ZDNET’s key takeaways from the latest release of Apple’s wearable technology can be distilled into several major points, though each of them deserves elaboration for a fuller understanding of their implications. At its core, Apple’s baseline smartwatch, the new Apple Watch Series 11, arrives with meaningful enhancements—chief among them improved health-monitoring capabilities and a noticeably extended battery life, which provides users with six additional hours of daily endurance. However, this otherwise well-rounded device faces a structural weakness within Apple’s own product family: its value proposition is somewhat overshadowed by the more budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3, which delivers many of the same essential features at a lower cost, thereby tempting cost-conscious buyers. Nevertheless, the Series 11 is now available for preorder and is set to begin shipping on September 19, 2025.
Turning to the question of why individuals incorporate Apple Watches into their lives, the reasons are as varied as the users themselves. For some, the focus lies primarily on the platform’s advanced health and wellness features, which Apple has continually refined and expanded over the past several years. These include sophisticated sleep tracking and fitness monitoring tools that appeal to individuals who are committed to improving their daily routines and long-term well-being. For others, the watch functions as a subtle yet invaluable secondary screen—particularly in professional environments where phone usage is discouraged or outright prohibited. In such contexts, the Apple Watch provides a discreet method of staying connected. Beyond productivity and health, the device also caters to those who value occasional disconnection from their iPhones while still retaining a degree of digital independence: the ability to contact friends in an emergency, listen to music without carrying a phone, or navigate unfamiliar streets with wrist-based directions.
At Apple’s September iPhone event, three new watches made their debut: the flagship Apple Watch Series 11, the more rugged and feature-rich Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the cost-effective Apple Watch SE 3. I have spent the past week testing all three extensively, evaluating them across workouts, sleep monitoring, and daily utility. Now prepared with firsthand experience, I can provide a nuanced exploration of their strengths, limitations, and ideal target users, beginning here with an in-depth review of the Series 11.
When comparing the Series 11 to its immediate predecessor, the Series 10, it becomes clear that Apple has chosen to retain familiarity while introducing targeted improvements. The most notable continuity is the use of the same S10 processor introduced in the Series 10. While Apple has historically refreshed its smartwatch chipsets annually, this time the company prioritized improved battery longevity through an internal engineering overhaul. By transitioning from so-called “jelly roll” battery cells to a sturdier “metal can” design, Apple preserved the compact form factor of previous models while simultaneously extending usable battery life. As a result, the exterior design of the Series 11 is virtually indistinguishable from the Series 10, ensuring accessory compatibility and a sense of continuity for repeat users.
The display specifications remain steady as well. The Series 11 continues to offer screen brightness of 2,000 nits, which is sufficient for visibility under most lighting conditions but falls short of the 3,000-nit panels now boasted by competitors such as the Google Pixel Watch 4 and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8. Within the Apple ecosystem, only the premium Ultra 3 model currently provides this higher brightness level.
Aesthetic customization remains central to the product’s appeal. With four available finishes—Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver, and a newly introduced Space Gray—the Series 11 provides both classic and modern options to suit a wide range of styles. Band selection further enhances the personalization experience. During my testing, I gravitated toward the Sport Loop, specifically in a vivid Neon Yellow hue. Unexpectedly, I found myself genuinely enjoying this choice. The band combines practical benefits—lightweight comfort, water resistance, and unobtrusive wear during sleep—with thoughtful refinements such as new reflective edges that enhance visibility for nighttime runners or outdoor exercisers.
Daily use revealed the Series 11 to be a lightweight, comfortable companion for numerous activities including exercise, professional tasks, and sleep. Notifications appear quickly and clearly on its vivid display, and battery performance supports demanding all-day usage. While individuals who have never slept wearing a watch may initially experience a period of adjustment, the device’s slender build and dedicated sleep mode—which disables unnecessary interruptions and dims the screen completely—facilitate easier rest compared to many competing devices.
