With the launch of Apple Watch Series 11 likely just weeks away, rumors about what to expect remain surprisingly rare. Still, we know a fair amount about what’s coming, based on watchOS 26 and Apple’s usual moves. Additionally, some rumored Apple Watch Ultra 3 features might arrive on the regular model, too.
So, will Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 bring only minor upgrades, as in the last few years? Or will 2025 be the year Apple recaptures the buzz surrounding its smartwatch, adding exciting new features?
Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 11 so far.
Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 rumors: What to expect
Perhaps due to the Apple Watch’s much smaller supply chain, we see far fewer leaks and rumors about Apple’s smartwatch than we do the iPhone. But that doesn’t mean we’re completely in the dark when it comes to Apple Watch Series 11 rumors.
Plenty of sources suggest Apple’s fall product launch event (possibly scheduled for September 8) will include not just the iPhone 17 lineup, but new Apple Watch models. This timing aligns with Apple’s traditional fall product cycle and matches last year’s “It’s Glowtime” event date, when the iPhone 16 lineup came out alongside Apple Watch Series 10.
If the rumored new features arrive, this year’s models should strengthen the Apple Watch’s position as a health and connectivity device. And that’s even as the company explores more ambitious features like camera integration and blood sugar monitoring for future generations.
Table of contents: Apple Watch 11 rumors
- New S11 processor brings AI capabilities
- Blood pressure monitoring finally arrives
- 5G connectivity expands beyond iPhone
- Design and display improvements
- watchOS 26 and AI integration
- Pricing and release date
New S11 processor brings AI capabilities
The Apple Watch Series 11 most likely will run on a new Apple S11 processor, with enhanced performance over last year’s S10 chip. This processor upgrade should deliver improvements that are particularly important for new AI features coming in watchOS 26 (along with that striking new Liquid Glass user interface coming to all Apple devices).
The enhanced processing power might even enable exclusive capabilities, as SiP updates have historically done for Apple Watch models.
Blood pressure monitoring might join blood-oxygen sensing
Photo: Cult of Mac
Apple’s recently announced blood oxygen monitoring workaround, spurred by an ongoing patent battle, came just in time for new Apple Watches. And it looks like blood pressure monitoring could finally join the party, too. However, it wouldn’t be the first time we thought that and came away disappointed.
If Apple can pull it off this time, high blood pressure detection would stand out as one of the most significant health additions in a long time. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said this feature — when it finally arrives — will work similarly to Apple’s existing sleep apnea detection. In this case, it would alert users to potential hypertension without providing specific systolic or diastolic readings. The capability would require new sensors added to the watch hardware, marking another major step in Apple’s health monitoring evolution.
Apple reportedly tested blood pressure tracking internally but encountered technical challenges. Other companies like Omron and Med-Watch successfully implemented wrist-based blood pressure monitoring, though these solutions typically require bulkier designs and offer less precision than dedicated medical devices.
5G connectivity and satellite messaging might expand beyond iPhone
Five years after bringing 5G to the iPhone, Apple reportedly will extend the faster cellular connectivity to its smartwatch lineup. Both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 should support 5G through a special 5G RedCap service designed for low-power wearables.
This upgrade comes as Apple transitions away from Intel as its modem supplier, instead opting for cellular modems from MediaTek.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to add native satellite messaging. Users who venture off the grid will be able to send texts over Globalstar satellites even without Wi‑Fi or cellular coverage. Could this feature also appear in Series 11? Maybe.
Design and display improvements
Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to maintain the slim, flat-edged design introduced with Apple Watch Series 10, keeping the same 42mm and 46mm size options. However, all display glass will now be manufactured in the United States through Apple’s expanded partnership with Corning’s facility in Kentucky. This domestic production could improve durability, sustainability and repair turnaround times.
Some reports indicate the new model might feature a more energy-efficient LTPO display with higher resolution and improved brightness, potentially extending battery life. While the Series 10 introduced faster charging capabilities, reaching 80% in just 30 minutes, many users continue hoping for longer overall battery life.
watchOS 26 and AI integration
Image: Apple
Apple Watch 11 will launch with watchOS 26, featuring Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface design that creates visual consistency across the company’s ecosystem. The update includes an AI-powered Workout Buddy that provides real-time feedback during exercises, though this feature requires pairing with a newer, Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.
Looking ahead, Apple is reportedly developing a comprehensive Health app overhaul code-named Project Mulberry that could bring AI-powered health recommendations and insights, potentially arriving with iOS 19 and watchOS 11.
Apple Watch Series 11 rumors: Pricing and release date
The price for the base model Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, Series 5 and so on has been $399. We could see a cost increase, possibly fueled by tariffs, but that would break a long-held practice.
And speaking of long-held practices, September is the traditional time for new watchOS devices, and rumors aren’t needed for us to expect that to be when Apple Watch Series 11 launches. Assuming Apple’s launch event, rumored to happen the week of September 8, does include new Apple Watch models, we should see them on store shelves soon after.
Preorders for Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 could begin on Friday, September 12, with general availability starting September 19. However, production problems or newly imposed tariffs might affect this timeline.
Ed Hardy contributed to this post. We originally published this Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 rumor roundup on August 4, 2025. We updated the post.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
