CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA — Apple has unveiled its Apple Watch Series 11, the most feature-packed version of its smartwatch to date. With the launch of this new model, Apple pushes the boundaries of wearable health technology, introducing hypertension notifications, a new sleep score system, enhanced durability, faster 5G connectivity, and watchOS 26, all wrapped in a thinner, more comfortable design.
This iteration solidifies the Apple Watch’s role not just as a wearable gadget, but as a central device for personal health monitoring, fitness coaching, and smart communication.
Hypertension Notifications Aim to Catch Silent Killer Early
Among the most groundbreaking updates in the Series 11 is the introduction of hypertension notifications, marking a major advancement in the Apple Watch’s health-monitoring capabilities. The feature uses data from the optical heart sensor to assess vascular response and identify consistent signs of high blood pressure over a 30-day period.
With hypertension affecting over 1.3 billion adults globally, often without any visible symptoms, the feature is poised to identify potential issues for millions who might otherwise go undiagnosed. Apple says the technology, developed through machine learning and validated in a clinical study with over 2,000 participants, could notify over 1 million users within its first year of availability.
While the feature does not replace traditional diagnostic tools, Apple recommends users who receive a notification follow up with third-party blood pressure cuffs for further monitoring, consistent with American Heart Association guidelines.
Regulatory clearance from the U.S. FDA and other health agencies is pending, but Apple expects availability in over 150 countries, including the U.S. and EU, within the month.
Sleep Score Feature Enhances Rest Monitoring
Apple Watch has tracked sleep for several years, but with watchOS 26, the Series 11 now introduces a detailed Sleep Score system. This tool evaluates key sleep metrics — including duration, consistency, interruptions, and sleep stages — to provide users with an overall score and personalized suggestions.
Backed by data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, which includes over 5 million nights of sleep data, the scoring algorithm aligns with standards from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the World Sleep Society. Users can view their Sleep Score on the watch face or within the Health app on iPhone, and the feature is also available for retrospective tracking over time.
With this addition, Apple Watch further integrates into users’ daily health routines, offering deeper insights into not just how long they sleep, but how restorative that sleep really is.
Stronger, Faster, and Longer-Lasting
The Series 11 introduces several hardware improvements. Apple says the watch now offers up to 24 hours of battery life, thanks to a more efficient chip and optimized design. A 15-minute fast charge can provide up to eight hours of use, making it easier to wear the device overnight and track sleep data consistently.
For durability, the aluminum models come with a 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass, now coated with a ceramic layer applied through a physical vapor deposition process. The titanium models retain the ultra-strong sapphire front crystal, providing industry-leading protection against cracks and scratches.
5G Cellular and Redesigned Antennas
Apple Watch Series 11 introduces 5G cellular connectivity for the first time, enabling faster data downloads, smoother streaming, and quicker access to cloud-based apps. The redesigned cellular antenna enhances signal strength in low-coverage areas by using dual system antennas to maximize reception across more frequency bands.
This connectivity ensures that even when users are away from their iPhones, they can still take calls, send messages, stream content, and access emergency services seamlessly.
Workout Buddy and Enhanced Fitness Tracking
Also new with watchOS 26 is Workout Buddy, an AI-powered fitness companion. It leverages Apple Intelligence to analyze real-time workout data — such as heart rate, pace, and personal milestones — and delivers spoken motivation throughout exercise sessions.
The Workout app now features an updated layout, allowing for greater customization. Users can design personalized routines, set pacing goals, and access features like Race Route and Pacer. Additionally, Apple Music integration helps users set up automatic playlists or podcast suggestions tailored to their workout history.
Refined Design and New Colors
Despite its technological advancements, the Apple Watch Series 11 maintains a thinner, more ergonomic design that improves day-long comfort. Available in 42mm and 46mm case sizes, customers can choose from a refreshed range of colors:
- Aluminum models: Jet black, rose gold, silver, and the new space gray.
- Titanium models: Natural, gold, and slate.
In addition, Apple expands its lineup of watch bands. The Nike Sport Loop includes reflective yarn for better nighttime visibility, while the Apple Watch Hermès collection features the new Faubourg Party knit band and the Grand H metal link band for the 42mm variant.
A Smarter Watch with watchOS 26
The Series 11 runs on watchOS 26, bringing a fresh user interface with Liquid Glass visuals, enhancing navigation through Photos watch faces, Smart Stack widgets, and notifications.
Two new watch faces debut:
- Flow – Uses swirling Liquid Glass numerals that respond to wrist movement.
- Exactograph – A reinterpretation of regulator clocks with separated hour, minute, and second hands.
New gestures also expand accessibility. The wrist flick gesture now allows users to dismiss notifications, silence alarms, or stop timers, building on the previous double-tap functionality.
Meanwhile, Smart Stack hints and Live Translation in Messages demonstrate Apple’s AI ambitions. The watch can auto-translate texts and even suggest contextual actions, such as sending a Check In or using Apple Cash directly from a conversation.
The Notes app now arrives on Apple Watch, and new call features like Hold Assist and Call Screening — when paired with a nearby iPhone — help users manage incoming calls more efficiently.
Sustainability in Focus with Apple 2030
Apple emphasizes its commitment to sustainability through its Apple 2030 initiative. The Series 11 uses 40 percent recycled materials, including:
- 100% recycled cobalt in the battery,
- 100% recycled aluminum or titanium in the case,
- And fiber-based paper packaging that is fully recyclable.
The titanium models are now manufactured using a 3D printing process that reduces material waste by half compared to previous generations.
Production relies entirely on renewable energy, and Apple notes that all corporate facilities — including those powering Apple Intelligence — already run on 100% clean energy, contributing to a 60 percent reduction in global emissions since 2015.
Availability and Pricing
Apple Watch Series 11 is available for pre-order today across more than 50 countries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, and India. It will begin shipping and arrive in retail stores on Friday, September 19.
The base model starts at $399 in the U.S. New bands are also available from today at Apple.com and through the Apple Store app.
watchOS 26 will be released on Monday, September 15 and is compatible with:
- Apple Watch Series 6 or later
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) or later
- All Apple Watch Ultra models
New buyers may be eligible for a three-month trial of Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music, depending on region.
Apple Watch Series 11 represents a significant step forward in health monitoring, convenience, and intelligent software. With its introduction of hypertension alerts and advanced sleep scoring — paired with a more durable design, faster cellular connectivity, and personalized fitness guidance — the device not only strengthens Apple’s leadership in wearables but also reaffirms its broader vision of tech-enabled wellness. As wearables become more integral to preventive healthcare, Apple’s latest smartwatch raises the bar for how personal health data is collected, interpreted, and acted upon.
