Apple’s September 2025 “Awe Dropping” event wasn’t just about iPhones and AirPods. It marked a major leap forward in wearable technology with the launch of three new smartwatches: Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3. Each model caters to a distinct audience, yet all share a common thread—smarter health tracking, faster performance, and deeper integration with Apple Intelligence. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an adventurer, or someone seeking a reliable entry into the Apple ecosystem, this new lineup delivers something exceptional.
Apple Watch Series 11: Sleeker, Smarter, Stronger
The Apple Watch Series 11 is the thinnest and most comfortable watch Apple has ever made. With a refined design and a slimmer profile, it’s built for all-day wear without compromising durability. The new Ion-X glass is twice as scratch-resistant as its predecessor, and the aluminum and titanium finishes are crafted from 100 percent recycled materials.
Series 11 introduces 5G connectivity for the first time in a standard Apple Watch, enabling faster data transfer, smoother streaming, and more reliable calls even without an iPhone nearby. The redesigned antenna improves reception across carriers, including expanded support in India.
Health tracking takes a major leap with the addition of hypertension detection. Using optical sensors and machine learning, the watch analyzes cardiovascular patterns over a 30-day period to detect signs of chronic high blood pressure. Apple estimates this feature could help identify over a million undiagnosed cases globally.
Sleep tracking also gets smarter. A new Sleep Score system evaluates sleep duration, consistency, and wake frequency, offering users a detailed breakdown of their nightly rest. Combined with existing features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and cycle tracking, Series 11 becomes a comprehensive health companion.
Battery life has been extended to up to 24 hours on a single charge, and fast charging delivers 8 hours of use in just 15 minutes. Series 11 runs on watchOS 26, which introduces the Liquid Glass interface, new watch faces like Flow and Exactograph, and expanded gesture support including wrist flick and double tap.
Available in Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, Space Grey, and titanium finishes in Natural, Gold, and Slate, the Series 11 starts at ₹46,900 in India and $399 in the US.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Built for the Extreme
For explorers, athletes, and outdoor professionals, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the ultimate tool. It features the largest display ever on an Apple Watch, using LTPO3 OLED technology with thinner bezels and wider viewing angles. The screen is brighter, sharper, and more responsive, even in harsh sunlight or underwater conditions.
Ultra 3 introduces two-way satellite connectivity, allowing users to send emergency messages, share location, and communicate with contacts even when outside cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Apple is offering two years of free satellite service with every Ultra 3 purchase, making it a game-changer for hikers, climbers, and remote workers.
Battery life is a standout feature, offering up to 42 hours of regular use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. The watch supports fast charging and includes a new power management system that intelligently adjusts background processes based on activity.
Health features mirror those of Series 11, including hypertension notifications, Sleep Score, and advanced workout tracking. Ultra 3 adds precision GPS, generative voice coaching via Apple Intelligence, and enhanced support for sports like diving, swimming, cycling, and golf.
The rugged titanium body is available in Natural and Black finishes, designed to withstand extreme environments. The Ultra 3 is priced at ₹89,900 in India and $799 in the US.
Apple Watch SE 3: Affordable, Capable, and Now Always-On
The Apple Watch SE 3 is no longer just the budget option—it’s a feature-rich smartwatch that brings many of Apple’s premium capabilities to a wider audience. Powered by the new S10 chip, SE 3 delivers faster performance, improved efficiency, and smoother animations across watchOS 26.
For the first time, the SE line includes an Always-On display, allowing users to check the time, notifications, and activity rings without raising their wrist. The updated Ion-X glass is four times more crack-resistant, and the aluminum case is made from recycled materials.
Gesture controls like double tap and wrist flick are now supported, making navigation more intuitive. Health features include wrist temperature sensing, retrospective ovulation tracking, sleep apnea alerts, and the same Sleep Score system found in the higher-end models.
Battery life remains at 18 hours, but fast charging now delivers 8 hours of use in under 50 minutes. The SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, with Midnight and Starlight finishes. It starts at ₹25,900 in India and $249 in the US.
watchOS 26 and Apple Intelligence
All three watches run on watchOS 26, which introduces a redesigned interface with Liquid Glass aesthetics, smarter widgets, and new watch faces. Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated, powering features like Workout Buddy, Smart Stack, and Live Translation.
Workout Buddy offers personalized coaching based on your fitness goals, activity history, and biometric data. It adapts in real time, offering encouragement, pacing tips, and recovery suggestions. Smart Stack now includes contextual cards for hydration, sleep, and heart rate, making it easier to stay on top of your health.
Live Translation allows users to translate spoken language directly from the wrist, making travel and multilingual communication more seamless. All processing is done on-device, preserving privacy and ensuring fast results.
Sustainability and Availability
Apple continues its commitment to sustainability with all three models using recycled cobalt in their batteries and packaging made from fiber-based materials. Manufacturing is powered by renewable energy across Apple’s supply chain.
Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 began on September 9, with availability starting September 19 in over 50 countries, including India, the US, UK, Japan, and the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the battery life of each new Apple Watch?
Series 11 offers up to 24 hours, Ultra 3 up to 42 hours (72 in Low Power Mode), and SE 3 up to 18 hours.
Q: Does Apple Watch Series 11 support 5G?
Yes, Series 11 introduces 5G connectivity with improved antenna design for better reception.
Q: What is the Sleep Score feature?
Sleep Score analyzes sleep duration, consistency, and wake frequency to provide a detailed assessment of sleep quality.
Q: Can Ultra 3 send messages without cellular or Wi-Fi?
Yes, Ultra 3 supports two-way satellite communication for emergency messaging and location sharing.
Q: Does SE 3 have an Always-On display?
Yes, for the first time, the SE line includes an Always-On display.
Q: What is the price of Apple Watch SE 3 in India?
It starts at ₹25,900 for the 40mm variant.
Q: Are these watches compatible with Apple Intelligence?
Yes, all three models support Apple Intelligence features like Workout Buddy, Smart Stack, and Live Translation.
Q: When will the new Apple Watches be available?
They will be available starting September 19, 2025, with pre-orders already live.
