(Credit: Apple)
Apple is refreshing its entire smartwatch lineup without a price hike, adding things like blood pressure monitoring and enhanced sleep monitoring alongside battery improvement.
(Credit: Eric Zeman/PCMag)Apple Watch Series 11
The $399 Apple Watch Series 11 features a more durable display, longer battery life, and two new health-monitoring features.
- The display was redesigned with a new ceramic process that can double its scratch resistance compared with the Series 10.
- If you buy the cellular model, the product now supports 5G and uses new antennas that can maintain a strong connection without draining battery life.
- The company is promising up to 24 hours of battery life, up from 18 hours on the Series 10.
- For the first time, the watch can also use AI models and the built-in health sensor to detect signs of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, in a wearer. Apple expects to receive FDA clearance soon and launch in 150 countries, including the US and Europe.
- In addition, Apple is improving sleep monitoring with a new “Sleep Score” feature that can help you understand and improve your overall sleep quality.
(Credit: Apple)Apple Watch SE 3
(Credit: Apple)The Apple Watch SE 3 is a budget model that starts at $249. In an appealing sign for consumers, it gets some features normally reserved for more premium versions.
- For the first-time, it’ll offer an always-on display, thanks to the new S10 chip inside.
- You’ll also be able to play media, including podcasts, from the watch’s built-in speaker, meaning you won’t always need to carry your earbuds.
- Another new feature is fast charging, which promises to help the SE 3 charge twice as fast as the previous model.
- In addition, the product receives access to the new Sleep Score monitoring feature.
- The cellular model will also offer 5G connectivity and a more durable glass cover.
- Battery life remains at 18 hours per day.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
(Credit: Eric Zeman/PCMag)The final product, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, is the priciest at $799, and is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and power users looking for even more features. It too will receive access to the hypertension monitoring alerts and Sleep Score functions, along with some exclusive perks:
- The watch is receiving an improved, slightly larger OLED display. It’s now brighter, features thinner borders, but shouldn’t add any extra drain on battery life.
- The Ultra model also supports satellite connectivity, enabling you to message emergency services even in a cellular dead zone or share your location.
- You can also send SMS messages to friends and family over the satellite connectivity, but Apple says this feature requires certain cellular plans.
- The watch features up to 42 hours of regular battery life, but it can be extended up to 72 hours when switched to Low Power mode.
- The cellular version of the product also supports 5G connectivity.
How to Buy a New Apple Watch
(Credit: Apple)All three models launch on Friday, Sept. 19. Preorders open today, but the price will increase if you choose a larger model, the titanium casing, or the cellular capability.