Things have been quiet on the Apple Watch front lately. It was very quiet. In fact, sales are down for the second year in a row, and just last quarter, Xiaomi surpassed Apple to become the world’s wearables brand.
The good news is that the Apple Watch line is expected to be renewed. Here’s what’s coming.
Apple Watch SE 3 (or what if: Apple Watch Series 11e?)
It’s been almost three years since Apple announced the Apple Watch SE 2. It kept the same overall design from the original SE, got a 30% bigger display, and gained the S8 SiP processor, giving it a 20% performance bump. This September, Apple is expected to announce its successor.
Hardware and software
While rumors have been circulating for the better part of the past few months about Apple replacing the current aluminum case with a “hard plastic” case, these plans seem to have been shelved.
Although there have been no leaks about the increase of the case or the size of the screen, it would be reasonable to expect options from 40/44mm to the current 42/46mm, or a reduction of the bezel, which will give it real estate for the screen while keeping track.
Also expect an upgrade to the SiP, which it brought in parallel with the upcoming Series 11 series, a welcome upgrade over the current Series 8-era S8 SiP SE 2.
Price
Alongside the rumors of changes, there have been rumors about Apple lowering the price of its entry-level watch. However, that seems unlikely, given the recent price turmoil and the apparent postponement of Apple’s replacement plans.
It would be safe to expect the Apple Watch SE 3 to start at the same $249 as the current version, if not more, in case Apple decides to send the Apple Watch SE the way of the iPhone SE, and introduce the more expensive Apple Watch Series 11e.
Apple Watch Series 11
2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the announcement of the Apple Watch. However, 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of its release. This gave Apple two chances to release the 10th anniversary edition of the Apple Watch, and the company has already passed the first one. This September, it may skip the second one.
To be fair, it looks like Apple had a plan to release a 10-year Apple Watch band, but the company seems to have abandoned that.
Hardware and software
Right now, it looks like any significant changes to the next generation of the main Apple Watch line will have to come from within. Along with the predicted S11 SiP chipset update, the biggest draw of the Apple Watch Series 11 should be the software rather than the hardware focus.
Apple is expected to release an AI-based health coach that will use information collected by the Apple Watch and other sources to provide a comprehensive, personalized health guide. At the same time, watchOS 12 is expected to use the same visual methods that iOS 19, macOS 19, and iPadOS 19 seem destined to use in visionOS.
As for size, a size increase doesn’t sound likely, as the current 42/46mm options already feel too big for some customers, but don’t discount the small bezel shaving for a few extra pixels in screen size.
Price
As with the Apple Watch SE, it would be wise to bet on similar-if-not-slightly-higher prices to cover the surrounding uncertainty. The current Apple Watch lineup starts at $399, so don’t expect anything less than that.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Last year, while many expected Apple to announce the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it announced a satin black option for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This September, however, may be different.
Hardware and software
There have been no reports about Apple planning to move away from titanium with the new Apple Watch Ultra. Therefore, like the Apple Watch 11 series, this year’s update will probably rely on new features as a difference from its predecessor.
According to Mark Gurman’s leak, the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra is set to get 5G connectivity, as well as high blood pressure detection.
The latter, it seems, will work in the same way as Apple currently measures body temperature and sleep apnea: instead of providing real-time data, it provides negative trends and warns the user if something seems off.
Also, Apple is working on adding standalone satellite messages to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which will be a welcome addition for those who live up to the Ultra’s selling proposition.
Price
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 currently starts at $799, which is quite expensive. There is no indication that Apple plans to lower the price, and given the risk of a surprise tax, it is unlikely that they will raise it.
This model is probably the most stable of the lineup when it comes to pricing, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past few months, it’s that nothing is set in stone.
Are you in the market for a new Apple Watch? Have you been holding off on buying until new versions are announced? Let us know in the comments!
The best Apple Watch deals right now are on Amazon
- 42mm Apple Watch Series 10, GPS, Rose Gold Aluminum Case, Plum Sport Loop: 18% off $329
- 46mm Apple Watch Series 10, GPS, Jet Black Aluminum Case, Black Sport Band: 16% off $359
- 40mm Apple Watch SE 2, GPS, Midnight Aluminum Case, Midnight Sport Band: 20% off $238
- 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 2, GPS + Cellular, Natural Titanium Case and Navy Ocean Band: 8% off $734
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