Apple has introduced the Apple Watch Series 11, bringing major new health capabilities, improved connectivity, and a refined design. Announced alongside the iPhone 17 lineup at the company’s September 2025 event, the new smartwatch features hypertension detection, a Sleep Score metric, 5G connectivity, and a tougher display, making it Apple’s most advanced wearable to date.
Hypertension detection is the centerpiece of this release. Rather than taking direct blood pressure readings, the watch uses its optical heart sensor to analyze how blood vessels respond to heartbeats, running in the background over 30-day periods. If consistent signs of chronic high blood pressure are detected, the watch will notify the user. Apple developed this feature using machine learning trained on data from over 100,000 participants and validated in a clinical trial with 2,000 people. With FDA and international approvals expected soon, the company believes it will alert more than one million people to undiagnosed hypertension within the first year. The feature will also be available on Apple Watch Series 9 and later models with watchOS 26.
Apple is also introducing Sleep Score, a data-driven way to measure nightly rest. Informed by guidance from leading sleep organizations and developed using over 5 million nights of sleep data, Sleep Score rates a user’s rest based on duration, consistency, nighttime interruptions, and time spent in each stage. Results appear in the Sleep app and Health app, with complications and Smart Stack widgets providing quick access.
Beyond health, Apple has enhanced the Series 11 in durability and connectivity. Aluminum models now use Ion-X glass with a ceramic coating that doubles scratch resistance, while titanium models retain sapphire glass for maximum toughness. Cellular models gain 5G connectivity for faster downloads and stronger signal performance, thanks to a redesigned antenna system. Battery life is extended to 24 hours, and just 15 minutes of charging provides up to eight hours of use.
The watchOS 26 update introduces features powered by Apple Intelligence. Workout Buddy delivers personalized spoken motivation during exercise, while a new wrist flick gesture provides one-handed control. Apple has added new watch faces, including Flow and Exactograph, along with Smart Stack hints, Live Translation in Messages, a Notes app for the wrist, and phone features like Hold Assist and Call Screening when paired with iPhone.
Apple is also emphasizing sustainability with this release. The Series 11 is made with 40% recycled content, including 100% recycled cobalt in the battery and fully recycled aluminum or titanium in the case. Titanium versions are manufactured with 3D printing to cut raw material usage in half. The packaging is entirely fiber-based, and the product is manufactured using renewable energy as part of Apple’s 2030 carbon-neutral goal.
The Apple Watch Series 11 comes in 42mm and 46mm case sizes. Aluminum finishes include Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, and a new Space Gray, while polished titanium models are offered in Natural, Gold, and Slate. The Hermès edition returns with new Faubourg Party and Grand H metal link bands, and the seasonal lineup includes new band colors such as forest, neon yellow, anchor blue, and purple fog. Pricing starts at $399, with pre-orders open now and availability beginning September 19 in over 50 countries, including the U.S., UK, Japan, and the UAE.
With these additions, the Series 11 continues Apple’s strategy of expanding the Apple Watch beyond fitness into proactive health monitoring, everyday convenience, and environmental responsibility.
