is coming with a fresh new look, borrowing heavily from the glassy, futuristic aesthetic of visionOS. Think translucency, depth, and that premium Apple polish we’ve seen creeping across platforms. It's a single Apple design language across all its platforms — watch, phone, Mac, headset… all speaking the same visual dialect.
Health-wise, Series 11 is rumored to level up with a blood pressure monitoring feature—and it’s not just about numbers. The system will reportedly ping you if it detects signs of hypertension, which could be a literal lifesaver. We didn't see anything about that in particular at WWDC, so Apple may be concealing a king in its hand.
Health-wise, Series 11 is rumored to level up with a blood pressure monitoring feature—and it’s not just about numbers. The system will reportedly ping you if it detects signs of hypertension, which could be a literal lifesaver. We didn't see anything about that in particular at WWDC, so Apple may be concealing a king in its hand.
The Apple Watch Series 10 will get watchOS 26, of course, but we are not sure if it has the hardware needed for hypertension detection. Our guess would be no, but who knows — maybe Apple will surprise us.
Battery and Charging
Don't fix what's not broken?
The last time Apple made a leap in the battery department of the Apple Watch was with the Series 7. Through incremental upgrades over the years, it had achieved a pretty good 18 hours of on time, which was cool, but the real big change was the introduction of fast charging, making it possible to top up the Apple Watch in less than an hour. Meaning, you can wear it through the night to track your sleep. Then, pluck it on a pad when doing your morning routine, and grab it just before you make that first cup of coffee — it should have enough charge to last you yet another day.
Right now, in 2025, we absolutely wouldn't mind a nice upgrade to the 327 mAh cell inside an Apple Watch. Galaxy Watches are chasing a 30 to 40 hours endurance on a single charge, challenging the Apple Watch to up its game. Here's hoping that Cupertino is ready to pick up the gauntlet.
Models and Prices
We expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to be available in two sizes, 42 and 46mm ones. Each of these will be available in either GPS-only or GPS+cellular variant, with the connectivity here possibly getting upgraded from LTE to 5G on the upcoming models for better efficiency. On top of that, we should — again — get a choice between two types of materials. The Watch Series 10 can be either aluminum or titanium. With rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro shifting away from titanium, the same might happen with the Apple Watch — we'll see.
As for prices, the future is shrouded in Schrodinger's tariffs. But let's assume, for now, that there will be no change and the Apple Watch Series 10 will start at $399 / $429 for the 42 mm / 46 mm models.
Voice Calls and Haptics
Both smartwatches will let you make and take calls — as long as you go for the cellular model. Opt for the GPS-only version, and you can still chat away, but only if your iPhone is within arm’s reach. So, freedom comes at a premium, as usual.
Specs
Here's how the Apple Watch Series 11 vs Watch Series 10 specs are likely going to look:
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|
| Models 42mm 46mm both in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular versions | Models 42mm 46mm both in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular versions |
| Processor S11 chip | Processor S10 chip |
| Software watchOS 26 | Software watchOS 11 (eligible for watchOS 26 update) |
| Battery ~327 mAh Magnetic charger, 80% in 30 mins | Battery ~327 mAh Magnetic charger, 80% in 30 mins |
| Sensors HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG, blood pressure (hypertension) | Sensors HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG |
Summary
By the looks of it, right now, the only big new thing about the Apple Watch Series 11 is going to be the new blood pressure sensor. And that is quite the technological undertaking we imagine.
A niche of users, particularly those that really like the Apple Watch wellness monitoring suite, may feel inclined to upgrade, and that makes sense. It's an actual tangible upgrade and new feature, instead of yesteryear's temperature monitor that only works in certain conditions and use cases.
Will there be anything else to make you open that wallet? Hold on, we are also waiting on new information.
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