Apple Watch Series 11: What's expected to arrive this fall

Jump to First Reply
Posted:
in Apple Watch edited April 19

The Apple Watch Series 11 will probably arrive this fall alongside the iPhone 17. Here's what the next generation of Apple's smartwatch could bring to the table.

A hand holding a smartwatch displaying sleep data, including bar graph and text indicating a decrease in sleep duration over the last seven days.
The Apple Watch Series 11 could look a lot like the Series 10



The Apple Watch is much like the iPhone and other products in Apple's ecosystem, in that it is often the subject of rumors and speculation. With Apple's famous regularity when it comes to releases, the rumor mill expects that the Apple Watch Series 11 will be arriving in the future.

Here's what analysts and leakers believe is on the way for Apple's next-gen wearable device.

Apple Watch Series 11 expected fall 2025



One of the easiest things to estimate for the Apple Watch Series 11 is its release date. We have Apple's extremely regular release schedule to thank for that.

With the exception for the October 2021 release of the Apple Watch Series 7, the Apple Watch has seen an update every year in September since the Series 1 in 2016. Without anyone saying otherwise, it's very likely that the same will happen again for 2025.



Part of this is because the Apple Watch launch coincides with the annual iPhone update, which for 2025 will be the iPhone 17. They are complimentary devices, so it makes sense for Apple to be unveiling them at around the same time of the year.

That said, Apple has sometimes divided down its massive launch schedule into multiple events across more than just one month. One year, it even managed to have three fall events across three months in a row.

There's always the chance that Apple could bump the Apple Watch to a later event than the September iPhone launch, but that seems unlikely.

Apple Watch Series 11 will look like the Apple Watch Series 10



Rumors for upcoming hardware often includes claims about changes in the external design. For the Apple Watch Series 11, it's more the opposite.

In January, a report from Bloomberg said that the Apple Watch Series 11 won't have a clearly visible redesign. It will look pretty much like the Apple Watch Series 11, at least externally.

A sleek smartwatch with a silver metal band sits on a brown surface, displaying a radial black-and-white pattern on its screen.
The Apple Watch Series 10 redesign is expected to return for Series 11



This rumor does make sense to a point, as Apple does habitually reuse the same design of hardware for multiple generations, instead of coming up with new designs every time.

Since Apple last made external changes to the Series 10, the Series 11 is far more likely to look identical to its predecessor.

Leakers may have alluded to an all-glass Apple Watch being in the works, but that seems extremely unlikely for the near term. Maybe in a few years time, it could be a possibility.

Apple Watch Series 11's display



While the external hardware of the Apple Watch Series 11 will probably be very familiar, the screen will almost certainly be unchanged too. However, there have been previous reports on a technology change.

Apple currently relies on a flexible OLED screen in the Apple Watch. While the technology has been adequate so far, it could eventually make the change over to a microLED screen, which it has been working on for years.

There have been assertions that the display technology could be used in an Apple Watch as early as 2025, but such claims have repeated themselves over the years. Those claims have also leaned on it arriving in the Apple Watch Ultra first, which makes sense since the premium models tend to include newer technologies before others in the range.

A smartwatch with a metallic band displays a radial black and white pattern on its screen, featuring minimalist hands pointing at 10:10.
The Apple Watch Series 11 screen may be practically the same too.



At the same time, Apple has had to deal with various setbacks in developing the technology, and even has been rumored to be pushing it back to 2026 as a consequence.

Sticking with the currently-used technology for the moment, one October report claimed that the Apple Watch Series 10 included a change in the backplane technology. The use of a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide thin-film transistor (LTPO TFT) backplane enables a dynamic refresh rate in an OLED screen, and the Apple Watch's always-on display.

The claim was that Apple shifted from using LTPO2 to LTPO3 in the Series 10. The change offers more power savings, as well as the possibility of higher refresh rates.

Whether Apple would go down the latter route is unclear, but battery savings are always handy. This will probably persist for the Series 11.

Apple Watch Series 11 will have the same health sensors



Much like the general design of the Apple Watch Series 11, the things it will be able to sense should also be fairly similar to the current-gen hardware. At least, on a sensor level, it should be quite similar.

The big one should be the inclusion of high blood pressure detection. There have been rumors of it being included in some way, but seemingly in notifying of extreme circumstances, not general blood pressure monitoring.

Hands holding the back of a black smartwatch, displaying its sensors and glossy finish.
The Apple Watch Series 11's health sensing won't be a massive change from the current-gen model



The blood oxygen sensing feature that became a courtroom battle may yet make an appearance, as there's still time for Apple to win a ruling on the matter over Masimo. If so, it would mark the return of a feature that is not available in the United States, but is elsewhere in the world.

