Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3: What to expect from the next release

Apple plans to release three new Apple Watch models later this year. This is what we know so far about the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3.

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple redesigned its Apple Watch in September 2024 with a thinner profile and a larger display with the Series 10 model. This September, we can expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to retain the same overall shape and size. Apple has established a pattern to use each Apple Watch design for three generations before making any changes.

Even without redesign, you can reasonably expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to be visually different from the Series 10 model. Apple regularly changes color options and case materials from generation to generation. Sky Blue seems to taste like this year, allowing you to create a fresh new watch style.

Another change Apple made in the Series 10 update last fall is to migrate its stainless steel model to titanium. The company previously offered a matte finish with titanium versions at a higher price, but replaced polished stainless steel with polished titanium with Series 10.

Beyond the appearance, we expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to be the first model to have 5G cellular connectivity. Apple has been using Intel’s LTE modems since the 2017 Apple Watch Series 3. MediaTek is expected to become a modem supplier for the Apple Watch Series 11, and will support a 5G version called RedCap. This 5G flavor is aimed at wearables that are slower than smartphones.

One of the big questions that remains unanswered for now is how Apple recovers blood oxygen it measures on its US Apple Watch. Apple has disabled the functionality of new watches sold in the US since its launch last year due to a patent dispute with Masimo. Other wearables sold in the US have blood oxygen measurements, so it’s great if Apple settles for Masimo or uses a new sensor that isn’t covered by the same patent.

The Apple Watch Series 11 comes with an all-new feature set that will be featured in the Watchos 12 software update scheduled for this fall. The Apple Watch operating system is rumoured to include some redesigned elements that match the expected design changes in iOS 19.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple needs to offer more for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This is because Apple didn’t release new hardware last year. Instead, Apple added a black titanium option to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 line. I didn’t update the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2024, so I didn’t set up much of the Beefy Apple Watch behind Series 10. This is due to the high battery life and peak brightness levels that are twice as high as Ultraline.

However, the Apple Watch Series 10 introduces two changes that do not reach the Ultra Line. First, the Apple Watch Series 10 can continuously update three clock face seconds, even when the watch display is dim. We hope that Watchos 12 includes support for this feature with more Watch Faces. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 could also benefit from improved displays that are always on, as battery life is not particularly concerning.

Other Series 10 hardware changes have been linked to higher brightness at more extreme viewing angles. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 can always benefit from improved displays, but Ultra Line already enjoys bright displays. Another difference is that the series model displays are rounded to both sides. Ultra Line uses a flat display, but the display angle still exists.

You can reasonably expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to bring Ultra Lines to LTE and 5G, using the same 5G modem as the Apple Watch Series 11.

However, the most ultra feature of the third generation model is a different connection method. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to include satellite connectivity, similar to the recent iPhone hardware. Given the ultraline suitable for extreme outdoor exercises, satellite connections may be beneficial for those who don’t charge your iPhone or who are the person. For example, if someone gets stuck while hiking or climbing, and their iPhone is destroyed or evacuated, the satellite connection on the phone is useless. However, if the Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds satellite functionality, it could be as convenient as the iPhone in these extreme situations without cell service.

Apple Watch SE 3

Next is Apple’s most affordable Apple Watch. Apple last revised the Apple Watch SE in 2022 along with the release of the Apple Watch Series 8. The Apple Watch SE 2 boasted the same look as the flagship Apple Watch two years ago.

This year, Apple could repeat the same formula. The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to grow in display size with a very similar measurement to what the Apple Watch Series 8 offers. With the Apple Watch Series 11 having a large display in its second year, it is clear that the Apple Watch SE 3 will adopt the previous display size of the Series 7-9 ERA.

Otherwise, you should expect the Apple Watch SE 3 to shed light on the features compared to the rest of the lineup. Even the switch from LTE to 5G is not guaranteed.

Whatever Apple has in store for its Apple Watch lineup this fall, it should show signs of even more mature products. The Apple Watch will turn 10 in April, and the new September model will launch hardware for the next decade.