Apple Watch Series 11: Rumors, Leaks, and What to Expect
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The Apple Watch Series 11 is just around the corner, and just like every year, Apple has quite a few improvements waiting for us.
If the rumors are true, it looks like Apple has been working on more than just minor updates. While the design may stay mostly the same, the Apple Watch Series 11 is shaping up to be one of the most health-focused Apple Watch models in a long time.
From an all-new chip and better performance to expanded health tracking, there are already plenty of reasons to get excited.
Here’s everything you should expect from the Apple Watch Series 11.
Don’t Expect Any Huge Changes in the Apple Watch’s Design
If you were hoping for a full design overhaul, the Apple Watch Series 11 probably won’t deliver. Many leaks suggest that the new Apple Watch will look almost identical to the current Series 10, with the same rounded corners, flat edges, and display sizes.
Instead of a new body, Apple will innovate in the only way possible: New colors. Sky Blue is one of the rumored options, but expect to see at least three colors for the aluminum and titanium models. Yes, it is a bit disappointing, but highly expected. After all, this wouldn’t be the first time Apple used color refreshes to make an old design feel new.
A Brand-New S11 Chip
Let’s first start with the most obvious upgrade from the Series 11. The biggest change in the upcoming Apple Watch is the rumored S11 chip, which is expected to appear across both the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
As you can expect, this new chip will make the new Apple Watch models better and more powerful than ever. They’ll have more than enough power to handle watchOS 26 and all the new things coming with it, like the polarizing Liquid Glass user interface, and the new Workout Buddy.
Additionally, expect faster app launches, smoother watchOS animations, and better handling of health-tracking algorithms in real time. With Apple focusing on on-device processing across its ecosystem, the S11 could also make the Series 11 more responsive while reducing reliance on the iPhone for background tasks.
5G Support Is Coming to the Apple Watch
It’s been a long time coming, but Apple may finally bring 5G support to the Apple Watch — just not the same 5G you’ll find on your iPhone. Instead, rumors suggest the Series 11 will include RedCap (Reduced Capability) 5G.
This is a version of 5G built for small wearable devices. It offers better power efficiency, faster speeds than LTE, and reduced latency, all without draining that much battery life.
RedCap support could improve Apple Watch call quality, make downloads and updates quicker over cellular, and allow more consistent syncing with iCloud services like Photos or Health data. But that’s just the beginning; Apple might also use it to make the Apple Watch a more standalone device in the future.
Battery Life Improvements
Thanks to the S11 chip, Apple is expected to deliver better battery life for the Apple Watch Series 11.
Unfortunately, this means that Apple won’t add a bigger battery this time around. The good news is that thanks to a better, more efficient chip, you will probably notice a difference when wearing the new Apple Watch.
If you work out a lot or are on the go during the whole day, a new battery-efficient Apple Watch will definitely be a solid reason to upgrade.
Blood Pressure Detection Might Come to the Apple Watch
One of the biggest new health features rumored for the Apple Watch Series 11 is a form of blood pressure detection. While this won’t give you exact systolic or diastolic readings like a cuff, rumor has it that it will alert you when your blood pressure appears to be consistently elevated. Think of it like a warning system that prompts you to check in with your doctor if something feels off.
Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 11 might use machine learning to detect hypertension risks based on heart rate variability, motion, and other data collected throughout the day.
If this actually happens this year, it will mark the first actual new health feature added to the Apple Watch since the introduction of the Blood Oxygen monitor, which we’ll talk about in a moment. Of course, there’s still a chance that we might not see it this year, so don’t hold your breath.
Is the Blood Oxygen Monitor Making a Comeback?
Due to patent issues, Apple was legally forced to disable the blood oxygen monitor from the Apple Watch in the United States. Mind you, the hardware was still there — you just weren’t allowed to use it.
This led us all to believe that we wouldn’t see this feature for at least a few more years. However, it looks like full support is coming back in the Series 11 with watchOS 26. Earlier this month, Apple reintroduced blood oxygen monitoring to the Apple Watch as a redesigned version that relies on the iPhone and will hopefully avoid any legal problems.
Of course, the problem isn’t over just yet. The company that holds the two patents Apple was found infringing, Masimo, is now suing US Customs to stop Apple from using this feature. Still, there’s more hope than ever before.
Blood oxygen tracking was introduced in the Series 6 and became a favorite for tracking sleep quality, respiratory issues, and overall wellness.
Now that the feature is available again, Apple is expected to re-enable continuous tracking on the new Apple Watch Series 11, possibly with improved algorithms that make readings more accurate or consistent.
Smarter Sleep Score Tracking
Better sleep tracking is always in demand, and the Apple Watch Series 11 may finally deliver a more detailed sleep score system. Rather than just showing time asleep and basic stages, Apple could offer insights like sleep debt, readiness scores, or sleep quality analysis similar to what you see on devices like Oura or Whoop.
While the Apple Watch already tracks sleep stages, this rumored upgrade would package the data in a more helpful, easy-to-understand way. Not only that, but there’s also the possibility that the Apple Watch will use AI to offer personalized tips.
No Blood Glucose Monitoring (Yet)
It’s bad news for everyone expecting this upgrade, but one of the most highly anticipated features, blood glucose tracking, still isn’t expected to make its way into the Apple Watch Series 11.
While Apple has reportedly been working on non-invasive glucose sensors for years, the tech isn’t ready yet. Of course, that doesn’t mean it will never happen.
In fact, some analysts say it’s at least two years out, likely reserved for the Apple Watch Series 13 or a future Ultra model. So for now, we’ll have to wait a little longer before we can track our blood sugar with a first-party Apple device.
Apple Watch Series 11: Release Date and Price
Apple’s September event is basically a given at this point. The Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, most likely during the second week of September.
As for the price, there is some good news. Despite everything from inflation to tariffs, and even with the new chip and health features, Apple is expected to keep the Series 11 at the same base price of $399 for the 41 mm GPS model, which is always great news for people on a budget.
Get Ready for the New Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 11 might not look drastically different on the outside, but what’s happening inside is where the big changes are. With the new S11 chip, expected 5G RedCap support, better battery efficiency, and advanced health tracking features like blood pressure alerts and improved sleep scores, this year’s Apple Watch feels like a meaningful step forward.
Combine that with the fact that Apple will probably not increase the price this year, and the Series 11 could become an instant must-have for many of us looking to make an upgrade.
If you’re using a Series 8 or earlier, this might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
Whether you’re in it for fitness, wellness, or just want a smarter wearable, the Apple Watch Series 11 is looking like a great option.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