There's also the long-rumored glucose monitoring function to consider. However, while Apple is still working on making a sensor to perform that non-invasively, Apple's at least trialing software to help manage a user's blood sugar levels.

Apple Watch Series 11's chip changes



The easiest chip change to expect is the migration to the S11 SiP. There's no rumors about any changes in performance so far, nor are there expected to be any major innovations here since we're talking about a smartwatch.

While not a processor, there could be a change in terms of wireless connectivity. Apple's C1 modem exists, which certainly has the potential of being added to an Apple Watch.

It's certainly a power-efficient chip, which will be beneficial to a smartwatch. While it lack mmWave support, such high-speed connectively is unlikely to be needed by a wearable device.

There have also been murmurs that Apple is considering bringing some satellite-based features to the wrist. Though reports have centered on it being used in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, there's always a chance it could be included in the standard edition.

Apple Watch Series 11 software improvements, and Apple Intelligence



Following various rumors that Apple will be incorporating elements of the visual design of visionOS into iOS and other operating systems, it was inevitable for the claims to filter through to the Apple Watch.

Apple could add iPhone-assisted Siri to the Apple Watch Series 11
Apple could add iPhone-assisted Siri to the Apple Watch Series 11



In April, reports said that watchOS 12 will bet a similar visual upgrade, including semi-transparent and revamped menus and icons. "Several ideas" were apparently in development, but with no real outline of what they would be.

The Apple Watch is also still an outlier when it comes to Apple Intelligence, as it doesn't have the capability to perform processing at a high-enough level for it to exist. While it cannot do so as a standalone piece of hardware, it may still get some of the benefits in watchOS 12.

This chiefly could consist of notification summaries, though the revamped Siri functionality could still be a possibility. Albeit one that could rely on Siri's processing being handled by a paired iPhone.



Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 19
    cpsrocpsro Posts: 3,270member
    Lack of a blood oxygen sensor will be a killer for many people.
    williamlondonRogue01quakerotis
     1Like 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 2 of 19
    linkmanlinkman Posts: 1,065member
    Is there a way to obtain a reasonably accurate blood pressure measurement without some sort of cuff?
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 19
    saareksaarek Posts: 1,612member
    Sounds like it will be another extremely weak update. At this point, I wonder if replacing the battery on my Series 6 Cellular will be the best course to take as nothing on the newer models has gotten close to tempting me to upgrade.

    Perhaps the new Ultra version will offer something worthwhile.
    starof80williamlondon
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 19
    blastdoorblastdoor Posts: 3,773member
    cpsro said:
    Lack of a blood oxygen sensor will be a killer for many people.
    I don't use it a ton, but I'm happy that my series 9 still has that sensor working. 

    I probably won't consider upgrading until Series 14 or 15. Hopefully they are able to get that functionality back by then. 
    starof80JaiOh81
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 19
    Getting the blood oxygen turned back on would be nice, as would the feature of blood pressure (sounds like tech isn't quite ready yet). Heath/fitness is really what I use my watch for. If nothing significant I'll keep my 10. Sounds like it's heading that way. 
    starof80JaiOh81
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 19
    saarek said:
    Sounds like it will be another extremely weak update. At this point, I wonder if replacing the battery on my Series 6 Cellular will be the best course to take as nothing on the newer models has gotten close to tempting me to upgrade.

    Perhaps the new Ultra version will offer something worthwhile.
    Same here
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 7 of 19
    charlesncharlesn Posts: 1,446member
    cpsro said:
    Lack of a blood oxygen sensor will be a killer for many people.
    It has been this way since January 2024 with no indication that it's killing Apple Watch sales. The simple fact is that if you want a Watch that will integrate seamlessly with your primary Apple apps--iMessage, email, calendar, Apple Music, etc--it's your one and only choice.

     linkman said:
    Is there a way to obtain a reasonably accurate blood pressure measurement without some sort of cuff?
    No. In fact, to be honest, even cuff measurements with a high-quality device can be tricky as far as getting consistent, accurate measurements. Position of your arm, placement of the cuff, time of day and current emotional state when tested can all skew your reading from "accurate." I've had back-to-back readings in a hospital vary by 20 points when I asked for a re-test because I knew the initial very high reading had to wrong since I regularly monitor my own BP. 

