Apple has once again shifted the goalposts for what a smartwatch can be. Announcing the Apple Watch Series 11, the company is pushing deeper into proactive healthcare with a groundbreaking feature designed to monitor for hypertension. Together with a slimmer design, more robust glass, and the first-ever 5G cellular connectivity in a watch, the Series 11 is more than simply a minor update; it’s a statement about the direction of wearable health technology. Preorders for the $399 device start today, with shipping beginning on September 19th.
Which Series 11 health breakthrough is the biggest?
The watch’s enhanced capability to check for symptoms of hypertension and chronic high blood pressure is the biggest improvement. This is a major leap from monitoring acute events (like atrial fibrillation) to tracking chronic, often-silent conditions.
The system works by analyzing data collected passively over a 30-day period. While Apple is careful to state that “It won’t detect all instances of hypertension,” the company has a staggering prediction: “we expect to notify more than 1 million people of unknown hypertension in the first year.” This feature is pending approval from the FDA and other global regulators, but it represents a monumental step in preventative medicine.
How Does the New Health Monitoring Work?
The hypertension detection isn’t a single measurement but a long-term analysis trend. By reviewing patterns in health data over weeks, the Apple Watch Series 11 can identify signals that may indicate elevated blood pressure. Although it is not a replacement for a medical-grade blood pressure cuff, this is an important early warning system that encourages users to seek a formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
Is the Apple Watch Series 11 a 5G Watch?
Yes, in a first for the product line, the Apple Watch Series 11 includes built-in 5G cellular connectivity. This means you can make calls, stream music, receive notifications, and use apps at significantly higher speeds, all without your iPhone nearby. This increases the watch’s independence and reliability in terms of emergency features like fall detection and making calls from far away.
What Are the Other New Key Features?
The Series 11 is packed with upgrades:
More Durable Design: According to Apple, its new IonX glass is twice as scratch-resistant as the model’s predecessor. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being Apple’s “thinnest” watch to date.
New Sleep Score: This feature measures the length of your sleep, the amount of time you spend in each stage, and the frequency of your wake-ups to give you a thorough picture of the quality of your sleep.
Live Translation: Mirroring the AirPods Pro 3, the Watch now has live translation capabilities on your wrist.
Battery Life: Apple promises “up to 24 hours” of battery life, a claim reinforced by a reengineered battery.
Materials & Finishes: It will be available in both recycled aluminum and polished titanium, in colors including Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, and Space Grey.
Also Read: Apple Unveils AirPods Pro 3 | Promises ‘World’s Best ANC’ and a Revolutionary Fitness Coach at this Price
What Software Powers the Series 11?
WatchOS 26, which brings user-friendly new software features, is released alongside the new hardware:
- Wrist Flick Gesture: A new accessibility feature that lets users turn off alarms, notifications, and calls with a quick wrist flick.
- Improved Smart Stack: A more intelligent and context-aware widget system.
- Workout Buddy: Leveraging Apple Intelligence, this feature provides personalized fitness insights and even audio pep talks during exercises.
- Liquid Glass Design: A new visual language that gives the UI a new look and smooth animations.
What About the New Apple Watch SE 3 and Ultra 3?
Apple also refreshed its entire Watch lineup:
Apple Watch SE 3 ($249): Gives the least expensive model a significant improvement with an Always-On display. It also runs on the new S10 chip and gains the wrist flick gesture support.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 ($799): Positioned as “our most advanced technology,” it features a larger display, a massive 42-hour battery life, and adds both 5G and satellite connectivity for the most extreme adventurers.
