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 new Apple Watch Series 11 series, the new Apple Watch Ultra and the updated SE model, all of which a Macworld source has confirmed will be launching at the event. Read on for details of when the next Apple Watch will come out, the expected preorder and on-sale date, design and display specs, and more.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is likely to look nearly identical to the Series 10.
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 & dimensions
- 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.
The Apple Watch Seiries 10 introduced a new jet black color option.
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 black titanium options.
New Apple Watch 2025 features & specs
- Health: Apple Watch Series 11 may add blood-pressure monitoring, while watchOS 26 brings AI features like Workout Buddy.
- Connectivity: 5G rumored for Series 11 and Ultra 3; Ultra 3 may get satellite messaging.
- AI features: Live transcription, translation, adaptive notifications, and contextual suggestions via Apple Intelligence on iPhone.
- Processor: All new models are expected to use the new S11 chip, but with no major performance gains.
Health and fitness
The Apple Watch gets new exclusive health features nearly every year. We haven’t heard rumors about any new health sensors, but blood-pressure monitoring, which was once rumored to arrive on the Apple Watch Series 10, is expected to debut on this year’s model. Apple is also exploring non-invasive blood-glucose monitoring, though rumors say it’s still years away from release.
watchOS 26 will be pre-installed on the new watches, bringing several new health and fitness-related features, including an AI-powered Workout Buddy that analyzes your usage data and fitness metrics to create personalized insights and pep talks, and customization options that let you set up suitable playlists and podcasts to play during workouts. It will also have a new gesture to dismiss notifications and a smarter Smart Stack watch face.
Petter Ahrnstedt
5G and satellite
The Apple Watch has had an option for LTE cellular connectivity since the Series 3. With every other cellular-enabled device in Apple’s lineup using 5G, it’s rumored that the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 will switch to 5G. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also rumored to support satellite messaging as an exclusive feature.
Apple Intelligence
While the Apple Watch doesn’t officially support Apple Intelligence, a few AI-powered features are coming to Apple’s smartwatch using a paired iPhone. Live Listen transcription and Live Translation will automatically transcribe phone calls and messages on your Apple Watch screen in real time. Workout Buddy will use Apple Intelligence from your iPhone to provide you with words of encouragement based on your workout data and fitness history.
Other AI-powered features coming in watchOS 26 include automatic volume adjustment, so that notifications are adjusted depending on your environment. And new Smart Stack hints that will make proactive, context-aware suggestions when your watch detects a specific situation like an appointment or new location.
There will also likely be AI features exclusive to the new watches, though we don’t expect this year’s models to fully support Apple Intelligence yet.
S11 processor
The Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 are rumored to have the S11 CPU. However, reports say the chip will use the same architecture as the S10 and S9, which means it won’t have any speed or efficiency upgrades.
The Apple Watch SE hasn’t been updated since 2022.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
New Apple Watch 2025 release date
- Announcement date: 9 September, 2025 (TBC).
- Preorder date: 9 September, 2025 (TBC).
- Onsale date: 19 September, 2025 (TBC).
Apple will unveil the new Apple Watch models at the “Awe Dropping” event on September 9 – check out our Apple September event guide for the latest coverage. For the past several years, preorders for the watches have begun as soon as the event ends, with shipments arriving on Friday, September 19.
According to information shared by an anonymous and reliable leaker with a private account on X, Apple will indeed introduce three new Apple Watch models at the event.
New Apple Watch 2025 price
- Apple Watch Series 11: From $399 (TBC).
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: From $799 (TBC).
- Apple Watch SE 3: From $249 (TBC).
Apple hasn’t changed its pricing structure since the Apple Watch Series 3, and we haven’t heard any rumors that say otherwise. That means the Series 11 will start at $399 for the 42mm model, and $429 for the larger 46mm version, with an extra $100 for cellular, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will likely cost $799/£799 (which includes cellular connectivity).
The Apple Watch SE currently starts at $249/£219, but can often be found for as low as $189 at Amazon U.S. With the rumors of a new plastic design, it’s possible the Apple Watch SE gets another price cut, as it did when the 2nd-gen model arrived in 2022.
New Apple Watch 2025 FAQ
FAQ
When is the new Apple Watch coming out?
The new Apple Watch is actually three watches – Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE (3rd-gen). It is expected to be announced at Apple’s Awe Dropping event on September 9, 2025. Historically, preorders have begun immediately, with devices shipping the following Friday. So, the new Apple Watch could be on your wrist on September 19, 2025.
How much will the new Apple Watch cost?
Apple is not expected to increase its Watch pricing in 2025. This means Apple Watch Series 11 should start at $399, Apple Watch Ultra 3 should start at $799, and the third-gen Apple Watch SE should start at $249.
Will the new Apple Watch include blood pressure monitoring?
Blood pressure monitoring was expected to arrive in the previous generation – Apple Watch Series 10 – and is now widely tipped to arrive in Apple Watch Series 11 in 2025. However, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is still thought to be a few years off.
Will the new Apple Watch have Apple Intelligence?
Probably not in full, but Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are expected to have AI-powered features, including Live Translation, Live Listen Transcription, and Workout Buddy.
Will the new Apple Watch support satellite connectivity?
Satellite connectivity is expected to be exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Will the new Apple Watch be faster?
The new Apple Watches will almost certainly see a processor upgrade to the S11 chip. It is thought to use the same architecture as the S10 and S9 chips, which means the new Apple Watch will not see a speed or efficiency upgrade from new hardware.
What will the new Apple Watch look like?
The new Apple Watch is thought to look very much like the current Apple Watch. The Ultra 3 and SE (3rd-gen) may feature a slightly larger screen, and we may see some new color options.
What colors will the new Apple Watch come in?
It is not yet known what colors Apple Watch Series 11 will come in, since Apple tweaks this line-up each year. However, the Ultra 3 will probably come in the same natural and titanium options as previous generations, while the SE (3rd-gen) is tipped to get a kid-friendly upgrade with brighter pink and yellow hues.
Will the new Apple Watch be called Series 26?
No. While Apple is moving its software numbering into line with the year it is available, it is not expected to be doing the same with its hardware. The new Apple Watch will be known as Apple Watch Series 11, while Ultra 3 and SE (3rd-gen) models are also expected to make an appearance.
Will the new Apple Watch battery life be better?
The expectation is that the battery life will largely remain consistent with the previous model. However, the introduction of an Apple-made Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip aims to reduce power consumption, which could improve overall battery performance. Note that a Optimized Battery Charging feature is enabled by default on Apple Watches to improve battery health and longevity.
Apple’s Awe Dropping event is set for September 9, 2025. Want to know what to expect? We’re anticipating new hardware releases including the iPhone 17 (running iOS 26), Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3rd-gen (running watchOS 26), and potentially new AirPods. Find out how, when, and where to watch the Apple September Event, and keep tuned to our Event Guide for all the latest coverage. If you just can’t wait, here’s our satirical take on the Apple September Event keynote script – and don’t miss the Macworld Podcast iPhone event preview.
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