    AS USUAL, we can never expect significant changes, if any, in the next revision after Apple has refreshed a product. The Watch 10 got a refreshed design with a new chip and a new-ish display, so this year's "new" hardware will likely be identical. Any changes will come via the OS. The mystery card is the Ultra, now essentially unchanged for 3 years. Heck, Apple didn't even bother with an Ultra 3 last year, it just repeated the 2 with the added black colorway. From what I've read, even the "new" Apple Watch chips each year haven't really varied a whole lot since the series 6 or 7. Nor do I see a reason for a new, truly faster chip unless there's some new functionality that would require the added processing power. But with current functionality, the Watch is as snappy and fast as it needs to be. 


    edited April 18
    radarthekatdiman80
     1Like 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 8 of 19
    Rogue01rogue01 Posts: 245member
    cpsro said:
    Lack of a blood oxygen sensor will be a killer for many people.
    linkman said:
    Is there a way to obtain a reasonably accurate blood pressure measurement without some sort of cuff?
    The blood O2 sensor did not have any effect on sales even when it was featured on the watch.  Nor did it affect sales when it was removed.  It has been written up in medical journals confirming how inaccurate the O2 sensor is.  It does not take a constant reading, it only takes a reading once in a while and then gives you an average.  If you had a health condition that caused your blood O2 to drop, a person with that condition won't be using an Apple Watch to check it.  They would be using a real blood O2 sensor to check for sudden drops.

    The watch is not a medical device.  To get an accurate blood pressure, you must be seated, feet flat on the floor, resting, and your arm horizontal with the desk and the cuff properly placed on your arm.  The watch would never be able to do this.  It would be practically impossible for Apple to get proper approval to claim the watch is a certified medical device for certain tests.  Even the ECG sensor is not medically approved.

    The watch is a fitness device.  Even most developers have abandoned the watch.  So Apple just improves the fitness aspect of the watch because the past 5 updates have been uneventful, and it looks like Watch 11 will be just like Watch 6, 7, 8, and 9, offering very little.  I am not even considering replacing my Watch 5 because every version after offers very little, and I barely wear it now that I mostly work from home.  It is pretty clear that Apple can't come up with anything significant with the watch.  It still has the same design since the Watch 1, but at least the 10 has a decent improvement with screen size.  I don't think I would ever buy another one.  Charging it daily is a pain.
    jas99cpsroquakerotisfastasleep
     1Like 3Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 9 of 19
    jas99jas99 Posts: 185member
    The Apple Watch is an incredibly useful device. I love my Series 10 in titanium. 
    radarthekat
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 10 of 19
    DAalsethdaalseth Posts: 3,289member
    Tl:dr version - Minimal to no signifiant hardware or software changes this year. 

    Glad we upgraded to 10s last fall. 
    dws-2williamlondon
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 11 of 19
    CheeseFreezecheesefreeze Posts: 1,399member
    In short, we expect pretty much nothing.
    dws-2williamlondonfastasleep
     1Like 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 12 of 19
    charlesncharlesn Posts: 1,446member
    Rogue01 said:
    cpsro said:
    Lack of a blood oxygen sensor will be a killer for many people.
    linkman said:
    Is there a way to obtain a reasonably accurate blood pressure measurement without some sort of cuff?
    The blood O2 sensor did not have any effect on sales even when it was featured on the watch.  Nor did it affect sales when it was removed.  It has been written up in medical journals confirming how inaccurate the O2 sensor is.  It does not take a constant reading, it only takes a reading once in a while and then gives you an average.  If you had a health condition that caused your blood O2 to drop, a person with that condition won't be using an Apple Watch to check it.  They would be using a real blood O2 sensor to check for sudden drops.

    The watch is not a medical device.  To get an accurate blood pressure, you must be seated, feet flat on the floor, resting, and your arm horizontal with the desk and the cuff properly placed on your arm.  The watch would never be able to do this.  It would be practically impossible for Apple to get proper approval to claim the watch is a certified medical device for certain tests.  Even the ECG sensor is not medically approved.

    The watch is a fitness device.  Even most developers have abandoned the watch.  So Apple just improves the fitness aspect of the watch because the past 5 updates have been uneventful, and it looks like Watch 11 will be just like Watch 6, 7, 8, and 9, offering very little.  I am not even considering replacing my Watch 5 because every version after offers very little, and I barely wear it now that I mostly work from home.  It is pretty clear that Apple can't come up with anything significant with the watch.  It still has the same design since the Watch 1, but at least the 10 has a decent improvement with screen size.  I don't think I would ever buy another one.  Charging it daily is a pain.
    As someone who has owned the 5, 7 and Ultra 1 (which I'm still wearing), I would tell you that improvements in speed and the larger screen size were game changers for me in how I felt about the watch, plus the 1.5-2 day battery life of the Ultra. Two other must-have features for me, now that I've had them: first, Ultra night mode is fantastic in theaters or any darkened environment for when you need to check your watch and don't want to disturb others. I don't know why Apple keeps this an Ultra exclusive. And second, the Ultra Modular watch face, a grid of icons for the 8 functions I use constantly on the watch, with a touch on an icon bringing me right into the app. That is my daily driver. Not a huge surprise that developers have abandoned the watch because, while it's great for the display of data of any type, there's not a lot you want to "do" on such a small screen. What I mostly see now are iOS apps that will port over some very basic functionality to a Watch app. I would also say that the speed and accuracy of voice recognition on the watch has improved a lot, so that responding to a text via mic input works great. All in all, I really have all of the most needed functionality of my iPhone in the watch, although I don't think I'll ever get used to talking to my wrist when answering a call. 

