If you’re hunting for a new smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 11 is probably at the top of your list. Apple has packed it with upgrades that matter in everyday use, from a brighter display to smarter health sensors. Let’s break down what you get, how it feels on the wrist, and whether the price matches the value.
The Series 11 keeps the familiar rounded case but drops the corners for a smoother feel. Apple offers aluminum, stainless steel, and a new titanium option, so you can pick a metal that matches your style and budget. The biggest visual change is the always‑on Retina display, now 30% brighter than the Series 10. That means you can read notifications in direct sunlight without squinting.
Buttons stay the same: a side button for power and apps, and the digital crown for scrolling and shortcuts. The crown now has a subtle haptic click that feels a bit more pronounced, which helps when you’re on the move and can’t look at the screen.
Apple’s health focus gets a boost with a new skin temperature sensor and an upgraded ECG that detects irregular heart rhythms faster. The Series 11 also adds a blood‑oxygen monitor that works in the background, giving you a quick glance at how well you’re breathing during workouts.
For fitness fans, the watch introduces a “Dynamic Workout Planner.” It looks at your past sessions and suggests warm‑up, peak, and cool‑down intervals tailored to your goals. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or just doing daily walks, the suggestions feel personal and keep you motivated.
Sleep tracking is deeper, now analyzing REM cycles and giving simple tips to improve rest. If you’re trying to build a healthier routine, the watch’s daily summary shows you how activity, heart rate, and sleep all connect.
All these health features run on watchOS 10, which brings a cleaner home screen and more widget options. You can place a heart‑rate widget right on the main view, so you don’t have to tap into the app each time.
Battery life stays around 18 hours, which is the same as the previous gen, but the new low‑power mode stretches it to a full day even with the always‑on display. Charging is faster too – a 30‑minute charge now gets you up to 80% power.
On the software side, Apple adds “Family Connect,” a built‑in way for parents to share location, set screen‑time limits, and send quick check‑ins without opening a separate app. It works across iPhone, iPad, and the watch, keeping the whole family in sync.
Price starts at £429 for the aluminum model with a 41 mm case, while the stainless steel version starts at £599. The titanium option sits in the middle at £529. If you’re looking for a cheaper entry, older models like the Series 8 still get support and might be enough for basic needs.
So, should you buy the Apple Watch Series 11? If you value a brighter screen, better health tracking, and the latest watchOS features, it’s a solid upgrade. If you’re happy with your current Apple Watch and don’t need the new sensors, holding out for a sale on the Series 10 could save you a few pounds.
Bottom line: the Series 11 feels like a refined version of what Apple already does well. It isn’t a massive redesign, but the incremental upgrades add up, making it the most capable Apple Watch you can get right now.