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Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3: Everything we know so far

Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3: Everything we know so far

Update: 2025-09-05
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New Apple Watch 2025: Summary






  • Release date: Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE (3rd-gen) are expected to launch at Apple’s Awe Dropping event on September 9, 2025.




  • Price: Apple Watch Series 11 is likely to start at $399, Ultra 3 from $799, and SE (3rd-gen) from $249.




  • Design: Thought to be similar to the current generation, but with a larger display on Ultra and SE models.




  • Specification changes: Macworld is anticipating upgraded processors, the addition of 5G connectivity (plus satellite for the Ultra), some new health features, and Apple Intelligence integration.




  • Macworld expects: Mostly incremental updates, with the focus on software and AI above hardware changes.






On September 9, Apple will unveil its latest family of smartwatches at its “Awe Dropping” event alongside the iPhone 17. For the first time since 2022, Apple is expected to refresh all three models—Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the 3rd-gen Apple Watch SE—which could bring some long-awaited features.





For one, 2025 may be the year Apple Watch finally gets the long-rumored blood-pressure monitoring. Other hardware changes are thought to be minimal, with most leaks pointing to a new processor, upgraded connectivity, and a slightly larger screen on the Ultra and SE models, but it’s the software and health features that we are expecting to really capture our attention. Full Apple Intelligence probably won’t come to Apple Watch this year, but AI-powered features including Live Translation, Live Listen Trascription, and Workout Buddy are expected.





In this article, the Macworld team uses its expert knowledge of Apple and Apple Watch history to define the Apple Watch rumors most likely to be true. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the soon-to-launch Apple Watch Series 11 series, including when the next Apple Watch will come out, the expected preorder and onsale date, design and display specs, and more.




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The Apple Watch Series 11 is likely to look nearly identical to the Series 10.

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Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry







At a glance: What to expect from new Apple Watch models in 2025





Apple Watch Series 11






  • 42mm and 46mm display options




  • S11 processor




  • 5G cellular




  • High blood pressure detection




  • watchOS 26




  • Priced from $399





Apple Watch Ultra 3






  • 50mm display




  • S11 processor




  • 5G cellular and satellite connectivity




  • High blood pressure detection




  • watchOS 26




  • Priced from $799





Apple Watch SE (3rd-gen)






  • 41mm and 45mm display options




  • S11 processor




  • LTE




  • ECG sensor




  • Always-on display




  • watchOS 26




  • Priced from $249








New Apple Watch 2025 design






  • Apple Watch Series 11: Expected to keep the same 42mm and 46mm sizes as the Series 10, with no major design changes.




  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: Rumored to get a slightly larger 50mm display, but no overall size increase thanks to slimmer bezels. Resolution may increase to 422×514, and a MicroLED display is rumored.




  • Apple Watch SE 3: Likely to grow to 41mm and 45mm, with ongoing speculation about a new plastic model – but production issues may delay it.





Apple updates its mid-range Apple Watch every year, but it doesn’t always deliver major changes. Last year’s Series 10 brought a larger display and thinner design, so the Series 11 will likely stick with the same 42mm and 46mm sizes. This year, all signs point to an Apple Watch Series 11 that is identical in appearance to the Series 10.





The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to have a slightly larger display. A report in August revealed that code in iOS 26 indicates that the Ultra 3 will have a display resolution of 422 by 514, which is an increase from the Ultra 2’s 410 by 502. That likely means it will increase from 49mm to 50mm, though the overall size could stay the same due to shrinking bezels.





The design of the Apple Watch SE is less certain. The current model is based on the Apple Watch Series 5, so there’s a high likelihood that Apple bumps the size to 41mm and 45mm to match the Series 7. There could also be a new material. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported in September 2024 that a plastic SE redesign would arrive in 2025, though in March, he claimed that the plastic Apple Watch SE had run into production issues and was in “serious jeopardy.”





Apple has reportedly been working on a microLED display for the Apple Watch for several years, so it could make an appearance on this year’s models, possibly as an exclusive Apple Watch Ultra 3 feature.





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<svg fill="none" height="12" viewBox="0 0 12 12" width="12" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
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The Apple Watch Seiries 10 introduced a new jet black color option.

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Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry








New Apple Watch 2025 colors






  • Apple Watch Series 11: Expect new hues for 2025.




  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: Expect the same natural and black titanium options.




  • Apple Watch SE 3: Expect brighter, kid-friendly hues.





Apple shuffles its Apple Watch colors every year with new options. The Series 10 is available in silver, rose gold, and jet black in aluminum, and natural, gold, and slate in titanium.





The Apple Watch SE’s rumored redesign is reportedly aimed at being more kid-friendly, so colors more aligned with the bright yellow and pink hues of the iPad are a possibility. The current SE is available in midnight, starlight, and silver.





Finally, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will likely be available in the same natural and

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Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3: Everything we know so far

Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3: Everything we know so far