Apple Watch 11: What to Expect from Apple’s Next Smartwatch

The Apple Watch 11 is still months away, but anticipation is already building over the potential upgrades it might bring over its predecessor. Last year, the Series 10 introduced one of the biggest design changes in years, featuring a larger display that even surpassed the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple also made the watch 10% thinner, making it sleeker than before.

However, some users were disappointed that battery life remained the same despite the reduced thickness, as maintaining the previous thickness could have allowed for a bigger battery. While the Series 10 was well-received for its refined design, the unchanged battery life left some room for improvement. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.

Design and Display: Will Apple Make More Changes?

Apple has continuously refined the Apple Watch’s design, and the Apple Watch 11 is expected to follow suit. The Series 10 introduced a thinner, larger display, making it one of the most elegant models to date. While there haven’t been many rumors about drastic design overhauls, Apple may refine the build quality, making the watch even more durable. Some speculate that Apple could introduce new materials, such as titanium or carbon fiber, to enhance durability while keeping the device lightweight.

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Health Features: The Big Question on Glucose Monitoring

One of the biggest questions surrounding the Apple Watch 11 is whether Apple will finally introduce a built-in glucose monitoring sensor. This feature has been rumored for years, with reports suggesting that Apple had reached a proof-of-concept stage as early as 2023. However, achieving medical-grade accuracy is a major challenge, as even a small margin of error could lead to incorrect readings with serious health implications.

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Apple has continued its research, even introducing an internal app to help prevent diabetes, hinting at future integration. While this progress is promising, there have been no strong leaks or confirmations suggesting that the Apple Watch 11 will include this feature, making it unlikely that we’ll see it in this year’s model.

Blood Pressure Monitoring: A More Realistic Upgrade?

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming Apple Watches could introduce blood pressure monitoring. If Gurman’s insights hold true, the latest models might detect early signs of hypertension, a condition that often goes undiagnosed but is responsible for nearly 13% of global deaths. Apple could use a combination of optical sensors and machine learning to offer non-invasive blood pressure monitoring. This feature could be a game-changer, allowing users to keep track of their cardiovascular health without the need for external blood pressure cuffs. However, Apple would need to ensure that the readings are reliable and accurate before integrating them into its ecosystem.

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Enhanced Heart Rate Sensor and SpO2 Monitoring

Aside from blood pressure monitoring, the Series 11 could bring refinements to existing health sensors. Apple previously had to disable the SpO2 sensor in the Series 9 due to patent issues in the U.S., while the rest of the world retained full functionality. There is speculation that Apple may finally redesign and reintroduce this sensor with the Series 11.

Additionally, there were reports of a new heart rate sensor planned for the Series 10 that never materialized. If these reports hold any weight, we could see a more advanced heart rate sensor debuting in the Apple Watch 11, offering improved accuracy and potentially new heart health insights.

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Apple Intelligence and Siri Enhancements

Apple Intelligence has yet to make a significant impact on the Apple Watch, though the Notification Summaries in iOS 18.1 hint at its potential. Many users are hoping for its full integration in the Series 11, particularly in the form of an improved Siri experience. Smarter AI features could help Siri provide better contextual suggestions, automate tasks more efficiently, and integrate more seamlessly with other Apple devices. Other possible AI-powered upgrades include predictive health recommendations, enhanced sleep-tracking insights, and AI-assisted fitness coaching. These features could make the Apple Watch a more proactive health companion rather than just a passive data collector.

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Connectivity and Performance: The Move to 5G

Another anticipated upgrade is a transition from 4G LTE to 5G for faster connectivity. While Apple has been slow to introduce 5G in its wearables, the demand for faster data speeds is growing, particularly among users who rely on their Apple Watch for standalone communication. The Apple Watch 11 is also expected to launch with watchOS 12, Apple’s next-generation smartwatch operating system. Paired with the rumored S12 processor, the watch should deliver improved performance, better power efficiency, and smoother multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life: Can Apple Finally Improve It?

Battery life remains one of the biggest concerns for Apple Watch users. The Series 10 maintained the same battery life as its predecessor despite being thinner, leading to some disappointment. Many are hoping the Apple Watch 11 will bring improvements beyond the single-day charge seen in previous models, especially for users who want to track their sleep without having to recharge their watch frequently. While Apple has made strides in optimizing power efficiency, a larger battery or more energy-efficient components could extend battery life. Another possibility is a more advanced low-power mode that preserves essential functions while significantly reducing battery drain.

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Customization: More Watch Faces and Band Attachments

Each new Apple Watch always comes with a selection of new watch faces, but Apple could do more in terms of customization options on watchOS. With iOS 18 offering more customization tweaks for the iPhone, many users are hoping the Apple Watch follows that trend. Additionally, the Apple Watch’s band attachment system has remained largely unchanged for years. Some users find it slightly cumbersome compared to competitors like Samsung, which has a smoother attachment system. Apple could refine its band mechanism to make swapping out bands easier and more convenient.

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Expected Release Date and Pricing

Apple traditionally unveils its new watches in September, alongside the iPhone. If the company follows its usual schedule, the Apple Watch 11 will likely be announced in early-to-mid September 2025, with availability following about 10 days later. As for pricing, it is expected to remain the same as the Series 10, starting at $399 for the base GPS model. However, if Apple introduces new premium materials or additional health sensors, higher-end models could see a price increase.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch 11 is shaping up to be an exciting upgrade, with potential new features such as blood pressure monitoring, improved AI integration, and better connectivity. While glucose monitoring remains a long-term goal, users can still look forward to refined health tracking, smarter Siri functionality, and possibly better battery life. As always, leaks and rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, but if even some of these upgrades materialize, the Apple Watch 11 could be one of the most compelling Apple Watches yet. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to its official unveiling.

Last update on 2025-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API