Among the upgrades most deserving of attention, the expanded battery life stands out prominently. This jump from the Series 10’s lifespan extends all-day functionality to a true 24-hour window of connection, fitness tracking, and sleep monitoring. Equally significant is the introduction of a groundbreaking health feature: FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection. Instead of replacing traditional blood pressure measurement with real-time cuffless readings, Apple’s solution leverages its photoplethysmography (PPG) heart sensor to compile a 30-day average. From this data, its algorithm provides insights into whether readings consistently surpass recognized hypertension thresholds. While I could not yet test the feature’s full capabilities due to its month-long data accumulation requirements, its potential implications are profound. Hypertension, often called the “silent killer,” is estimated to affect over a billion people globally, many of whom remain undiagnosed. By introducing a regulatory-cleared, consumer-friendly tool for raising awareness of this condition, Apple may empower countless users to seek earlier medical intervention.
Additional refinements further enhance convenience and durability. The adoption of 5G connectivity ensures faster, more reliable data transmission. The introduction of tougher Ion-X glass narrows the durability gap between the Series 11 and the premium Ultra 3, making the more affordable option viable even for those who worry about long-term wear and tear. Subtle interface enhancements, such as a wrist-flick gesture that dismisses calls or notifications, streamline everyday use. Importantly, Apple continues to support owners of older hardware: many of the most compelling software features, released with WatchOS 26, extend backward to the Series 9 and the Ultra 2, ensuring that buyers of prior generations still benefit from key innovations.
Nevertheless, no device is without its imperfections or areas ripe for future advancement. While Apple’s new Sleep Score system introduces accessible visualization of rest quality, its readings often seemed more generous than those of competing trackers like the Oura Ring. Even on mornings when I felt fatigue, Apple frequently rated my sleep in the high 90s—higher than my Oura Ring, which tended to score in the 80s. This underscores the subjectivity inherent in sleep scoring systems, which typically embody each brand’s design philosophy more than they reflect absolute scientific consensus. Apple emphasizes three foundational metrics—sleep consistency, frequency of interruptions, and overall duration—drawn from guidelines by leading sleep foundations. Still, the company may be subtly encouraging users by framing sleep in more optimistic terms. If the average American struggles to consistently obtain high-quality rest, generous scoring may serve the dual purpose of motivation and reassurance.
Going forward, I would like to see Apple introduce additional recovery-oriented insights, perhaps integrating with its existing Training Load metrics. A systematic Recovery Score, derived from activity intensity and frequency, could help users balance exertion with proper rest, deepening Apple’s already sophisticated fitness ecosystem.
From a purchasing perspective, the decision between the Series 11, the Ultra 3, and the SE 3 depends heavily on anticipated use cases. The SE 3, while more affordable, offers only 18 hours of battery life but proves compelling for first-time smartwatch users who seek only essential features such as workout tracking and discreet communication. At the other extreme, the Ultra 3 doubles the Series 11’s battery life to an impressive 42 hours and adds exclusive features like Emergency SOS via Satellite, making it a superior option for adventurers, hikers, and professionals operating in unpredictable or rugged environments. Positioned in the middle, the Series 11 caters best to experienced users who have already grown accustomed to their smartwatch routines, who use their devices rigorously for exercise and health insights, and who need extended endurance for seamless 24-hour tracking.
While WatchOS 26 brings flagship features such as Sleep Score and Hypertension Detection to earlier Series 9 and later models—as well as the Ultra 2—these upgrades are not available on the SE and SE 2. Thus, buyers with older devices in those categories may notice a sharper feature disparity. Ultimately, if maximizing value is a buyer’s primary goal, the Series 10 remains a very good option. The absence of additional six hours of battery life may not be consequential for every user, and Series 10 models can often be secured at significant discounts, including refurbished units priced under $300 at major online retailers.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 11 excels as a refinement of the platform, rather than a radical reimagining. It balances meaningful progress with continuity, appealing particularly to dedicated smartwatch users prepared to upgrade. With significant health-oriented additions, expanded battery life, and thoughtful design adjustments, it strengthens Apple’s already commanding hold on the wearables market while leaving room for further growth in future iterations such as the anticipated Series 12.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-tested-the-apple-watch-series-11-for-a-week-heres-my-buying-advice-now/
