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Anticipation Builds for Apple Watch Series 11: Rumors and Predictions
While the official unveiling of the next generation of Apple Watch models remains several months away, speculation is already mounting regarding potential features in the upcoming devices. From the possibility of foldable screens to integrated cameras and enhanced health monitoring, we delve into the most plausible – and more imaginative – predictions surrounding the future of the Apple Watch. Industry experts and analysts are closely watching for innovations in the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the next Apple Watch SE.
Apple Watch Series 11 Expected Release Timeline
Barring unforeseen circumstances, current indicators suggest a September debut for the Apple Watch Series 11, aligning with the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17. Apple has maintained a consistent pattern of unveiling a new Apple Watch annually since its introduction in 2014. With the exception of the original model, subsequent iterations have been launched at the yearly iPhone event held in September.
The precise on-sale date remains less certain. Historically, new models have become available for purchase between a few days and a couple of weeks following the initial presentation. While this timeline is expected for 2025, recent years have experienced postponements attributed to manufacturing challenges. Furthermore, the potential impact of recently implemented tariffs on the 2025 watch release and its price point is currently unclear.
The Apple Watch Series 11 will succeed the Apple Watch Series 10 from the previous year, which was recognized with a FASTNET Editor’s Choice Award. Apple’s product line also includes models like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, released in 2023, and the Apple Watch SE, introduced in 2022. While official announcements regarding future products are absent from Apple, numerous reports circulate concerning forthcoming Apple Watch models. Below is a summary of expectations from industry insiders and Apple analysts regarding the next Apple Watch iterations.
Potential Apple Watch Model Lineup This Year
A Series 11 model is highly anticipated, and indications suggest the potential arrival of updated Ultra and SE versions, according to insights from Bloomberg’s Apple analyst Mark Gurman. The upgrade cycles for the Apple Watch Ultra and the more affordable SE line have not followed a strictly predictable pattern. However, the absence of updates last year could indicate that 2025 might witness the release of all three models. In 2024, the Series 10 was the sole smartwatch offering announced by Apple.
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Apple Watch Design Expectations
Given the recent redesign of the previous model, the Series 11 is projected to retain a similar aesthetic to the Series 10, featuring the same expansive edge-to-edge display (still in 42mm and 46mm sizes). This design boasts enhanced brightness, reduced weight, and slimmer bezels compared to earlier versions. Any design alterations are expected to be subtle and driven by technological advancements incorporated within the device.
Reports from MacRumors suggest that the Apple Watch display may become more energy-efficient, potentially utilizing an LTPO display with enhanced resolution and improved brightness. Such an advancement could contribute to improved battery performance. This feature might be exclusive to the higher-tier Ultra 3, which is otherwise expected to maintain its original design.
The SE model, known for its appealing design, could undergo a more significant design evolution. While likely retaining the casing of the Series 8, sources indicate it may incorporate several enhancements from the Series 10, including an always-on display.
Apple Watch Processor Upgrades
Apple typically advances the processing power with each new smartwatch generation. Therefore, an Apple S11 chip is anticipated for at least the Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. The Ultra 3 is also rumored to incorporate satellite connectivity and 5G capabilities, although these features are not expected to be included in the Series 11, according to Gurman. Based on previous upgrade patterns, it is speculated that the SE model might also receive a processor upgrade to the S9 chip, currently utilized in the Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple Watch Battery Life and Charging
Improved battery longevity consistently ranks high on user wish lists. While the Series 10 introduced faster charging – reaching 80% capacity in 30 minutes compared to 90 minutes in previous models – there remains potential for enhancement in battery capacity itself.
Although current reports do not suggest increased battery life for new Apple Watches, there is strong user desire for Apple to prioritize battery improvements. Certain Android smartwatches employ dual chipsets to distribute tasks and optimize battery efficiency. It is hoped that Apple will adopt a similar strategy to extend battery performance to a full two days on a single charge for standard models. Furthermore, expectations are that the Ultra model, which currently achieves 72 hours of battery life, will gain faster charging capabilities and extend its battery performance to four full days.
Apple Watch Pricing Considerations
Based on existing price structures, the Apple Watch Series 11 could be priced at $399 for the 42mm aluminum version and $429 for the 46mm version. Upgrades for materials and LTE connectivity would incur additional costs. However, the impact of recently implemented tariffs on this year’s pricing remains uncertain. The potential for even more premium versions, such as solid gold or diamond-encrusted Hermès editions, also remains a question.
Apple Watch Health and Fitness Feature Enhancements
Persistent reports indicate the potential inclusion of blood pressure monitoring in the Apple Watch, although its readiness remains indefinite. According to a March report from Gurman, Apple has been testing this feature in its smartwatches but has encountered challenges. Companies like Omron and Med-Watch have demonstrated wrist-based blood pressure measurement capabilities in wearables. However, integrating this feature might necessitate new sensors and a bulkier design and could offer less precision compared to dedicated medical devices. The functionality may initially focus on baseline metrics, similar to the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra (which is not supported on Samsung watches in the US).
Glucose monitoring has also been speculated as a future addition, but sources suggest it is further into the development pipeline. Finally, the blood oxygen (SpO2) feature, introduced with the Series 6, is unlikely to return in the near term due to ongoing legal disputes.
Future Apple Watch Innovations and Surprises
Another circulating rumor suggests the potential integration of a camera into the Apple Watch. This is envisioned not for self-portraits, but for AI-driven image recognition. With the introduction of Apple Intelligence, Apple has launched a visual search tool on the iPhone, utilizing the camera to provide contextual information about objects and locations.
Gurman reports that Apple is exploring this possibility. Even if development proceeds, this technology is not anticipated to debut on the Apple Watch until the 2027 models. While not expected for the upcoming release, this exploration hints at potential AI integration directions for WatchOS 12. In contrast, WatchOS 11 currently lacks any Apple Intelligence features.
WatchOS 12 could also offer insights into Apple’s AI strategy for the Watch and potentially foreshadow new hardware features. The new operating system is expected to be announced at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, scheduled for the week of June 5th.
Foldable Apple Watch Concepts Emerge
Even more speculative reports suggest a foldable Apple Watch design, potentially featuring dual cameras. A recently published Apple patent, initially highlighted by Patently Apple and disclosed by the US Patent and Trademark Office in March, details an Apple Watch concept with a foldable display, and another with a dual-screen configuration that could fold or slide open. These expanded screens could provide additional display area for the Apple Watch, potentially reducing its reliance on the iPhone. The same patent also indicates the possibility of incorporating two cameras in this dual-screen watch, potentially for AI processing or video communication. Given Apple’s practice of patenting technologies well in advance of product implementation, even if this concept progresses, its public launch is not expected in the immediate future.