Apple recently unveiled its latest Apple Watch models, continuing its tradition of September releases. This year, however, brought some intriguing changes.
This time around, Apple introduced not just one or two, but three new Apple Watch models: the Apple Watch Series, Apple Watch Ultra, and Apple Watch SE. This trio was last seen together back in 2022 with the debut of the first Ultra.
Interestingly, many of the features highlighted in the new Apple Watch lineup are not exclusive to the 2025 models. Health features like hypertension notifications will also be available on the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2. Additionally, the Sleep Score feature is simply a calculation based on sleep data in the Health app, not requiring a new Apple Watch model.
The updates to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 stand out as they mark the end of a two- and three-year gap, respectively. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 11 differs from its predecessor in just three specific areas:
- 5G capabilities
- Increased durability with new Ion-X glass
- Longer battery life with slightly faster charging
Even the color options have not seen significant changes, with space gray replacing silver as the main difference. The minimal upgrades from Series 10 to Series 11 may not warrant an immediate upgrade for current Apple Watch users.
However, the promise of extended battery life in the Apple Watch Series 11 might appeal to those who push their devices to the limit. With a claimed 24-hour battery life and quick charging for sleep tracking, the Series 11 offers convenience for active users.
Apple’s battery life calculations now include sleep tracking as a new metric in the Series 11, setting a new standard for usage assessment. While the gains in battery life are impressive, the fine print reveals nuances in the actual power consumption.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 11 shows improvements in battery life, attributed to a larger battery cell inside the device. Despite modest hardware changes, the new model is expected to outperform its predecessor in power efficiency.
While extended battery life may not be a sole reason to upgrade, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 offer incremental improvements over previous models. The actual impact of these enhancements may not align entirely with the initial specifications.
