I’d honestly stopped holding my breath for the Apple Watch to ever last longer than a day. Eighteen hours has been the ceiling for as long as I’ve been wearing one, and at some point, I just accepted the daily charge as part of the deal. Sure, Low Power Mode gave us a little wiggle room, but it felt like a bit of a compromise.
So imagine my surprise when Apple revealed that the flagship Apple Watch Series 11 is actually rated for 24 hours of battery life.
For me, that's the standout upgrade. The jump from LTE to 5G connectivity support is a big win for those who use their smartwatch phone-free. And the first-of-its-kind high blood pressure alerts could be life-changing, but I was more impressed to learn this feature isn't a Series 11 exclusive.
In fact, a lot of what makes the Apple Watch Series 11 our best smartwatch pick comes down to the watchOS 26 software. I'd consider it sticking to a $399 starting price amid tariff anxieties a high note, too.
After working on this Apple Watch Series 11 review, I’ve found plenty more worth talking about, from the flashier upgrades to the small refinements. Plus, I have a pretty good sense of how it compares to the Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, which you can read about below.
Apple Watch Series 11: Quick facts
- 24-hour battery life: The Series 11 is the longest-lasting Apple Watch in the flagship (a.k.a not Ultra) line.
- Hypertension alerts: Although the Apple Watch 11 is not a blood pressure monitor, a new algorithm can alert users to possible hypertension (high blood pressure) based on a 30-day baseline. Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and newer support hypertension alerts.
- Daily sleep score: Apple is finally following the likes of Google, Garmin, Samsung, and more by offering users a daily numeric sleep score out of 100. Credit towards your sleep score is earned based on duration, bedtime consistency and interruptions.
- 5G connectivity: The Series 11 gets a bump up from LTE to 5G, giving it better cellular range while using less battery power to connect.
- New watch faces: Two new watch faces come to watchOS 26 alongside the Apple Watch 11 launch. Flow pairs Liquid Glass numerals with fluid-looking colors while Exactograph separates out hours, minutes and seconds for precise time keeping.
- 2x scratch-resistant display: The Apple Watch 11 offers double the scratch resistance, which should better prevent damage to the display.
Apple Watch Series 11: Specs
Apple Watch Series 11 |
Apple Watch Series 10 |
Apple Watch SE 3 |
Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting price |
$399 |
$399 |
$249 |
$799 |
Dimensions |
46mm: 46 x 39 x 9.7mm / 42mm: 42 x 36 x 9.7mm |
46mm: 46 x 39 x 9.7mm / 42mm: 42 x 36 x 9.7mm |
44mm: 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm / 40mm: 40 x 34 x 10.7 mm |
49 x 44 x 12 mm |
Case colors |
Aluminum: Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black / Titanium: Gold, Natural, Slate |
Aluminum: Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver / Titanium: Gold, Natural, Slate |
Aluminum: Starlight, Midnight |
Titanium: Natural, Black |
Display |
46mm: 416 x 496 pixels / 44mm: 374 x 446 pixels (Always-On LTPO3 Wide-Angle OLED) |
46mm: 416 x 496 pixels / 44mm: 374 x 446 pixels (Always-On LTPO3 Wide-Angle OLED) |
44mm: 368 x 448 pixels / 40mm: 324 by 394 pixels (Always-On Retina OLED) |
422 x 514 pixels (Always-On LTPO3 Wide-Angle OLED) |
Display brightness |
2,000 nits |
2,000 nits |
1,000 nits |
3,000 nits |
Weight |
46mm: 37.8 g / 44mm: 30.3 g |
46mm: 37.8 g / 44mm: 30.3 g |
44mm: 32.9 g / 40mm: 26.3 g |
~61 g |
Processor |
S10 |
S10 |
S10 |
S10 |
Cellular |
5G (optional) |
LTE (optional) |
5G (optional) |
5G, Satellite |
Water resistance |
50 meters |
50 meters |
50 meters |
100 meters |
Battery life with always-on display (rated) |
24 hours |
18 hours |
18 hours |
42 hours |
Compatibility |
iOS 26 or later |
iOS 18 or later |
iOS 26 or later |
iOS 26 or later |
Health sensors |
HRM, ECG, SpO2, Skin Temperature |
HRM, ECG, SpO2, Skin Temperature |
HRM, Skin Temperature |
HRM, ECG, SpO2, Skin Temperature |
Apple Watch Series 11: Price and availability
The Apple Watch Series 11 is available as of September 19th. Across the board, the Series 11 price is the same as the Series 10 price, with the 42mm GPS model starting at $399 and increasing to $499 for Cellular. The 46mm Series 11 starts at $429 and increases to $529 for Cellular.
- Apple Watch 11 42mm (GPS): $399
- Apple Watch 11 42mm (GPS + 5G): $499
- Apple Watch 11 46mm (GPS): $429
- Apple Watch 11 46mm (GPS + 5G): $529
Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a flat $799. There are premiums for size and for cellular connection on the Series 11 and SE 3, but not for the Ultra, since it supports cellular by default.
Apple Watch Series 11 review: Design and display
The Apple Watch 11 looks identical to the Apple Watch Series 10, with the same dimensions and very similar weights across the board. Reminder: the Series 10 ushered in the kind of significant design change (thinner design, bigger display) that we probably won't see again for a couple more generations.
