Apple today unveiled its new Apple Watch lineup, which includes the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. For the first time ever, all three models will continue to use the same chip, the S10, that powered the previous generation of Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 now features an improved Ion-X front crystal with 2x better scratch resistance thanks to a new Apple-designed ceramic coating. The Series 11 titanium models will continue to use a sapphire front crystal.
While the Apple Watch Series 11 features the same S10 chip as its predecessor, it adds 5G connectivity on cellular models for the first time. To boost reception in areas with weak coverage, Apple Watch Series 11 also features a redesigned cellular antenna to cover more bands, and simultaneously engages the two system antennas when needed, significantly increasing the signal strength.
The Apple Watch Series 11 now offers 24 hours of battery life, an impressive increase over the 18 hours of battery life of previous generations. The new Watch also supports fast charging, a 15 minutes providing up to eight hours of battery life.
The Apple Watch Series 11’s hypertension detection will notify a user if the Watch detects signs of high blood pressure over time. The system uses data from the optical heart sensor to analyze how a user’s blood vessels respond to the beats of the heart. The algorithm works passively in the background reviewing data over 30-day periods. Apple is expecting approval from the FDA and other regulators.
“Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of heart attack and stroke, yet millions remain undiagnosed,” said Harlan Krumholz, MD, SM, cardiologist and scientist at Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital. “Making accurate detection easy and part of daily life can help people get care earlier and prevent avoidable harm.”
A new “Sleep Score” feature offers insights into a user’s sleep quality at a glance. The score is determined by sleep duration, bedtime consistency, how often a user wakes up, and the amount of time spent in each sleep stage. Sleep Score offers a clear breakdown of the most critical components, so users know what to prioritize to improve their sleep. Sleep Score can be displayed in a watch face complication or in the Smart Stack, and sleep scores can be tracked over time in the Health app on iPhone.
The Apple Watch Series 11 will be available in the same 42mm and 46mm casing sizes as its predecessor, and both Wi-Fi only and cellular-enabled models will be available. Aluminum models color options are Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, and Space Gray, while polished titanium cases are available in Natural, Gold, and Slate. Prices will start at $399 and pre-orders begin today, with launch on Friday, September 19.
Apple Watch SE 3
The new Apple Watch SE 3 offer more advanced health features than its predecessor — including sleep score, retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep apnea notifications, and wrist temperature sensing for richer Vitals app data. The SE’s S10 chip powers an Always-On display, offers the same double tap and wrist flick gestures as other current Apple Watch models, on-device Siri, and fast charging.
Apple Watch SE 3 also offers 5G cellular capabilities and a more durable cover glass.
“Apple Watch SE offers a great way for users to start their Apple Watch journey, delivering outstanding health, fitness, safety, and connectivity features at an incredible value,” said Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing. “With even more health features, an Always-On display, and fast charging, we’re excited to see the ways Apple Watch SE 3 supports more people around the world to live a healthier and more active life.”
Apple Watch SE 3 offers all-day, 18-hour battery life, and also features fast charging for the first time. Apple Watch SE 3 now charges up to 2x faster than the previous generation; charging for 15 minutes can add up to eight hours of battery for daily use, and it can charge to about 80 percent in 45 minutes.
The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249 (U.S.) and can be pre-ordered today, with availability beginning Friday, September 19.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers emergency satellite communications, 5G cellular connectivity, a larger display, and much more. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 continues to be powered by the same S10 chip as last year’s model.
Apple Watch Ultra 3’s built-in satellite communications allow users to text emergency services, message friends and family, and share their location, all while they’re off the grid.
The Ultra 3 now features the largest screen of any Apple Watch, a display with a 1Hz always-on refresh rate, 5G cellular capabilities, the most accurate GPS in a sports watch, and up to 42 hours of battery life — with up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 also provides notifications for signs of chronic high blood pressure, while also offering a sleep score to help users understand the quality of their sleep. Updates to the Workout app, including Workout Buddy add to the Ultra 3’s suite of advanced fitness features.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799 (U.S.), and is available in natural and black titanium, and can be pre-ordered today, with availability beginning Friday, September 19.
