September 10, 2025 – Apple has announced three new smartwatch models at its annual hardware event, bringing significant health monitoring capabilities and connectivity improvements to its wearable lineup. The Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and Watch SE 3 each target different segments of the market while introducing features previously unavailable in Apple's ecosystem.
Revolutionary Health Monitoring Takes Center Stage
The standout feature across the new lineup is hypertension detection, available on both the Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. Using advanced algorithms that analyze blood vessel responses through the optical heart sensor, the watches can identify patterns suggesting chronic high blood pressure over 30-day periods. Apple projects this feature will help identify undiagnosed hypertension in over one million users within the first year.
The Series 11 also introduces Sleep Score, a comprehensive sleep quality assessment tool that evaluates multiple factors including duration, consistency, wake frequency, and time spent in different sleep stages. This feature aims to help users understand and improve their sleep quality through actionable insights.
Connectivity Breakthrough with 5G and Satellite
All three models receive significant connectivity upgrades. The entire lineup now supports 5G connectivity, replacing the previous LTE technology with improved coverage and reduced battery consumption.
The Ultra 3 breaks new ground as the first Apple Watch to feature satellite connectivity, enabling emergency communications and location sharing through Apple's satellite network when cellular and Wi-Fi signals are unavailable. Users can contact emergency services and send messages via satellite, making the device particularly valuable for outdoor enthusiasts and those venturing into remote areas.
Display and Performance Enhancements
The Ultra 3 features Apple's largest smartwatch display to date, utilizing LTPO3 and wide-angle OLED technology. This advancement results in 24% thinner display borders while maintaining exceptional brightness even when viewed from angles. The device offers up to 42 hours of standard battery life, extending to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
The SE 3 receives a significant upgrade with the new S10 chip, replacing the S8 processor from its predecessor. This enhancement enables always-on display functionality for the first time in the SE line, along with support for gesture controls including double-tap and wrist flick. Despite these additions, the SE 3 maintains 18-hour battery life and now supports fast charging. The model also gains wrist temperature sensing capabilities, enabling retrospective ovulation estimates and enhanced health tracking through the Vitals app.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399 and comes in four finishes: Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, and Space Gray. It offers 24-hour battery life with the new 5G connectivity.
The premium Apple Watch Ultra 3 is priced from $799 and is available in Black and Natural Titanium finishes, targeting users who need robust features and extended battery life.
The entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 maintains an accessible $249 starting price while delivering significant upgrades. It's available in 40mm and 44mm sizes with Midnight and Starlight aluminum cases.
Market Implications
These releases demonstrate Apple's strategy of differentiating its watch lineup through targeted features while maintaining core health and connectivity improvements across all models. The introduction of satellite connectivity in the Ultra 3 positions Apple to compete more directly with specialized outdoor and emergency communication devices, while the enhanced health monitoring capabilities across the range reinforce the company's focus on preventive healthcare.
The hypertension detection feature, in particular, represents a significant step forward in wearable health technology, potentially transforming how millions of users monitor and manage their cardiovascular health. Combined with the improved connectivity options and display technologies, Apple's latest watches continue to push the boundaries of what consumers expect from wearable technology.