Apple Watch Series 11 Launching Next Month With These New Features

[MacRumors]

There's just about a month to go until Apple unveils the Apple Watch Series 11 models at its September event. Last year we got display upgrades, and this year, there could be new health features. We've recapped all of the current Apple Watch Series 11 rumors for a quick preview of what might be coming.

Faster Chip

Apple is likely planning to introduce an updated S11 chip that offers a more compact, efficient design. We could see improvements in processor performance to increase overall battery life, along with additional space for a bigger battery or other internal components.

Updated Modem Chip

The Apple Watch Series 11 models could adopt new modems from MediaTek with 5G RedCap support. 5G RedCap is a 5G service that's designed for wearables that don't need standard 5G speeds.

Right now, the Apple Watch models are limited to LTE speeds, but 5G RedCap could bring connectivity improvements.

Blood Pressure Alerts

Apple is working on a blood pressure monitoring feature, though it continues to be unclear if it will be ready for launch in the 2025 models. Apple ran into development issues with accuracy and reliability that could push the feature back, but we haven't heard anything lately and it's possible Apple was able to fix the problems.

If we do get blood pressure monitoring for the Apple Watch, it's not going to provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements like a standard blood pressure cuff or monitoring device.

Instead, it will monitor for hypertension and will notify Apple Watch users if the condition is detected over time. Hypertension is a health issue where blood pressure stays high over time, and it is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

An Apple Watch user who is notified about hypertension will be able to provide that information to a medical professional for additional testing, similar to how the existing features for detecting atrial fibrillation can be used as an early warning system.

watchOS 26 Features

The Apple Watch Series 11 will run watchOS 26, which Apple is beta testing now. watchOS 26 includes an all-new Workout Buddy that is designed to motivate you during workouts.

Workout Buddy relies on a paired iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, and it uses a text-to-speech generative AI model created using voice data from real Apple Fitness+ trainers. Workout Buddy sounds like a real personal trainer that can encourage you to get through your workout and meet your fitness goals.

watchOS 26 also includes a Liquid Glass redesign that matches the Liquid Glass look of iOS 26, plus it has an updated Smart Stack, a revamped Control Center, new gestures, and more.

A full list of what's new in watchOS 26 can be found in our watchOS 26 roundup.

Sleep Score

In iOS 26 code, we found signs that suggest Apple is working on a sleep score feature for the Apple Watch.

Little is known about Apple's work on the option right now, but Apple could perhaps provide a sleep-related score that will predict how well you'll be able to function during the day based on the amount of sleep that you got the night before.

Many health tracking devices offer a sleep score, but it's something that Apple has not provided with the Apple Watch yet. The Apple Watch has sleep tracking and separates sleep into REM, Core, and Deep, plus Apple provides time in bed and time awake metrics.

The sleep score could take into account multiple health metrics, like the Vitals option that came in watchOS 11.

There is no sign of the sleep score feature in watchOS 26, so it's possible that it's something that will be exclusive to the 2025 Apple Watch models.

Apple Watch Anniversary

2025 actually marks the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. There were rumors that Apple could debut a special anniversary edition of the Apple Watch with a major design overhaul that included a new magnetic band attachment system and a thinner casing.

With the Series 10, Apple introduced a slimmed down Apple Watch, but there was no sign of the rumored band attachment system.

We're still not expecting anything new with bands in the Series 11, but Apple could acknowledge the anniversary in some way.

Blood Oxygen Monitoring

Blood oxygen monitoring remains unavailable on Apple Watch models sold in the United States, and there are no signs that the feature will return with the Apple Watch Series 11.

Article Link: Apple Watch Series 11 Launching Next Month With These New Features

 

[Oldfash33]

It feels like we've been hearing about the blood pressure feature for a decade now!!!

 

[jz0309]

well, so not much compared to the 10.
Users of older AWs (eg 6 or 7) might bite ...

 

[WilliApple]

Where’s the better battery and L5 GPS? Don’t let Garmin win apple

 

[ZipZilla]

as soon as the blood oxygen comes back, I'll upgrade from my 6. C'mon Apple/Masimo/whoever

 

[whiteashsaturday]

as soon as the blood oxygen comes back, I'll upgrade from my 6. C'mon Apple/Masimo/whoever

Every time I see any article about the Apple Watch, my thought goes to how they took away a feature that everyone including myself and my family members used to review how they’re overall sleep is doing. I know I have seen significant improvements during different health challenges, directly related to the blood oxygen sensor in my Apple watch. I’m holding onto my early series 9 that still has the feature enabled.

