Besides giving the Apple Watch SE a new update, the Cupertino-based company has also launched the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 at its “Awe Dropping” event. While the design tweaks are subtle, the real highlights lie in health-focused upgrades, longer battery life, and better connectivity — including 5G and satellite support.
Design and display updates
The Apple Watch Series 11 comes in 42mm and 46mm case sizes, with aluminium models offered in Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver, and a new Space Grey. For those who prefer titanium, options include Natural, Gold, and Slate.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 retains its single case size and is available in Natural and Black Titanium. Its display gets a significant refresh — bezels are 24% thinner, making room for the largest Apple Watch display yet. The LTPO 3 wide-angle OLED panel improves brightness at off-angles and enables Always-On Display to show the second hand.
A new Waypoint watch face also debuts on Ultra 3, giving users a live compass, easy access to satellite tools, and a quick Night Mode toggle to preserve night vision.
Powering both watches is still the same S10 chip from last year’s Apple Watch Series 10.
Hypertension notifications and health features
The standout health feature this year is hypertension detection. Using the optical heart sensor, Apple Watch can passively analyse how blood vessels respond to each heartbeat. Over 30 days of data, an algorithm trained on studies with over 100,000 participants can flag consistent signs of high blood pressure.
Apple validated the feature in a clinical study of more than 2,000 people. If a notification is triggered, users are advised to log their blood pressure for seven days with a cuff and share results with their provider — consistent with American Heart Association guidelines.
Regulatory clearance is expected soon, with rollout planned in 150+ regions, including the US and EU. Hypertension notifications will be available on Series 9 and later, and Ultra 2 and later, with WatchOS 26.
Another addition is Sleep Score, which evaluates sleep duration, bedtime consistency, wake frequency, and time spent in each stage. Apple says the system is based on guidance from leading sleep organisations and trained on more than 5 million nights of study data.
Battery life, 5G, and satellite connectivity
Battery life sees a solid bump across the lineup. The Series 11 now lasts up to 24 hours — up from 18 hours. The Ultra 3 stretches this even further, hitting 42 hours, or 72 hours in Low Power Mode. For outdoor athletes, continuous GPS + heart rate tracking now runs up to 20 hours in Low Power Mode.
All new models — including the SE 3 — gain 5G connectivity in their cellular versions.
Exclusive to Ultra 3 is two-way satellite communication, keeping users connected even off the grid. You can message friends, family, or emergency services, share your location every 15 minutes via Find My, and even send SMS through satellite. If the watch detects a hard fall or crash while you’re disconnected, it can automatically relay your status and location to emergency responders.
WatchOS 26 and new software features
Both new models run watchOS 26, which brings Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence. This feature analyses workout history and live data — heart rate, pace, distance, Activity rings — to deliver personalised voice coaching via Bluetooth headphones, as long as an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone is nearby.
The Series 11 also gets two exclusive watch faces:
- “Flow”: Liquid Glass numerals
- “Exactograph”: A modern spin on regulator clocks, separates hours, minutes, and seconds for precision
A handy new wrist flick gesture also debuts, letting you dismiss notifications, silence alarms, or stop timers.
New bands across the lineup
Apple continues its tradition of fresh bands for each release.
For Series 11:
- New seasonal colours like Forest, Neon Yellow, Anchor Blue, and Purple Fog
- Nike Sport Band and Sport Loop refreshed in new shades
- Hermès introduces the Faubourg Party knit band with a matching animated watch face, plus a narrow Grand H metal link for the 42mm model
For Ultra 3:
- Trail Loop now has reflective yarn edges for visibility
- New colourways for Ocean Band and Alpine Loop
- Hermès adds two En Mer colours and debuts the Scub’H Diving band — a rubber strap with a titanium buckle designed for underwater use
Apple Watch Series 11 & Ultra 3 pricing and availability in Malaysia
Apple Watch Series 11
- Aluminium 42mm (GPS) – from RM1,799
- Aluminium 42mm (GPS + Cellular) – from RM2,299
- Aluminium 46mm (GPS) – from RM1,949
- Aluminium 46mm (GPS + Cellular) – from RM2,449
- Titanium 42mm (GPS + Cellular) – from RM3,299
- Titanium 46mm (GPS + Cellular) – from RM3,549
Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Alpine Loop – RM3,699
- Trail Loop – RM3,699
- Ocean Band – RM3,699
- Titanium Milanese Loop – RM4,199
At the time of writing, Apple has yet to announce availability details for its 2025 Apple Watch models in Malaysia.
