Key Upgrades in Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Series 11 brings several notable improvements over its predecessor:

• Hypertension Monitoring & Sleep Score – New health insights let Series 11 notify wearers of potential high blood pressure and provide a daily Sleep Score for sleep quality.

• 5G Connectivity – Series 11 is Apple’s first mainstream watch with 5G cellular support, enabling faster data and downloads on the go.

• Battery Life Boost – Up to 24 hours of battery life on a charge, a jump from previous models. Fast charging is improved too – about 15 minutes yields 8 hours of use.

• More Durable Display – Aluminum models use Ion-X glass that’s 2× more scratch-resistant than before. Titanium editions use sapphire crystal for maximum durability.

• watchOS 26 New Features – Ships with a refreshed interface, one-handed wrist flick gestures, Workout Buddy coaching, new watch faces, and Live Translation in Messages.

Series 11 retains the slim, comfortable design introduced last year. It runs on the Apple S10 processor (same as Series 10), which is still very fast and powers all new features.

Key Upgrades in Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s rugged, top-of-the-line smartwatch designed for adventurers and athletes. Key upgrades include:

• Emergency SOS via Satellite – Two-way satellite messaging lets you text emergency services or update location even without cell coverage.

• 5G and S10 Chip – Gains faster 5G cellular capability and the upgraded S10 processor.

• Bigger, Brighter Display – New LTPO3 wide-angle OLED screen with thinner borders, largest Apple Watch display ever, and up to 3,000 nits brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.

• Longer Battery Life – Up to 42 hours of regular use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.

• Rugged Build & Durability – 49mm titanium case, sapphire crystal display, MIL-STD 810H durability, 100m water resistance, and new Black Titanium finish option.

Ultra 3 also includes all new health features found on Series 11, making it Apple’s most advanced watch ever.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs Ultra 3: Specs Comparison

Design, Display, and Durability

Series 11 is sleek, light, and available in multiple case materials and finishes, perfect for everyday wear. Ultra 3 is larger, bolder, and purpose-built for extreme environments with enhanced water resistance, titanium protection, and a flat sapphire display. If you prefer a low-profile and lightweight watch, Series 11 is ideal. If you need something tougher for outdoor sports and travel, Ultra 3 is the clear winner.

Performance and Battery Life

Both watches use the Apple S10 chip, offering smooth performance. The difference is in endurance: Series 11 provides all-day battery life, while Ultra 3 nearly doubles that, making it a better choice for multi-day hikes, long races, or travel.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Both models offer:

• Optical heart rate monitoring

• ECG readings

• Blood oxygen saturation tracking

• Skin temperature tracking

• High/low heart rate alerts

• AFib notifications

• Sleep tracking with Sleep Score

Ultra 3 adds advanced outdoor features like dual-frequency GPS, depth gauge for diving, and improved microphones for outdoor calls.

Safety Features

Both include Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and standard Emergency SOS. Ultra 3 goes further with:

• Emergency SOS via Satellite

• 86 dB Siren for distress calls

• Backtrack navigation and extra-long battery life for emergencies

Pricing and Availability

• Apple Watch Series 11 – Starts at £399 for GPS model, $499 with 5G cellular.

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 – £799, cellular standard.

Both launched in September 2025 and are available worldwide.

Which One Should You Buy?

• Choose Apple Watch Series 11 if you want a premium smartwatch for everyday use, health tracking, and style – all at a more affordable price.

• Choose Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you’re an athlete, adventurer, or want the absolute best battery life, display brightness, and rugged durability.

Either way, both models are among the best smartwatches of 2025, delivering excellent health, fitness, and connectivity features.