A fresh lineup of Apple Watch models is set to debut soon. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will undoubtedly capture significant attention, but the new Apple Watch Series 11 is also on the horizon—here are the speculated new features.
## #1: Enhanced S11 SiP
While the iPhone incorporates A-class chips like A18 and Macs and iPads frequently use M-class chips such as M4, the Apple Watch utilizes an S-class SiP (“System in Package”). Last year, the Apple Watch Series 10 introduced a new S10 SiP. Although Apple doesn’t consistently present new SiPs every year, recent leaks have suggested that S11 is definitely arriving this year. The S11 SiP in the Apple Watch Series 11 should bring performance enhancements that are particularly important for new AI functionalities arriving with watchOS 26. It may also allow for new exclusive features, as SiP upgrades sometimes can.
## #2: High Blood Pressure Monitoring
Health and fitness are vital reasons many individuals opt for an Apple Watch. This year, a significant new health feature is anticipated. High blood pressure monitoring is reportedly coming with the Apple Watch Series 11. This feature will utilize new sensors included in the Watch, alerting users to possible hypertension. Mark Gurman clarifies:
>The blood-pressure functionality…is intended to operate similarly to Apple’s sleep apnea monitor. While it won’t provide users with specific measurements—like diastolic or systolic readings—it will notify them that they might be experiencing hypertension.
Hypertension monitoring could greatly influence how users are informed about a crucial medical condition. This aligns well with many existing health features of the Apple Watch.
## #3: 5G Cellular Capability
Longtime fans of Apple may recall that when 5G was introduced to the iPhone in 2020, Apple made a considerable fuss about it. Five years on, the company has deployed 5G on both iPhone and iPad, yet the Apple Watch still only operates on 4G LTE. According to Bloomberg, that is set to change this year. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will support 5G cellular, and the Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to do the same. 5G will be incorporated through a specialized ‘5G RedCap’ service designed for low power consumption devices like wearables. This change comes as Apple transitions away from Intel for its Apple Watch modem supplier, opting for MediaTek’s cellular modems instead.
## Apple Watch Series 11 Features: Conclusion
In summary, last year’s Series 10 introduced a broader range of enhancements than what we anticipate from the Apple Watch Series 11. The new, larger LTPO3 OLED screen, a slimmer case, quicker charging, and the enhanced speaker were all robust upgrades. Even though features such as screen and case size are expected to remain unchanged, Apple may still introduce an appealing new material finish or a trendy new color. Speculation around features has generally been less pronounced this year. This could indicate either that not many changes are on the way, or Apple has some surprises ready to unveil.
What new features do you wish to see in an Apple Watch Series 11? Share your thoughts in the comments.