No need to upgrade and lose features.

Apple needs to fix this.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

How did we ever survive.

 

[satchmo]

If there’s no significant features, I wish Apple could make the experience better.

It’s crazy you still need an iPhone to use an AW. Open it up to a larger audience.

Why can’t we have see our Fitness metrics on a larger display such as an iPad or Mac desktop?

Give us precision one button start for running.

 

[Ted_Appleseed]

It would be great to have a thinner bezel. I'm more excited to see what they would do for the 10-year anniversary.

 

[eifelbube]

well, so not much compared to the 10.
Users of older AWs (eg 6 or 7) might bite ...

Nope, won’t bite because i have the Blood Oxygen and i do not expect a significant improvement to battery life.

 

[jz0309]

Nope, won’t bite because i have the Blood Oxygen and i do not expect a significant improvement to battery life.

good point, though if I believe a lot of MR folks blood oxygen is a gimmick ...
As an Ultra 2 wearer, I've said in multiple posts that I will upgrade to an Ultra 2 if SpO2 is bak, and there is a new health sensor, so we shall find out in 5 weeks or so.
As for battery life, it'll be 18hrs, has been for 10 models straight so don't see that changing, and then there is the Ultra of course ...

 

[switz]

Battery is still fine and the O2 sensor still works in my early Ultra 2. Have full Apple Care and they have to keep it running for seven years after the Last Ultra 2 is made in the USA market.

And the O2 results show up on the iPhone records. Wonderful and showable to a doctor if necessary to spot a trend.

See no need to upgrade to a crippled Apple watch. I rely on the O2 readings to see the O2 levels when dizzy and do I need some oxygen from a tank.

 

[Kylo83]

It’s a shame the series 10 was a downgrade from the series 9. The bezels is bigger and doesn’t look as flush

 

[robinp]

Bring back the matte titanium. Don’t like the shiny

 

[Taq'aix]

So no need to upgrade from the AWU2.

 

[hieranonymous]

Apple releasing multiple generations of the watch with a fully functional sensor disabled in software because they can’t seem to navigate patent litigation is peak corporate dysfunction. Sort it out already.

 

[Kevin2055]

Apple cannot settle to bring back the blood oxygen?

 

[applefan8254]

Can we get an iPad app ? Thank you

 

[switz]

It is not “can’t” but “won’t”

 

[Valen1]

There's just about a month to go until Apple unveils the Apple Watch Series 11 models at its September event. Last year we got display upgrades, and this year, there could be new health features. We've recapped all of the current Apple Watch Series 11 rumors for a quick preview of what might be coming.

Faster Chip

Apple is likely planning to introduce an updated S11 chip that offers a more compact, efficient design. We could see improvements in processor performance to increase overall battery life, along with additional space for a bigger battery or other internal components.

Updated Modem Chip

The Apple Watch Series 11 models could adopt new modems from MediaTek with 5G RedCap support. 5G RedCap is a 5G service that's designed for wearables that don't need standard 5G speeds.

Right now, the Apple Watch models are limited to LTE speeds, but 5G RedCap could bring connectivity improvements.

Blood Pressure Alerts

Apple is working on a blood pressure monitoring feature, though it continues to be unclear if it will be ready for launch in the 2025 models. Apple ran into development issues with accuracy and reliability that could push the feature back, but we haven't heard anything lately and it's possible Apple was able to fix the problems.

If we do get blood pressure monitoring for the Apple Watch, it's not going to provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements like a standard blood pressure cuff or monitoring device.

Instead, it will monitor for hypertension and will notify Apple Watch users if the condition is detected over time. Hypertension is a health issue where blood pressure stays high over time, and it is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

An Apple Watch user who is notified about hypertension will be able to provide that information to a medical professional for additional testing, similar to how the existing features for detecting atrial fibrillation can be used as an early warning system.

watchOS 26 Features

The Apple Watch Series 11 will run watchOS 26, which Apple is beta testing now. watchOS 26 includes an all-new Workout Buddy that is designed to motivate you during workouts.