Apple Watch 11 comes in four aluminum colors: Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver and a new Space Grey option that I found myself gravitating towards. Alternatively, you can pay a premium for Slate, Gold, or Natural titanium cases if you prefer the more traditional jewelry look.
Those who are prone to roughing up their watches will be glad to know the LTPO3 wide-angle OLED screen features a more protective glass that Apple claims is two times as scratch-resistant as before. My own Apple Watch gets scuffed up with normal use, so I'm glad the Series 11 offers a little more durability.
I would've liked the display to be rated brighter than the 2,000 nits, considering the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Google Pixel Watch 4 max out at 3,000 nits. For that kind of brightness in Apple's ecosystem, you'll want the Apple Watch Ultra 3. During my outdoor activities like golf, the difference is definitely noticeable.
Apple Watch Series 11: High blood pressure alerts
If you're doing Apple Watch 11 research, I wouldn't be surprised if there's some mixed messaging about whether this smartwatch is a blood pressure monitor. Let me make it clear that it is not, but it instead can alert you to possible hypertension (high blood pressure) based on an algorithm and the optical heart rate sensor.
You'll need to wear your Apple Watch — Series 11, Series 10, Series 9, Ultra 3, or Ultra 2 with the latest-generation heart rate sensor — for 30 days to properly assess your risk for hypertension. If high blood pressure is detected, you'll get a notification recommending that you collect readings with an actual blood pressure cuff or seek further medical evaluation.
I get my blood pressure checked pretty regularly as a result of some medication I take, so I wouldn't expect to receive a hypertension alert. But I am hopeful that if I were to switch up my medication or start having an adverse reaction, my watch might be able to pick up on it.
Again, it's not a diagnosis, but it could very well alert users to a condition they weren't aware of yet. The hypertension notification feature will be available in over 150 countries, and it's received FDA clearance.
Apple Watch Series 11 review: Sleep Score
Apple has added to its sleep tracking features with a new Sleep Score feature introduced alongside Series 11. Like hypertension alerts, this is software-based and thus isn't exclusive to the new watch.
Your comprehensive Sleep Score is a number out of 100, but it also isn't just a single number. You'll be able to see a breakdown based on three key factors: how long you slept, how consistent your bedtimes are, and how often your rest was interrupted.
I find this interesting because it points to specific sleep factors with room for improvement. For example, I may try to work on regulating my bedtime schedule if I know that's hurting my sleep score.
So far, I've received pretty high Sleep Score numbers, but admittedly, I haven't been using the sleep tracking feature on my Apple Watch in recent months. I've learned it takes a little bit to calibrate according to your sleep trends over time.
Apple Watch Series 11 review: watchOS 26
Beyond the Apple Watch 11 upgrades I've already recapped, there are some corresponding features in watchOS 26. The standouts include a new wrist flick gesture to dismiss notifications, a Liquid Glass interface, and a personalized AI fitness coach called Workout Buddy.
The Apple Watch 11 also supports live message translations, though, as is the case for Workout Buddy, you'll need an Apple Intelligence-compatible phone paired.
watchOS 26 doesn’t bring any meaningful upgrades to Siri, which feels like a missed opportunity in an era where AI is starting to make smartwatches genuinely smarter. Compare that to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 or the Pixel Watch 4, which leverage Google Gemini to make the voice assistant feel more proactive and capable.
The Apple Watch still isn’t what I’d call an “AI smartwatch." I’m hopeful, though. If Apple can unlock more useful, context-aware features for the new Siri we're all waiting for, it could finally make talking to your Apple Watch more worthwhile.
I think it's worth mentioning that two fresh watch faces will arrive in watchOS 26. Flow pairs its Liquid Glass numerals with shifting, fluid-inspired colors, while Exactograph splits hours, minutes, and seconds into distinct sections for ultra-precise timekeeping.
Apple Watch Series 11 review: Battery life
For a full decade, every Apple Watch in the flagship series offered just 18 hours of battery life. Well, times have changed. The new Apple Watch Series 11 is rated at 24 hours of battery per full charge when using the always-on display.
In low-power mode, meanwhile, the Series 11 is rated for 38 hours per charge, a minor increase of just two hours over the Series 10.
I've easily fallen into a new charging routine with my Series 11. I go to bed with it fully charged, and the next morning it's only lost about 20%. I can make it through the rest of the day and evening, and wait to recharge until the following morning while I'm getting ready for work. It's truly a revelation after dealing with an 18-hour battery life for so long.
Apple Watch Series 11 review: Verdict
Although Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t reinvent Apple’s flagship smartwatch, the jump to 24-hour battery life finally breaks the long-standing ceiling that kept the watch tethered to a nightly charge. Meanwhile, 5G support and scratch resistance add welcome durability and convenience.
The Hypertension Alerts and Sleep Score features extend Apple’s health focus in ways that could be genuinely impactful, even though they aren’t Series 11 exclusives. In fact, that makes them even better additions.
If you’re coming from an older model, especially anything pre-Series 9, this is the most compelling upgrade in years. That said, those who already own the Series 9 or Series 10 might not find enough here to justify the switch. Still, for first-time buyers or those overdue for a refresh, the Series 11 hits a sweet spot of design, performance, and longevity that keeps Apple ahead in the smartwatch game for another year.
