Is the Apple Watch Series 11 Worth the Hype or Just Stuck in the Middle?

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a solid smartwatch that offers incremental improvements over its predecessors but lacks standout features that set it apart in 2025. While it enhances battery life to an estimated 24 hours and introduces health tracking capabilities, it faces stiff competition from the Apple Watch SE 3 and the Ultra 3. Ultimately, it serves as a dependable choice for users prioritising comfort and health monitoring without breaking the bank.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Apple Watch Series 11 features improved battery life, estimated at 24 hours on a single charge.
• Health tracking is enhanced with FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and a new Sleep Score feature.
• It shares many features with older models, making it less appealing for current Apple Watch users looking to upgrade.
• The design remains comfortable and lightweight, suitable for all-day wear.
• WatchOS 26 introduces useful updates but does not offer exclusive features to the Series 11.

Overview of the Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is priced at £399 and is caught in a competitive landscape. Positioned as the middle tier in the Apple Watch lineup, it offers a few enhancements over the entry-level SE 3 while lacking unique features that might entice users to upgrade. The Series 11's improvements include a redesigned dual antenna for 5G connectivity, a larger battery, and a more scratch-resistant display, but these updates may not justify the price for everyone.

Battery Life: A New Standard

For the first time since the original Apple Watch was launched in 2015, the Series 11 boasts an estimated battery life of 24 hours. Historically, Apple has maintained a conservative estimate of 18 hours for its watches, but this year’s model sees a significant improvement. The 42mm variant features a 9% increase in battery capacity, while the 46mm variant sees an 11% increase. However, users should temper expectations, as real-world performance may not match marketing claims.

In practical testing, I removed the watch from the charger at 10:30 AM with a full battery and engaged with various features throughout the day. After 28 hours, I had approximately 8% remaining, and after a brief charge, I was back up to 62% before going for a run. By the next morning, I still had 12% left, demonstrating that while the battery life is improved, it may not be revolutionary for existing users of previous models.

Health Tracking Features

The Apple Watch Series 11 positions itself as a "health watch," prioritising health tracking features over fitness capabilities. It includes FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, which analyse heart data to identify potential patterns linked to high blood pressure. This feature requires 14 days of data over a 30-day period and could potentially detect up to 1 million cases in the coming year, according to Apple.

Additionally, the new Sleep Score feature evaluates sleep quality based on duration, consistency, and interruptions, providing users with actionable insights to enhance their sleep habits. While these features are beneficial, they are not exclusive to the Series 11, as they also roll out to older models with watchOS 26.

Design and Comfort

The Series 11 maintains the same dimensions as the Series 10, measuring 9.7mm thick and available in 42mm and 46mm sizes. The thinner bezels allow for a larger display, making it more comfortable to wear for prolonged periods. Users with smaller wrists or those sensitive to bulkiness will appreciate the lightweight design, making it ideal for everyday use.

Performance and Connectivity

With the introduction of 5G connectivity, the Series 11 offers improved download speeds and greater cellular coverage. However, unless users are heavy cellular data users, the improvements may not drastically alter the overall experience. The watch contains the S10 System in Package (SiP) processor, ensuring smooth performance across various applications and functions.

WatchOS 26: Features and Updates

WatchOS 26 brings a host of improvements, but none are exclusive to the Series 11. Notable updates include a revamped Smart Stack, which helps users access relevant widgets with ease, and a wrist-flick gesture for dismissing notifications. The introduction of the Notes app allows users to dictate thoughts and ideas directly from their wrist, enhancing usability while on the go.

Other enhancements include a new minimalist watch face and improved custom workout features, making it easier for users to track their fitness goals. However, these updates do not significantly differentiate the Series 11 from older models, leaving existing users with little reason to upgrade.

Conclusion: Is the Series 11 Worth It?

The Apple Watch Series 11 finds itself in a unique position within Apple's ecosystem. While it offers solid improvements in battery life and health tracking, it lacks unique features that would entice current Apple Watch users to upgrade. New users seeking a reliable smartwatch may find value in the Series 11, but those who already own a Series 7 or later might prefer to invest in other Apple products, such as the latest iPhone or AirPods. Ultimately, the Series 11 serves as a dependable option for those prioritising comfort and health monitoring without the need for cutting-edge features.

FAQs

What are the key features of the Apple Watch Series 11?

The Apple Watch Series 11 features 24-hour battery life, 5G connectivity, FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, and a new Sleep Score feature. It also runs on watchOS 26, which includes several usability improvements.

How does the battery life of the Series 11 compare to previous models?

The Series 11 offers an estimated 24 hours of battery life, which is an improvement over the previous 18-hour estimate of earlier models. However, real-world usage may yield similar results to the Series 10.

Can I use the Apple Watch Series 11 without an iPhone?

No, the Apple Watch Series 11 is designed to be used exclusively with an iPhone. Users must agree to the iPhone's terms and conditions to utilise the watch’s features.

What health tracking features are available on the Series 11?

The Series 11 includes FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and a new Sleep Score feature. However, these features are also available on older models that support watchOS 26.

Is the Apple Watch Series 11 a good option for fitness tracking?

While the Series 11 offers fitness tracking capabilities, users prioritising fitness may prefer the more rugged and feature-rich Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Series 11 focuses more on health monitoring.

In summary, while the Apple Watch Series 11 is a reliable option, it may not be the best choice for everyone. With its focus on battery life and health features, potential buyers should consider their specific needs and whether the improvements align with their expectations. #AppleWatch #SmartwatchReview #TechTrends