Latest Speculations Regarding Apple Watch 11: A Round-Up of Anticipated Upgrades and Features
The highly anticipated Apple Watch Series 11 is set to make its debut, promising exciting new features and enhancements. According to recent reports, the Series 11 is expected to be an iterative upgrade, focusing on performance improvements, health features, and software updates.
Key Expected Hardware Changes
The Series 11 is rumoured to feature a faster S11 processor, offering improved efficiency and performance. This upgrade may free space or power for a larger battery, although battery life gains are likely to be driven by the new chip and software optimisations rather than a dramatically larger battery pack.
Reports also point to new MediaTek modems with 5G RedCap support replacing LTE on cellular models, promising improved connectivity. However, a major exterior redesign is not expected, with the Series 11 described as a modest refresh rather than a full design overhaul.
Health and Sensors
One of the most significant developments for the Series 11 could be the introduction of blood pressure alerts or monitoring capability. While Apple has faced accuracy and regulatory challenges, multiple reports suggest that this feature could be included in the Series 11. However, it may be limited or roll out gradually rather than being a fully validated clinical cuff-replacement at launch.
Existing health sensors, such as ECG, SpO2, sleep, wrist temperature, and irregular rhythm notifications, are expected to remain and be refined. Blood-glucose monitoring, on the other hand, is still expected to be years away and unlikely for the Series 11.
Onboard Camera and Other Hardware Rumours
Contrary to some rumours, a built-in camera is not expected to feature in the Series 11. However, future Apple Watch models may see the introduction of an onboard camera, potentially hidden within the display for the Series 11 and located along the side of the case near the crown for the Ultra Series.
Safety features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS will continue, and may be expanded by software improvements.
Software and Features
watchOS 26 (or watchOS 26-era features) will ship with the Series 11, introducing new fitness and health metrics such as a sleep score and AI-driven workout guidance (Workout Buddy). The public beta of watchOS 26 doesn't include a daily energy score from one to 100 based on recent fitness efforts, sleep quality, and other holistic trends, but it's hoped that this feature will be added when it rolls out this fall.
Potential satellite messaging or expanded emergency connectivity features may be available, though some of those capabilities might be reserved for Apple’s Ultra model.
Uncertainties and Limitations
The readiness of the blood pressure capability is uncertain, with reports conflicted about its readiness. Apple has previously delayed such features for accuracy and regulatory reasons, so availability at launch is uncertain and may be limited to alerts rather than full clinical measurements.
The inclusion of a camera, blood glucose, and major design changes are not supported by authoritative leaks and are unlikely for the Series 11.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach Apple's September event, where we expect to see the official unveiling of the Apple Watch Series 11.
- The Apple Watch Series 11 might include new MediaTek modems with 5G RedCap support, which could offer improved connectivity.
- The Series 11 is anticipated to feature a faster S11 processor, resulting in improved efficiency and performance, but a major exterior redesign is not expected.
