Apple may be planning to release three new Apple Watch models later this year. This is what we know so far about Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3.
Apple Watch Series 11
Apple just redesigned the Apple Watch with a thinner profile and a larger display with the Series 10 model in September 2024. Come this September, we can probably expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to retain the same overall shape and size. Apple has established a pattern of using each Apple Watch design for three generations before making a change.
Even without a redesign, we can reasonably expect Apple Watch Series 11 to be visually different from Series 10 models. Apple regularly changes color options as well as case materials from generation to generation. Sky blue seems to be the flavor of the year and could make for a fresh new watch style.
Another change Apple made with the Series 10 update last fall is shifting stainless steel models to titanium. The company previously offered a titanium version in a matte finish for a higher price, but replaced polished stainless steel with polished titanium with the Series 10.
Beyond looks, we expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to be the first model with 5G cellular connectivity. Apple has used LTE modems from Intel since Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017. MediaTek is expected to be the modem supplier for Apple Watch Series 11, and a version of 5G called Redcap will be supported. This flavor of 5G is specifically aimed at wearables with lower speed demands compared to smartphones.
One big question that’s left unanswered for now is how Apple will restore blood oxygen measuring to the Apple Watch in the United States. Apple has disabled the feature in new watches sold in the U.S. since the start of last year due to a patent dispute with Masimo. Other wearables sold in the U.S. have blood oxygen measuring, so it would be nice if Apple either settled with Masimo or used new sensors that weren’t subject to the same patents.
Apple Watch Series 11 will also come with a whole new set of features that will be introduced with the watchOS 12 software update due out this fall. The Apple Watch operating system is rumored to include some redesigned elements that match the design change expected in iOS 19.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple has more to deliver for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. That’s because Apple didn’t release new hardware last year. Instead, Apple added a black titanium option to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 line. Not updating the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2024 didn’t set the beefier Apple Watch behind the Series 10 too much. That’s because the Ultra line already has twice as much battery life and higher peak brightness levels.
However, Apple Watch Series 10 did introduce two changes that didn’t come to the Ultra line. First, Apple Watch Series 10 is able to update the seconds on three watch faces continuously even when the watch display is dimmed. Hopefully watchOS 12 includes support for this feature on more watch faces. Apple Watch Ultra 3 could also benefit from the always-on display improvement — especially since battery life is no concern.
The other Series 10 hardware change has to do with higher brightness at more extreme viewing angles. While Apple Watch Ultra 3 could always benefit from display improvements, the Ultra line already enjoys brighter displays. The other difference is that the Series model display is rounded on each side. The Ultra line uses a flat display, although viewing angles still exist.
We can reasonably expect Apple Watch Ultra 3 to use the same 5G modem as the Apple Watch Series 11, bringing the Ultra line from LTE to 5G as well.
The most Ultra feature for the third-gen model, however, will be another connectivity method. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to include satellite connectivity capabilities much like recent iPhone hardware. Given the Ultra line’s fit for extreme outdoor exercises, satellite connectivity could be beneficial at times when the iPhone isn’t charged or on the person. For example, if someone gets stuck during a hike or climb and their iPhone gets smashed or displaced, having satellite connectivity on the phone becomes no help. However, if the Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds satellite features, it could be just as useful as the iPhone in these extreme circumstances without cell service.
Apple Watch SE 3
Then there’s Apple’s most affordable Apple Watch. Apple last revised the Apple Watch SE in 2022 alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 release. The Apple Watch SE 2 sported the same look as the flagship Apple Watch from two years prior.
This year, Apple is likely to repeat the same formula. Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to grow in display size with measurements that are very similar to what the Apple Watch Series 8 offered. Now that the Apple Watch Series 11 will have a larger display for the second year, Apple Watch SE 3 is clear to adopt the previous display size from the Series 7-9 era.
Otherwise, we should expect the Apple Watch SE 3 to be light on features compared to the rest of the lineup. Even the switch from LTE to 5G isn’t guaranteed.
Whatever Apple has in store for the Apple Watch lineup this fall, it should show signs of further maturation for the product. Apple Watch just turned 10 in April, and new models in September will kick off the next decade of hardware.
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