Apple Watch Series 11: price, release date, features

TL;DR:

Series 11 was announced on September 9, 2025, with preorders open now and release on September 19.
Apple says battery life rises to 24 hours, the first big bump for the line.
New health tools include hypertension notifications and a sleep score.
5G arrives on Apple Watch for faster downloads and better signal.
Prices start at $399 for 42 mm, $429 for 46 mm.

Apple introduced Apple Watch Series 11 at its September event on September 9, 2025. Preorders began the same day, and retail availability is Friday, September 19, 2025. Apple frames this update around battery life, tougher glass, 5G, and two new health features.

Key upgrades at a glance

24-hour battery life. Apple raises the rated runtime to a full day. Fast charge gives up to eight hours from a 15-minute top-up
5G connectivity. Redesigned antennas aim to improve speed and reception in weak areas.
Hypertension notifications. A background, 30-day algorithm reviews heart sensor data and warns of signs of chronic high blood pressure. Clearance is expected soon, with wide rollout planned this month.
Sleep score. New scoring in the Sleep app explains quality using time, stages, and wake events.
Tougher glass. Aluminum models get Ion-X glass with a ceramic coating, which Apple claims is 2x more scratch-resistant. Titanium models keep sapphire.

Models, sizes, colors, and price

Series 11 comes in 42 mm and 46 mm sizes. Aluminum finishes include new space gray, jet black, rose gold, and silver. Polished titanium comes in natural, gold, and slate. Prices start at $399 for 42 mm, $429 for 46 mm, with preorders live and deliveries from September 19.

What is actually new vs Series 10

Series 10 held at 18 hours of rated life. Series 11 moves to 24 hours, which MacRumors calls the first clear step up for the line. If you sleep-track, this change matters, since you can wear it through the night more often.

Glass is stronger on aluminum models due to a new ceramic coating bonded at an atomic level. That should help with desk scuffs and gym gear. Titanium models keep sapphire on the front.

5G is new to Apple Watch. Apple says the modem and antenna design boost throughput and improve reception when coverage is weak. If you stream music, download maps, or use data without your phone, you should feel the gain.

Health features in detail

Hypertension notifications use optical heart sensor trends over 30 days. If your data shows consistent signs, the watch sends an alert and suggests a follow-up plan with a cuff and your provider. Apple says global clearance is expected soon and targets more than 150 countries and regions this month.

Sleep score turns nightly data into a simple number with clear breakdowns. It follows guidance from leading sleep bodies and uses millions of nights of study data to shape the algorithm.

These join ECG, irregular rhythm notices, blood oxygen, wrist temperature, and sleep apnea alerts on supported models.

watchOS 26 highlights

Series 11 ships with watchOS 26. The update brings the Liquid Glass look, a wrist-flick gesture for one-hand use, Workout Buddy with Apple Intelligence help, Live Translation in Messages, and a built-in Notes app. Apple plans the public release on Monday, September 15, 2025 for supported watches.

Who should upgrade

From Series 7, 8, or 9: You gain battery headroom, 5G, and the new health tools. If you often run dry by night, this is a clear win.
From Series 10: Upgrade only if 24-hour battery, 5G, or tougher glass solve pain points. The design stays familiar.
Choosing between models: If you need the longest life and outdoor features, consider Ultra 3. If you want value, SE 3 is cheaper and now adds an Always-On display.

Quick specs table

Area	Series 11 details
Sizes	42 mm, 46 mm
Battery	Up to 24 hours, 15-minute fast charge for up to 8 hours
Connectivity	5G on cellular models, redesigned antennas
Health	Hypertension notifications, Sleep score, ECG, SpO₂, temperature
Durability	Aluminum: Ion-X with ceramic coating, 2x scratch resistance; Titanium: sapphire
Finishes	Aluminum: new space gray, jet black, rose gold, silver; Titanium: natural, gold, slate
Software	watchOS 26 with Liquid Glass UI, wrist flick, Workout Buddy
Price	From $399 (42 mm), $429 (46 mm), deliveries from Sep 19, 2025

Sources: Apple press release and product pages, with pricing cross-checked against MacRumors’ roundup.

Buying tips

Pick size by wrist width and battery needs. The 46 mm model usually lasts a little longer in practice.
If you go cellular, confirm 5G support with your carrier in your country.
Add AppleCare if you are hard on glass, even with the new coating.
Set Sleep and Vitals up on day one to build a baseline.

Why it matters

Apple lifted the battery ceiling at last, added 5G, and pushed health forward with hypertension alerts and a clearer sleep score. That tightens the link between daily wear and useful health trends. It also gives fence-sitters a simple reason to upgrade.

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