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Buy series 11 now or wait for series 12?
- Thread starter weesy
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Basic75
macrumors 68030
I would wait, if you can. Many expect Series 12 to get a better processor, so it would receive Updates longer. Series 9, 10 and 11 have essentially the same processor.
JPack
macrumors P6
Definitely 12. Apple only updates the chip every three years. In between those years, only the marketing name is updated. If you buy 11, you’d be getting the short end of the stick since the current chip was first launched with Watch S9.
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
Is money an issue? You can get a Series 11 for $100+ off right now. Are you looking at upgrading it every few years or keeping it till it dies?
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
My $.02 - then it doesn't hurt to buy one now if you're upgrading every few years.
Your call 😀 Let us know what you end up doing!
WishyWashyUK
macrumors member
Don’t forget the price hikes haven’t hit the phones and watches yet! I fully expect them to be a chunk more expensive come September, so I got a deal on a Series 11 recently - upgrading from a Series 7. That way I saved straight away compared to the retail price, but compared to the likely new September price I will have saved even more.
Siri AI will have informed the design and spec for this years' devices just as Apple Intelligence did back in 2024. Its definitely worth waiting a few more weeks *unless* you find some good end of line deals around.
If you like Siri AI, best to wait.
Series 12 is expected to be more capable in this respect.
I have S8 and this is the reason I am waiting
Series 12 is expected to be more capable in this respect.
I have S8 and this is the reason I am waiting
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WishyWashyUK
macrumors member
I’m sure it will run better on the Series 12 but Siri AI works on the 9 onwards, so figured the 11 at a discount was worth it as it will likely be very similar. Here’s Apple’s page on WatchOS 27.
jr866gooner
macrumors 68020
I’m in the same boat as more often than not my SE1 is at some where between 25 and flashing 10% into the evening. To be honest though I’ve had it away from power from around midnight and slept wearing it (not to track sleep but wake me) and worn all day so at 72% battery health it’s doing ok. I’ve got bare minimum happening with the watch with little apps and I get notifications on messages, an email account and a few other apps.
It’s been out of support for well over a year now so I’m thinking of upgrading but I’ll definitely wait for September and just hope the 12 series is at the same price point! I’m hoping to go 46mm instead of my current 42.
It’s been out of support for well over a year now so I’m thinking of upgrading but I’ll definitely wait for September and just hope the 12 series is at the same price point! I’m hoping to go 46mm instead of my current 42.
JPack
macrumors P6
It works because Apple only has one Watch chip available today. S9-S11 all use the same chip. It's the minimum spec for Siri AI because it's only spec available to Apple.
If you like living on the edge, buy S11.
S12 price increase shouldn't be more than $30-$70 because the chip contains very little RAM and NAND.
WishyWashyUK
macrumors member
Yep newer is always going to be better, no argument there. How much better and how much more expensive than what’s out now is the Apple gamble! With the watches in particular it’s been minimal change/functionality for years though so I’m comfortable making the saving on the 11. If I’m wrong and the new chip allows some dramatic improvements then great!
The Cockney Rebel
macrumors 601
If the battery is better on the s12 then that works for me. Ditching my Ultra1 as I’m sick of the weight.
What’s funny is many comments in the past criticise Apple for adding certain new features but not battery life, now this could be the case people are moaning as its ’only better battery life’ and not a significant upgrade 🤷♂️
Doing the same and ditching my ultra 2. I’m over the weight and bulk. Time to change it up.
Depending on the watch faces I’d be interested in adding an S12 and keeping my AWU for outdoor workouts.
I had an S10 with my AWU for a while but ended up wearing the AWU all of the time simply for the Modular Ultra watch face.
I had an S10 with my AWU for a while but ended up wearing the AWU all of the time simply for the Modular Ultra watch face.
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
That watch face is ... perfect. I can't imagine not having it now. Now that I'm a little older, I choose the one with the larger time - so much easier to read especially when busy/preoccupied.
I never use the Modular / Numerals / Utility. Just the first two (and now, almost exclusively the second).
goldmac2006
macrumors 604
Same here. My series 6 is still good 👍
I'm waiting. My S4 is still going mostly strong, degraded battery notwithstanding.