Following Apple’s highly anticipated “Awe Dropping” showcase earlier today, we had the opportunity to spend some time with the company’s latest collection of smartwatches. This new lineup prominently features three devices: the entirely refreshed Apple Watch SE 3, the refined Apple Watch Series 11, and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3, each of which introduces its own noteworthy improvements while maintaining Apple’s unmistakable design ethos.
Beginning with the most accessible entry point, the Apple Watch SE has finally received a meaningful update. The second-generation SE debuted in 2022, so this third iteration represents its first significant enhancement in two years. Starting at $249 for the 40mm version, the Apple Watch SE 3 brings technology from both past and more recent models into a remarkably affordable package. Among these inherited upgrades is support for higher-speed 5G cellular connectivity, which should offer more reliable and faster network performance on the go. Charging times have also been dramatically shortened, with Apple claiming that the device now powers up at double the previous rate, while battery endurance has been modestly extended to a respectable 18 hours of standard use. In addition, the SE 3 benefits from the incorporation of a new, stronger Ion‑X glass designed to resist scratching from daily wear and tear. For the first time in the SE line, the display can remain permanently active thanks to the inclusion of an always‑on option, an improvement that brings the user experience closer to that of Apple’s higher‑end watches. Health features have been bolstered as well, with the SE 3 capable of detecting possible sleep apnea, and its built‑in speaker can now handle not only phone calls but also playback of music and podcasts directly from the watch itself.
Hands-on impressions reveal how ambitious this update really is. When viewed side by side with the new Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3 felt almost indistinguishable at a quick glance. The resemblance in shape, weight, and overall profile was so striking that, at first, it was difficult to tell the two apart—until subtle differences in color options and case detailing became more apparent. Considering its relatively low price point of $249, the near-parity in design between the SE 3 and the Series 11 is an achievement that should not be underestimated. Initial impressions suggest that very little is sacrificed in terms of build quality or aesthetic appeal, though a longer period of real‑world use will be necessary before rendering a final judgment.
Turning to the Apple Watch Series 11, this model represents the natural evolution of Apple’s mainstream smartwatch offering. Alongside its predecessor’s core functionality, the Series 11 introduces the faster 5G connectivity found in the SE 3, as well as a significantly enhanced suite of health‑focused features. Users will now benefit from a more detailed sleep score, designed to offer comprehensive insight into overnight rest quality, and the device is capable of issuing proactive warnings if it detects signals consistent with elevated blood pressure. Battery longevity has also seen an increase, with Apple promising up to 24 hours of use on a single charge—an improvement over the Series 10 that ensures the watch can keep pace with a full day of intensive use. While physically the Series 11 does not depart drastically from its immediate predecessor, it will come in slightly larger 42mm and 46mm case options. Remarkably, despite these size adjustments, Apple emphasizes that this is the thinnest Apple Watch they have ever produced, a testament to the brand’s continual refinement of design efficiency.
During our initial demonstrations, we were unable to test the high blood pressure detection in action, since that feature was not yet enabled for hands‑on trials. However, Apple did highlight the satellite SOS capabilities integrated into the Series 11. Although an event floor crowded with people is hardly an ideal environment for stress‑testing satellite connectivity or 5G reliability, the interface looked polished and effective. The updated Sleep Score interface was on display as well, and while it largely matched expectations, the emphasis on easily interpretable indicators could make it more practical for everyday users.
For those seeking the pinnacle of Apple’s wearable ingenuity, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 makes a striking entry at a starting price of $799. It maintains the same physical footprint as its predecessor, the Ultra 2, but thanks to slimmer surrounding bezels, it now offers even more screen real estate without expanding in overall size. Durability remains a major selling point, with the Ultra 3 also adopting the scratch‑resistant Ion‑X glass for greater ruggedness. Furthermore, it pushes battery performance significantly further than its siblings, boasting up to an impressive 42 hours of operational life on a single charge, a specification that clearly distinguishes it within the lineup. Connectivity options extend both upward and outward: the Ultra 3 supports 5G cellular speeds and introduces satellite communications, making it particularly appealing for adventurers who venture into areas where traditional cell service is unreliable or nonexistent. Like the Series 11, the Ultra 3 incorporates advanced health monitoring, including the detailed sleep score and proactive alerts when preliminary signs of high blood pressure are identified.
In terms of outward appearance, the Ultra 3 does not deviate dramatically from the Ultra 2, though Apple has introduced new strap options such as a fresh Ocean band with a mint‑toned finish that subtly enhances its aesthetic. The slight increase in display space is just noticeable in person, delivering greater clarity for maps, metrics, and complications without feeling overwhelming. New watchfaces optimized for the expanded screen further underscore Apple’s intention to refine the Ultra as a versatile tool for athletes, explorers, and professionals alike.
Taken as a whole, Apple’s 2024 smartwatch lineup demonstrates a philosophy of careful, incremental evolution rather than groundbreaking reinvention. The design language remains consistent across the range, ensuring familiarity for existing users, while functional upgrades—including stronger materials, extended battery life, faster connectivity, and expanded health monitoring—provide compelling reasons to consider an upgrade. Whether one gravitates toward the cost‑effective SE 3, the balanced and refined Series 11, or the powerhouse Ultra 3 will ultimately depend on individual priorities, budgets, and lifestyle.
This story continues to develop, so for the most current details on Apple’s announcements, visit our live blog for ongoing coverage. All photography by Victoria Song.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/hands-on/773039/hands-on-with-new-apple-watches
