The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces a highly requested feature: extended battery life.
Aside from that, the new model serves as a direct successor to the Series 10, retaining its design, dimensions, and features. Most enhancements are software-based, solidifying its position as one of the top smartwatches available, despite limited physical changes.
Starting at just 369 pounds in the UK (449 euros/$399/$679), the Series 11 sits below the watch SE at the low end and 749 pounds Ultra 3 at the high end.
The Series 11 is available in Space Gray, a hue first seen with the iPhone 5s in 2013. Old trends make a comeback. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Similar to last year’s Series 10, this new version is only 9.7mm thick, making it comfortable to wear at night and easily tucked under cuffs. It’s lightweight and user-friendly.
The vibrant 2,000 knit OLED display is bright for indoor and outdoor use, and remains legible from various angles. The glass is reportedly twice as scratch-resistant as its predecessors, though it doesn’t quite match the hardness of the sapphire used in more expensive titanium models.
The new watch incorporates the same S10 chip as previous versions, now with optional 5G connectivity, ensuring strong reception for outdoor activities. Battery capacity has increased by 9% for 42mm models and 11% for 46mm models.
In sleep tracking tests without exercise, the 46mm version lasted two days. Most users can expect around two days and nights before needing a recharge, which takes 66 minutes with a power adapter over 20W (not included), reaching about 70% in just 30 minutes. During a run, it tracks for roughly eight hours—enough for one or two marathons.
Specifications
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Case Size: 42 or 46mm
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Case Thickness: 9.7mm
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Weight: Approximately 30g or 37g
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Processor: S10
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Storage: 64GB
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Operating System: WatchOS 26
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Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 ATM)
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Sensors: HR, ECG, SpO2, Temperature, Depth, Microphone, Speaker, NFC, GNSS, Compass, Altimeter
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Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 4, NFC, UWB, Optional 5G
WatchOS 26
The Flow Watch face is engaging, though reading the time at a glance can be challenging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Series 11 ships with WatchOS 26, compatible with all models from the Series 6 onward. A new liquid glass design introduces semi-transparent elements and two additional monitoring interfaces: a large digital face called Flow that reacts to movement, and an Analog Face that segments hours, minutes, and seconds into custom dials.
One of the standout features is the wrist flick gesture. This allows you to quickly twist your wrist to dismiss notifications and return to the watch face without lifting your wrist to look at it, enabling you to silence alarms with a satisfying motion.
Hypertension, Sleep, and AI Workouts
Hypertension alerts utilize the optical sensor located on the back, the same one used for heart rate and blood oxygen readings; no pressure cuffs needed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Apple Watch retains the extensive health monitoring tools of its predecessor while introducing new features and a revamped training app.
Hypertension alerts now observe potential high blood pressure over 30 days, notifying users if heart rate data indicates possible hidden issues.
The updated sleep score metric simplifies Apple’s sleep tracking, akin to offerings from competitors like Google and Samsung. Each morning, users receive a score out of 100 based on factors such as duration, bedtime, and interruptions, all easily understood within the iPhone health app.
A sleep score helps you gauge sleep quality, allowing for detailed assessments as needed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Workout Buddy acts as an AI coach, leveraging past training data to offer motivational talk before and after workouts. It tracks your training frequency and effort level, providing audible updates during your exercise, including alerts for milestones like pace, heart rate, distance, and time.
Three voice options deliver updates through Bluetooth headphones in any of the 12 supported activities, including walking, running, and cycling. However, functionality may depend on being in proximity to an iPhone 15 Pro or later to avoid interruptions while training.
Sustainability
The recycled aluminum frame offers a premium, slim, and comfortable fit. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple states that the battery should last for 1,000 or more charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity, and can be replaced for £95. Repair costs range from between £295 and £389, depending on the model.
The watch comprises over 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, titanium, tungsten, among others. Apple provides trade-in options and free recycling of devices, addressing the environmental impact of its products.
Price
The Series 11 is available in two sizes (42 and 46mm) with options for materials and 5G support, which necessitates a compatible phone plan for eSIM. Prices start at £369 (€449/$399/$679), with the 5G model requiring an additional £100 (€120/$100/$170).
For reference, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 retails at £749, while the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at £219, and the Google Pixel Watch 4 is priced at £349. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is available for £294.
Verdict
The Series 11 keeps the successful Apple Watch formula intact, enhancing it with improved glass and longer battery life.
With its slim profile, quick charging, and two-day battery life, it proves convenient for sleep tracking and silent alarms. The wrist flick gesture stands out as a feature every watch should embrace, and compatibility with earlier Apple Watch straps and chargers is a significant advantage. Price drops in the UK are also appreciated.
Users may need time to adjust to the glass-like appearance of WatchOS 26, but the software operates similarly while introducing valuable additions like hypertension alerts. The Workout Buddy proves particularly useful, offering positive experiences though reliant on mobile exercise.
Overall, the Series 11 ranks among the finest smartwatches for iPhone users. Those with older models, like the Series 6, can expect a substantial upgrade. However, this year, it faces competition from the revamped Watch SE 3, which serves as a compelling alternative.
Pros: Exceptional screen visibility, sleek design, double tap and wrist flick gestures, top-notch health monitoring, impressive activity tracking, AI coaching via Workout Buddy, 50m water resistance, two-day battery life, optional 5G connectivity, long software support, eco-friendly materials, and backward compatibility with previous Apple Watch straps.
Cons: Premium pricing, limited to iPhone users, lacks customizable faces for third-party watches, and maintains a similar aesthetic to prior models.
Source: www.theguardian.com
