Apple Watch 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch SE 3: All the rumored new features

Apple is about to launch a new set of Apple Watches for 2025. The question is, which models will we actually get? As Tom’s Guide resident smartwatch reviewer, I’m hoping for a hat trick with an Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 all making their debut at today's Apple Event.

Realistically, a Series 11 is all but certain. An Ultra 3 is likely but not a done deal, and I’d place a ‘maybe’ next to the humble Apple Watch SE 3. Having covered all the leaks and rumors for all three devices for a year and change, assuming all three new Apple Watches do arrive, here are the biggest upgrades I expect to see.

Apple Watch Series 11: Biggest rumored upgrades

Seeing as Apple gave its flagship Apple Watch Series 10 a design overhaul with a thinner and lighter case design and bigger OLED screen, it seems unlikely that the Apple Watch Series 11 will look vastly different.

Expect the same size options, 42mm and 46mm, and the same screen dimensions. However, it’s likely that the max brightness will get a bump from 2,000 nits to 3,000 nits to match the competition, namely the Pixel Watch 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.

Like the Ultra 3, the Series 11 is rumored to be getting high blood pressure alerts. No word on whether such a wellness tool will require any new holistic sensors, but you can finally count on blood oxygen tracking (Sp02 monitoring) being available for U.S. customers.

AI tools are a bit of a wildcard. We know that Apple is giving the onboard fitness app some love — we’ve already got a taste for Workout Buddy, the new AI-backed personalized trainer — but I wouldn’t be surprised if other AI health and fitness features debut on the Series 11.

I’m sad to report that there aren’t any rumors strongly hinting at battery life improvements. However, a more efficient processor and perhaps, slight increase in capacity could lead to something better than the same 18-hour battery life rating the series has always had.

Finally, it’s possible the Series 11 will get the rumored SOS satellite messaging feature rumored for the Ultra 3, but given the latter’s positioning as a rugged device for hardcore outdoorsy folk, I could also see it being reserved just for the high-end model.

For more on Apple Watch 11 rumors, check out my Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Series 10 comparison.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Biggest rumored upgrades

It feels like it’s been a million years since we got a new Apple Watch Ultra model. In reality, it’s been just two. With no shortage of Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors to go by, its imminent arrival seems likely.

Given the two-year gap, there’s a strong chance that the Ultra 3 will look a little different the the original Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 before it. Rumors suggest that the case could see a slight size increase to allow for a larger display. This would likely be accompanied by a shrinking of the bezel and overall thickness.

The biggest rumored hardware upgrade for the Ultra 3 is a possible move to a microLED screen. With the advantage of being brighter, longer-lasting, and more power-efficient than OLED, the only other smartwatch on the market with microLED is the $2,000 Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.

Then again, back in March, the idea of microLED on the Ultra 3 was seemingly shot down due to the technology's high cost. So, if no microLED, then what? The Ultra 3 will likely inherit an upgraded version of the LTPO wide-angle OLED screen we saw on the Series 10. If that happens, I'd expect a max brightness increase to 4,000 nits or beyond.

Feature-wise, it seems likely that the Ultra 3 will boast some sort of emergency satellite communication for connecting with help outside of cellular coverage. Google was first to introduce satellite SOS messaging in the Pixel Watch 4, and Garmin followed it up with something similar for the Fenix 8 Pro.

High blood pressure alerts are also rumored to be coming to the Ultra 3. Similar to sleep apnea detection, this feature could potentially tip off users who might not be aware of their condition. After all, according to the World Health Organization, hypertension is a silent killer responsible for roughly 10.8 million avoidable deaths annually worldwide.

Even if microLED doesn’t make an appearance in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, battery life improvements are possible, especially with a larger case potentially accommodating a higher capacity battery.

Beyond that, you can expect faster charging times, a faster and more efficient processor, and possibly some shiny, new AI tools beyond those we’ve already seen via watchOS 26 beta.

For more on the Ultra 3, read my Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 comparison.

Apple Watch SE 3: biggest rumored upgrades

Unlike the Series 11 and Ultra 3, there are far fewer Apple Watch SE 3 rumors. The biggest one is a change in case material from aluminum to either all plastic or some combination of aluminum and plastic. This would, in theory, make the watch both lighter on the wrist and cheaper to produce.

A plastic design could also allow for some bright and bold case colors; iPhone 5C, anyone? Insiders even think that the Apple Watch SE 3 could debut for under $200. Given the fact that Google has pretty much killed off Fitbit, the world could use more affordable, easy-wearing, entry-level options, and a 41mm SE 3 for $199 could fit the bill nicely.

Beyond that, expect the usual generational enhancements, like a slight increase in screen size, pixel density, and maximum output. You can also expect a faster processor and charging. However, battery life improvements beyond 18 hours per charge are from from a sure thing.

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