10 Ways Apple Can Make the Apple Watch Series 11 Worth the Upgrade
Key Points
- Upgrade Siri to run on‑device AI comparable to Gemini AI.
- Introduce a more powerful S11 processor for standalone features.
- Achieve at least 48 hours of battery life on the Series 11.
- Add blood‑pressure monitoring and novel wellness metrics.
- Provide clearer illness alerts that suggest activity pauses.
- Consider circular case designs or a rotating bezel.
- Implement proactive UV exposure notifications.
- Make dual‑frequency GPS standard across all models.
- Expand app support to include full‑featured messaging apps.
- Allow deeper customization of wrist gestures.
Apple’s next smartwatch faces pressure to improve on several fronts. Users want a smarter, on‑device Siri that can rival Gemini AI on rival watches, a more powerful processor to enable true standalone AI, and longer battery life that reaches at least two days. Health features such as blood pressure monitoring and novel wellness metrics are also on the wish list, as are clearer illness alerts, a circular case or rotating bezel, proactive UV exposure warnings, dual‑frequency GPS across the line, expanded app support like WhatsApp, and deeper gesture customization. These upgrades could help the Series 11 stay competitive.
Smarter, On‑Device Siri
Current Apple Watch Siri falls behind the Gemini AI experience on the Galaxy Watch 8, which offers conversational, useful responses that handle complex prompts. Users are calling for a Siri that can operate independently on the watch, delivering live translations and workout assistance without relying on an iPhone.
More Powerful Processor
To support a smarter Siri and other AI features, Apple will need a next‑generation chip—referred to as the S11. The processor must provide real speed and efficiency gains so that tasks like Workout Buddy can run directly on the wrist.
Extended Battery Life
Battery endurance remains a pain point. The Series 10 typically delivers about 26 hours, forcing users to choose between sleep tracking and a full day of use. In contrast, the Ultra line can “push up to two days of battery life at full throttle.” Users hope the Series 11 can reliably reach 48 hours, even if only in low‑power mode.
Advanced Health and Wellness Metrics
Apple is reportedly testing blood‑pressure monitoring, though it may still be a year away. Non‑invasive glucose tracking is farther off. Consumers also desire surprise wellness tools—similar to Samsung’s antioxidant index—that add fresh, measurable health insights.
Clearer Illness Detection
The Vitals app flags abnormal metrics but does not synthesize them into actionable guidance. A feature that interprets shifts and nudges users to pause activity when they’re getting sick would improve the health experience.
Design Innovations
While the rectangular case is iconic, a circular design or a rotating bezel—like the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic—has been a recurring wish among enthusiasts.
Proactive UV Exposure Alerts
Current UV index complications are passive. Users would like active alerts that track cumulative exposure and warn when they have too much or too little sunlight.
Dual‑Frequency GPS as Standard
Precision dual‑frequency GPS is standard on the Ultra but absent from the regular Series. Making it universal would boost location accuracy, especially in dense urban areas.
Expanded App Functionality
Full‑featured apps such as WhatsApp, with call and messaging capabilities, remain missing. The upcoming Notes app in WatchOS 26 shows that more everyday phone tools can be brought to the wrist.
Enhanced Gesture Customization
Recent gestures like double‑tap and flick are useful but limited. Allowing users to assign gestures to a broader range of actions—such as pinging the phone or launching specific apps—would make the watch more intuitive.