Apple Watch Series 11: New Features and Expectations for the Launch

08/09/2025 Wearable Technology

Alright, folks, the countdown is on! We're just about a month away from Apple's big September event, where I expect they'll unveil the new Apple Watch Series 11. Last year, we saw some great display upgrades, and this year, the buzz is all about potential new health features. So, let's dive into the rumors and see what might be in store.

First up: the chip. Apple's likely cooking up an updated S11 chip. What does that mean for you? Well, think more compact, more efficient. We could see improvements in processor performance, which translates to better battery life. And who doesn't want that? Plus, it could free up some space inside for a bigger battery or other cool components. I'm personally hoping for a battery that lasts at least two full days – that would be a game-changer!

There is also speculation about connectivity. The Series 11 might adopt new modems from MediaTek with 5G RedCap support. Now, 5G RedCap is a 5G service tailored for wearables. While current Apple Watch models are stuck with LTE speeds, 5G RedCap could bring some serious connectivity boosts. It would be interesting to see how this will impact the user experience, specially for users that rely on the watch when working out or during travels.

Health Monitoring on Steroids?. The rumor mill is churning about blood pressure monitoring. Apple's been working on this, but it's been a bumpy road with accuracy and reliability issues. If it does make it to the Series 11, don't expect precise readings like a traditional cuff. Instead, it'll likely monitor for hypertension.

Imagine this: Your watch detects a pattern of high blood pressure and alerts you. It's like an early warning system, similar to the existing atrial fibrillation detection. You can then share this info with your doctor for further evaluation. I think it's a fantastic example of how technology can empower us to take better care of our health, offering peace of mind.

What About the Software?

The Apple Watch Series 11 will run watchOS 26, which is currently in beta. One exciting feature is the "Workout Buddy". Apparently, it uses a text-to-speech generative AI model created using voice data from real Apple Fitness+ trainers to motivate you during workouts.

Sleep Score and More: Delving into the code of iOS 26, hints suggest Apple might be introducing a sleep score feature for the Apple Watch. While details are scarce, it could provide a daily score predicting your performance based on the previous night's sleep. Although watchOS 26 lacks any indication of this feature, it might be exclusive to the 2025 Apple Watch models, representing a significant advancement in sleep tracking capabilities.

Also, let's not forget that 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. While we did see a slimmer design with the Series 10, the rumored new band attachment system didn't materialize. I'm not holding my breath for new bands this year, but Apple might acknowledge the anniversary in some other way. Maybe a special edition watch face? Or a limited-edition color? Time will tell.

One last thing: Blood oxygen monitoring remains unavailable on Apple Watch models sold in the United States, and there's no indication that it'll be back with the Series 11.