Countdown activated: if timelines hold, the Apple Watch Series 11 will be unveiled in September and, although the design wouldn’t change drastically, everything points to a major leap in power, connectivity and, above all, software thanks to watchOS 26. Will this combination of muscle and brains be enough to reclaim the top spot among the best smartwatches?

S11 power and 5G RedCap: faster, more efficient and better connected

Rumors agree that Apple is preparing a new S11 chip with a more compact and efficient design, which should translate into superior performance, finer energy management and potentially more internal space for a larger battery or additional components. Don’t expect a radical change of appearance, but do expect a more capable hardware base to drive the software novelties arriving this year.

On connectivity, the move sounds equally significant: there’s talk of adopting new MediaTek modems with support for 5G RedCap, a 5G variant designed for wearables that don’t need mobile-like speed peaks but do need links that are more robust and efficient than current LTE. In other words, we could see tangible improvements in calls, data and signal reliability without penalizing the battery. In addition, Bloomberg reports even consider satellite connectivity for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, reinforcing the adventurous positioning of the toughest model in the lineup.

watchOS 26 will accompany this hardware with a UI refresh called Liquid Glass, which harmonizes with the aesthetics of iOS 26 and favors transparencies that reveal content behind semi-translucent layers, a concept reminiscent of references like Windows’ Aero Glass effect or, on the other side, Android’s Material sensibility. The result is a lighter, more modern look that, combined with revamped Smart Stack widgets and a tweaked Control Center, promises a more coherent experience between iPhone and Apple Watch.

Health: blood pressure on the horizon and sleep score coming

Apple’s big health ambition continues to move cautiously. The company is working on blood pressure monitoring, but it’s still unclear whether the feature will debut in time with the 2025 lineup. What does seem defined is the approach: instead of showing exact systolic and diastolic values like a classic blood pressure monitor, the watch would detect hypertension patterns over time and alert the user to consult a professional, similar to the atrial fibrillation alert that already serves as an early detection system. Several sources point to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 as the likely first model to introduce it, leaving the door open for later rollout across the rest of the catalog.

Another long-requested addition would be the sleep score. Traces in the iOS 26 code suggest that Apple is preparing a rating that summarizes how you’ve slept and anticipates your daytime performance based on your nighttime metrics. Many wearables have offered this for years, but here there could be an Apple twist, taking into account multiple signals — akin to the Vitals view we saw in watchOS 11 — and relying on the history of clinical rigor the brand has built with some health features. Important: there’s no sign of this score in watchOS 26 betas, so it may be exclusive to the 2025 Apple Watch models.

apple watch ultra 3

By contrast, a feature that will remain absent in the United States is blood oxygen measurement: it is currently disabled on Apple Watches sold in that market and there are no signs it will return with the Series 11. Expectations should also be tempered for other futuristic sensors, like non-invasive glucose, which Apple still places “many years away.”

watchOS 26: AI on your wrist, new gestures and more utilities

The big driver of change comes from software. watchOS 26, already in testing, includes a new workout companion called Workout Buddy that encourages, corrects and guides you during sessions with voice comments generated from real Apple Fitness+ trainer data. To enjoy it, you’ll need an iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence, since this experience relies on generative models with voice synthesis that, in practice, sound like having a coach in your ear without needing headphones by using the watch’s microphone and speaker.

Interaction also gains fluidity with new gestures. Notably, the wrist-flick gesture to dismiss notifications with a simple movement stands out — something so natural it’s surprising it hasn’t arrived earlier to watchOS. In addition, the Smart Stack of widgets is updated, the Control Center is reordered for faster access, and Notes finally lands on the watch: you’ll be able to view synchronized notes, start a new one from the tiny key or by dictation, although for now editing existing notes from the wrist is not allowed.

The overall impression is of a more mature platform coherent with iOS 26 thanks to the mentioned Liquid Glass, which tints the interface with translucent layers and provides visual continuity between devices, a design philosophy that will delight those who enjoy aesthetic details as much as performance — like when we appreciate a strong generational leap in a mobile SoC or the precision of a high-refresh-rate panel.

2025 also marks the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch, a milestone some expected to see accompanied by a deep redesign and a new magnetic strap system, but that did not materialize with the Series 10. For the Series 11 no changes in band compatibility are expected, although Apple could commemorate the anniversary in some way.

All in all, the picture painted by rumors is of an Apple Watch Series 11 that is conservative in form, but more capable and “smarter” in substance, with a renewed hardware foundation, better connectivity and a software package that leverages AI to make the watch more useful day to day. And you, what are you hoping for most: the performance boost of the S11, the extra stability of 5G RedCap or that motivational push from Workout Buddy in every workout?

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Edu Diaz
Edu Diaz

Co-founder of Actualapp and passionate about technological innovation. With a degree in history and a programmer by profession, I combine academic rigor with enthusiasm for the latest technological trends. For over ten years, I've been a technology blogger, and my goal is to offer relevant and up-to-date content on this topic, with a clear and accessible approach for all readers. In addition to my passion for technology, I enjoy watching television series and love sharing my opinions and recommendations. And, of course, I have strong opinions about pizza: definitely no pineapple. Join me on this journey to explore the fascinating world of technology and its many applications in our daily lives.