The next Apple Watch Series 11 might bring a couple of friends to the party if the latest buzz is any indication. Apple’s big launch event is still a few months away (and not yet official), but there are already plenty of rumors to unpack. And it’s not just the Series 11 in the spotlight; this year’s lineup might also include new versions of the Ultra and the SE. Some predictions, like new sensors or improved battery life, feel within reach for this cycle, while others, like foldable screens or in-display cameras, may still be years away. From the realistic to the far-fetched, here’s a closer look at what could be coming to the Apple Watch lineup this fall.
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Launch date
Unless there’s a massive glitch in the universe, I have it on good authority that we can expect the Apple Watch Series 11 this September, alongside the rumored iPhone 17. Apple has consistently announced a new Apple Watch every year since its 2014 debut. Except for the first-gen model, they all launched at the yearly iPhone event in September.
What’s less predictable is the release date. Traditionally, the new model goes on sale anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after the keynote (which is what we expect for 2025), though recent years have seen delays due to production issues. It’s also unclear how newly imposed tariffs will affect the new watch’s launch and price in 2025.
The Apple Watch Series 11 will follow last year’sApple Watch Series 10which earned a CNET Editor’s Choice Award. Apple sells other models too, like theApple Watch Ultra 2,which came out in 2023 and theApple Watch SE,which dropped in 2022. While Apple doesn’t say anything about future products, we are fortunate that there are numerous rumors for all Apple Watch models. Here’s what leakers and Apple analysts say we can expect for the next Apple Watch(es).
How many Apple Watches will we get this year?
We’re definitely getting a Series 11, and there’s a good chance we’ll see an updated Ultra and SE model, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Apple analyst Mark Gurman. The Apple Watch Ultra and the cheaper SE line haven’t exactly followed a predictable upgrade cycle, but last year’s absence could prove a strong clue that 2025 could be the year we get all three again. The Series 10 took the spotlight in 2024 as the only smartwatch announced that year. The new Ultra and Series 11 are mostly expected to look the same, while the SE could be getting a refreshed exterior according to Gurman. And the Ultra could get satellite connectivity and 5G RedCap network access that would bring even the most remote adventures “on the grid”.
Apple Watch design
With last year’s redesign still fresh, the Series 11 will likely look similar to the Series 10 and feature the same large edge-to-edge screen (still 42mm and 46mm) that’s brighter, lighter and thinner bezels than its predecessors. Any design tweaks would probably be minor and driven by new technology under the hood.
According toMacrumorsthe Apple Watch might get a more energy-efficient screen, maybe an LTPO display with higher resolution and better brightness, which, on paper, could help improve the battery life. This could be reserved for the higher-end Ultra 3, which will likely otherwise keep its original design.
The more adorable SE, however, could see a more extensive design overhaul. It would still have the body of the Series 8and,according to Gurmanget several upgrades from the Series 10, like an always-on display.
Apple Watch processor
Apple typically bumps up the processor with every new smartwatch, so we should see an Apple S11 chip this time around for at least the Series 11 and Ultra 3. The Ultra 3 is also rumored to get satellite connectivity and 5G support, but according to Gurman, these features likely won’t make it to the Series 11. Considering last gens’ upgrade cycle, my personal bet would also be on the SE getting a processor bump up to the S9 chip, currently found in the Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9.
The Apple Watch could take some design cues from visionOS on the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Additional future Apple Watch surprises
There’s another rumor floating around that the Apple Watch could get a camera— not for selfies (this isn’t 2015, after all) but for AI-based image recognition. With the release of Apple Intelligence, Apple introduced a visual search tool on the iPhone that uses the camera to provide relevant information about objects and places.
According to a report by GurmanApple is exploring this option, and even if the company decides to move forward with the technology, it likely wouldn’t make its way to the Apple Watch until the 2027 models. While it’s not expected for this launch, it could hint what kind of AI integration will arrive with WatchOS 12. By contrast, WatchOS 11 lacks any Apple Intelligence features.
WatchOS 12 may also give us clues about the direction Apple is taking with Apple Intelligence on the Watch and could hint at new hardware features as well. The new operating system is expected to be unveiled at Apple’s annual developers conference, WWDC 2025which is scheduled for the week of June 5.