Workout Buddy relies on a paired iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, and it uses a text-to-speech generative AI model created using voice data from real Apple Fitness+ trainers. Workout Buddy sounds like a real personal trainer that can encourage you to get through your workout and meet your fitness goals.

watchOS 26 also includes a Liquid Glass redesign that matches the Liquid Glass look of iOS 26, plus it has an updated Smart Stack, a revamped Control Center, new gestures, and more.

A full list of what's new in watchOS 26 can be found in our watchOS 26 roundup.

Sleep Score

In iOS 26 code, we found signs that suggest Apple is working on a sleep score feature for the Apple Watch.

Little is known about Apple's work on the option right now, but Apple could perhaps provide a sleep-related score that will predict how well you'll be able to function during the day based on the amount of sleep that you got the night before.

Many health tracking devices offer a sleep score, but it's something that Apple has not provided with the Apple Watch yet. The Apple Watch has sleep tracking and separates sleep into REM, Core, and Deep, plus Apple provides time in bed and time awake metrics.

The sleep score could take into account multiple health metrics, like the Vitals option that came in watchOS 11.

There is no sign of the sleep score feature in watchOS 26, so it's possible that it's something that will be exclusive to the 2025 Apple Watch models.

Apple Watch Anniversary

2025 actually marks the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. There were rumors that Apple could debut a special anniversary edition of the Apple Watch with a major design overhaul that included a new magnetic band attachment system and a thinner casing.

With the Series 10, Apple introduced a slimmed down Apple Watch, but there was no sign of the rumored band attachment system.

We're still not expecting anything new with bands in the Series 11, but Apple could acknowledge the anniversary in some way.

Blood Oxygen Monitoring

Blood oxygen monitoring remains unavailable on Apple Watch models sold in the United States, and there are no signs that the feature will return with the Apple Watch Series 11.

Article Link: Apple Watch Series 11 Launching Next Month With These New Features

Not buying a new Apple Watch UNTIL you bring back Blood Oxygen Monitoring. Just buy the patent troll company already!

 

[digimc]

Apple releasing multiple generations of the watch with a fully functional sensor disabled in software because they can’t seem to navigate patent litigation is peak corporate dysfunction. Sort it out already.

Yeah my guess it will be sorted out in 2028 with Apple Watch 14 when Masimo's patent expires.

 

[Robert.Walter]

My AW6 is doing just fine. I would like an AW Ultra, but not at the cost of losing pulse-ox. And even if pulse-ox came back to the Ultra, I wouldn't buy one until there was a big technical feature introduced (like BPM or diabetes monitoring).

 

[Robert.Walter]

Not buying a new Apple Watch UNTIL you bring back Blood Oxygen Monitoring. Just buy the patent troll company already!

They are not patent trolls. They are IP owners properly exercising their rights as such. It is our beloved Apple who is to stingy to either pay a licensing fee or just buy the company to get the IP.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Can we get an iPad app ? Thank you

Really. Also on Mac. All this health monitoring stuff is made in heaven for analysis and display on a Mac.

 

[novagamer]

Battery is still fine and the O2 sensor still works in my early Ultra 2. Have full Apple Care and they have to keep it running for seven years after the Last Ultra 2 is made in the USA market.

And the O2 results show up on the iPhone records. Wonderful and showable to a doctor if necessary to spot a trend.

See no need to upgrade to a crippled Apple watch. I rely on the O2 readings to see the O2 levels when dizzy and do I need some oxygen from a tank.

If you use AppleCare in the US you will get a replacement without the blood oxygen functionality. I confirmed this with them when a family member ran into the issue trying to get service on a Series 7 Edition.

I agree it’s essential, I have a 4-5 year old watch I’m keeping due to this too.

edit: conflicting reports on this, see later in the thread

My AW6 is doing just fine. I would like an AW Ultra, but not at the cost of losing pulse-ox. And even if pulse-ox came back to the Ultra, I wouldn't buy one until there was a big technical feature introduced (like BPM or diabetes monitoring).

FWIW, realtime BPM measurement works fine if you engage a HIIT workout specifically. I do this all the time at various points for various reasons. Helped me nail down an issue I was having, I just have to ignore all of the HIIT data which is admittedly a little annoying, but it’s totally workable for me.

Even on older watches you can run those workouts for many, many hours if you have a condition you’re trying to track. It’s not a perfect solution, but something.