    You are correct that the watch is not an approved medical device for any of its functionality, but the stories keep piling up about people who were "saved" by their Apple Watch because it alerted them to heart issues of which they were unaware and caused them to get it checked by a doctor. Better to find out that the alert was incorrect than to not know about a potentially fatal condition. I think the value in background blood pressure monitoring over time could be similar to background heart monitoring, even if the watch can't do on-demand BP tests. As far as the watch "never being able to do this," there is too much happening in the world of AI and electronic miniaturization to assume this will "always" be true. 
    williamlondonfastasleep
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 13 of 19
    chasmchasm Posts: 3,732member
    I'm not sure Apple was ever aiming for a BP sensor, for the reasons mentioned. It would be interesting if they could come up with a sensor that could warn you of very high or very low BP using technology like the non-invasive blood oxygen sensor, but I'm not sure that's possible either.

    What's been more important for a lot of people, particularly diabetics, is that the Watch can work with invasive sensors like the Libre Freestyle under-arm blood sugar sensor. No more wearing a small computer on your hip, instead your Watch and iPhone can work to let you know if you're falling low or going too high. Miraculous for the people affected, and allows them to leave a far more normal life.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 14 of 19
    charlesncharlesn Posts: 1,446member
    chasm said:
    I'm not sure Apple was ever aiming for a BP sensor, for the reasons mentioned. It would be interesting if they could come up with a sensor that could warn you of very high or very low BP using technology like the non-invasive blood oxygen sensor, but I'm not sure that's possible either.
    Samsung is already doing this on Galaxy Watch, although I have no idea about its degree of accuracy: "Using the internal Photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor in your Galaxy Watch, the Blood Pressure app measures your systolic and diastolic pressure, as well as your pulse rate."

    Accurate blood pressure and glucose monitoring sensors are the holy grail of health features for a watch. The market for such a watch is absolutely massive. 
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 15 of 19
    linkman said:
    Is there a way to obtain a reasonably accurate blood pressure measurement without some sort of cuff?
    no.
    williamlondonfastasleep
     0Likes 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 16 of 19
    A blood oxyge3n sensor is useful ofd you have a medical condition that makes it necessary. And then by that time, you will need more than the sensor.

    Your blood Oxygen is usually 96-98%
    williamlondonfastasleep
     0Likes 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 17 of 19
    red oakred oak Posts: 1,115member
    Nothing significantly new for a AW 11 launch.   I think Apple needs to go to a 2 year update cadence.    They did it last year for AW Ultra, only offering new color change

    So, I'd just keep the AW 10 for another year with no changes.   But, launch new Ultra 3 in Sept that upgrades the SOC and offers satellite connectivity.   Then tick-tock between the two so there is one AW update every year.     And update SE every ~ 3 years 

    It's sad, but that's the reality of where this product category is now 


    muthuk_vanalingamwilliamlondon
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 18 of 19
    cpsro said:
    Lack of a blood oxygen sensor will be a killer for many people.

    Me for one.  I have sleep apnea, and use the O2 sensor to monitor over night.  If Apple and Masimo don't pull their heads out, my 7 will have to last at least another year. 
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 19 of 19
    macguimacgui Posts: 2,564member
    How is it that some people believe every iteration of an Apple product, particularly one that gets a new model every year, must be some groundbreaking, earth-shattering upgrade. Fkg idiots, especially when the Watch has reached the level of maturity it has. Most upgrades will only be incremental to the previous generation.

    I got an S10. My Watch before that was an Ultra. Before that was an S8. I don't expect to upgrade every year because I pay attention to what Apple is doing. The Ultra is a different Watch than the S8, and the S10 is a different Watch than both of them. The Ultra 2 isn't on my radar nor is the S11. But for someone who doesn't have an Ultra or a Watch newer than an 8 or 9, the 11 could easily be a notable improvement. The only thing that would induce me to get an S11 would be if it were going to be round like a Galaxy. Maybe the S12 or 13 will have a significantly faster processor, more storage, or brighter screen or be round, and I'll get one. Or not.                                       

    My Ultra, S8 and a couple of other Watches have the SPO2 sensor and I use it on occasion. The lack of that functionality didn't stop me from getting the S10 because a) it still has the sensor and b) its functionality can be restored with a software upgrade, if the legal battle is ever settled. Not the dealbreaker for me that it seems to be for others.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
Sign In or Register to comment.