The MacRumors Show: Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 or Wait for Next Year?

[MacRumors]

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through what to expect from the Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3, and whether it's worth holding off on an upgrade until next year.

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The third-generation Apple Watch SE is rumored to feature a larger display (perhaps like the Apple Watch Series 7), the S11 chip, and potentially a plastic casing. It could also available at a slightly lower price point.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will likely feature the S11 chip, 5G RedCap connectivity on cellular models, a "Sleep Score" feature, and potentially hypertension detection. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to also get all of these new features, as well as a slightly larger wide-angle OLED display with a faster refresh rate, and satellite connectivity.

Earlier this week, internal Apple code revealed that the 2026 Apple Watch lineup is poised to get some major enhancements. The new devices will feature Touch ID for biometric authentication, a redesigned chip based on newer CPU technology for improved performance, a revamped design with a new rear sensor array, and more.

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If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's plan to focus on the smart home with a host of new devices and improvements to Siri.

Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

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Article Link: The MacRumors Show: Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 or Wait for Next Year?

 

[East India Company]

Wait

 

[jz0309]

Waiting is always the best choice as you'll never spend any money at all, cause next years tech will be so much better. That trend has been observed now for 40+ years...

Seriously, buy new computing devices when the current one doesn't do its job anymore, and buy the tool that does...

 

[Marcos_Diez]

I own a series 9 and would like to update to an ultra... The Ultra 3 seems like a good upgrade but don't know what to do...

 

[BeerDrinkerDan]

Every release or pending release will be "worse" than the next one coming. Just buy a thing when you need it.

-bdd

 

[StuBeck]

If you need one, buy one, if you don't, don't. The rumors on a generational change for watches seems to be hoping more than anything, I remember how the S6 was going to get Mini LEDs for example.

 

[JCCL]

I have an Ultra 1 but will wait for another year. Doesn't seem the Ultra 3 have much in the way of upgrades. The 2026 watches should have a processor upgrade (which would make it two processing generations over my current ultra) and hopefully a more significant design change. But I'm good for now.

 

[QCassidy352]

I have a S7 and am ready for an upgrade. I’m sure the S12 will be even better, but then the S13 will be better than that…

 

[ELman]

I own a series 9 and would like to update to an ultra... The Ultra 3 seems like a good upgrade but don't know what to do...

I'm the same as you. If the processor in the New Ultra isn't any different than the Series 9 and 10 I'm going to hold off.

 

[Marcos_Diez]

I'm the same as you. If the processor in the New Ultra isn't any different than the Series 9 and 10 I'm going to hold off.

the risk is waiting to 2026 and seeing none of the rumours coming true...

 

[ELman]

the risk is waiting to 2026 and seeing none of the rumours coming true...

The Series 6-8 used the same processor. It seems like Apple is on a 3 year update cycle with the watch processor.

 

[Alp3r]

i'm happy with my slim bezels from watch series 7 (stainless steel).

 

[victorvictoria]

Don't really care about the latest and greatest from Apple. I always wait until it gets released and the price goes down on the previous generations. The Series 10 GPS Apple Watch is down to $299 ($329 for the 46mm version). They have tons of them, and I expect the price to drop even more when the 11 is released.

 

[Applewatch42]

I will be keeping my series 10

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I own a series 9 and would like to update to an ultra... The Ultra 3 seems like a good upgrade but don't know what to do...

Easy enough. Wait to see the new AW Ultra; it is imminent. I have an AWU1 and love it. I feel no need to upgrade but I will look at the new AWU3 display and see if it presents better to my eyes.

I strongly recommend the AWU series, including the AWU1.

 

[subjonas]

My Series 10 is getting long in the tooth. I wish Apple came out with a new watch every 3 months.

 

[SFjohn]

I always get a new  Watch each year. I keep last years watch as well. With 2 watches it’s easy to switch them on the charger, one for a few days, another for a couple more. I return my oldest watch to  for recycling, & get money back from . 😉

 

[heretic51]

I wish I could do this with my AirPods...I have two pairs of pros which I cycle through daily

 

[gsmornot]

It's an easy choice for me. I want to upgrade every version but my financial goals have me keeping the U1 for a little while longer. Other things to focus on at the moment.

 

[SFjohn]

What’s so very special about next year’s  Watch? To wait on this year’s? If this year’s  watch features satellite texting, and you get stuck in a bad situation, having the  watch that’s out next month could be a lifesaver. 😉

 

[gsmornot]

What’s so very special about next year’s  Watch? To wait on this year’s? If this year’s  watch features satellite texting, and you get stuck in a bad situation, having the  watch that’s out next month could be a lifesaver. 😉

True but my phone has the satellite feature now and so far zero use around the cities I am in. Always an edge case I guess but if my time comes, I hope I have my phone on me. If not, I guess it will have to be a signal fire. Ha.

 

[Mikeske]

I have the Ultra 2 which I got before the oxygen sensor was disabled and so I have the oxygen sensor working. At this point I am inclined to just stay with this watch. Now if they offer on watch oxygen sensing and hyper tension monitoring I might look at new Ultra but most likely I stick with what I have. That also goes with the 16 Pro I have as it is fully paid off and I am still at 100% battery health and 94% battery health on the Ultra 2. What I am most interested in is Apples AirPods Pro if they can offer improved hearing aid functionality

 

[rbbloom99]

I always get a new  Watch each year. I keep last years watch as well. With 2 watches it’s easy to switch them on the charger, one for a few days, another for a couple more. I return my oldest watch to  for recycling, & get money back from . 😉

Im same. My series 9 is my day watch, 7 a night watch and my oldest is my travel watch. I bought the 10 but ups lost it and i had to fight with apple for more than 6 weeks to get my credit. (That was a real nightmare)

 

[SFjohn]

Im same. My series 9 is my day watch, 7 a night watch and my oldest is my travel watch. I bought the 10 but ups lost it and i had to fight with apple for more than 6 weeks to get my credit. (That was a real nightmare)

Sorry you lost your 10, I have one and it’s almost impossibly thin compared to the other watches from . 😉