After refreshing just one model last year, Apple has launched a trio of Apple Watches as part of its iPhone 17 event today. There's a new mainline model - the Series 11, which is joined by the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Apple Watch SE 3.
Key improvements for the Apple Watch Series 11 include a longer battery said to last up to 24 hours (up from 18 hours), and more scratch-resistant cover glass for the aluminium models. Titanium models continue to have a sapphire crystal display, which is as durable as it gets.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 benefits from a slightly larger display while keeping the same physical body size as its predecessor and satellite connectivity. The new display also enables the second hand to show on the always-on display, which is something that was previously exclusive to the Series 10.
On the satellite front, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 features Emergency SOS via satellite to contact emergency services and emergency contacts when out of mobile coverage. Two years of Emergency SOS via satellite are included with the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and this doesn't require an active companion SIM. Users with an active companion SIM can use satellite to share their location.
While Apple announced that US Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 models have 5G connectivity, this appears to be absent from Australian models. The official spec sheets for devices sold locally only mention 4G, and there is no mention of 5G in the local press releases.
Lastly, the new entry-level Apple Watch SE 3 features the same S10 chip found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3, an always-on display for the first time, and fast charging. The new chip and sensors in the Apple Watch SE 3 allow for features like cycle tracking, sleep apnoea detection, and double tap that were previously exclusive to more expensive wearable variants.
All three Apple Watches have a new Sleep Score feature that helps analyse the quality of sleep. After each night, the Apple Watch provides an overall score based on factors like duration, consistency, and how much time is spent in each sleep stage. Sleep Score is coming to all Apple Watches that can upgrade to iOS 26.
Apple also announced hypertension detection, but this feature doesn't seem like it will be available in Australia. As with previous health features like sleep apnoea detection, it will likely need to go through TGA approval before Apple can switch it on for Aussies.
2025 Apple Watch pricing starts at $399 for the Apple Watch SE 3, $679 for an aluminium Apple Watch Series 11, $1,249 for a titanium Apple Watch Series 11, and $1,399 for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Pre-orders are now live ahead of a September 19 release date.
Alex Choros
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