Apple Refreshes Watch Lineup with SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3

Apple introduced three updated smartwatches—Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3—each featuring the new S10 chip, always‑on displays, 5G connectivity, and watchOS 26. The SE 3 adds faster charging, sleep‑score analytics, and cellular 5G. The Series 11 retains its size options while offering a more scratch‑resistant glass, hypertension‑monitoring sensor, and a 24‑hour battery. The Ultra 3 maintains its rugged case but gains a larger OLED screen, up to 48‑hour battery life, and satellite texting. All models are available for preorder and ship later this month.

New Models Overview

Apple rolled out three refreshed smartwatches: the entry‑level Apple Watch SE 3, the flagship Apple Watch Series 11, and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3. Each device is powered by the new S10 processor and runs watchOS 26, which introduces a Liquid Glass design and AI‑driven workout assistance.

Apple Watch SE 3

The SE 3 is the first update to Apple’s entry‑level line since 2022. It uses the same S10 chip as the higher‑end models and features an always‑on display that Apple says is four times more scratch‑resistant than its predecessor. New health tools include Sleep Score, which evaluates sleep stages, and sleep‑apnea detection. Charging speed is doubled, delivering eight hours of battery life after a 15‑minute charge, and the cellular version adds 5G support. The SE 3 is offered in 42 mm and 44 mm case sizes.

Apple Watch Series 11

The Series 11 retains the familiar case dimensions of the Series 10 but adds 5G cellular capability and a glass that is twice as scratch‑resistant. A new heart‑rate sensor can assess blood flow to detect hypertension, pending FDA clearance. It also supports Sleep Score and offers a 24‑hour battery life, an improvement over the previous 18‑hour claim. The lineup includes 42 mm and 46 mm options.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Ultra 3 keeps its 49 mm rugged case while expanding the wide‑angle OLED display thanks to slimmer bezels. The display can lower its refresh rate to 1 Hz for a more responsive always‑on experience. Battery life is extended to up to 48 hours per charge, and the watch now supports satellite texting for messaging and location sharing when cellular or Wi‑Fi are unavailable. Like the other models, it incorporates a 5G modem.

Pricing and Availability

All three watches are available for preorder. The SE 3 starts at $249 for the GPS‑only 42 mm model and climbs to $329 for the 44 mm cellular version. The Series 11 begins at $399 for the 42 mm GPS model, with the cellular variant priced higher, and the 46 mm versions start at $429 for GPS and $529 for cellular. The Ultra 3 is priced at $799 for the single 49 mm configuration. Shipping is scheduled for later this month.

Software Enhancements

watchOS 26 brings the Liquid Glass visual style across the lineup and adds an AI‑powered Workout Buddy that offers real‑time encouragement. Users can clear notifications by flicking the wrist upward. The update will also be rolled out to older Apple Watch models dating back to Series 6, SE 2, and the original Ultra on the same day.

Design and Performance Highlights

Across the board, Apple emphasizes durability, with tougher glass and the inclusion of 5G connectivity for faster data. The SE 3’s rapid charging and the Ultra 3’s satellite texting expand practical use cases, while the Series 11’s health sensor aims to deepen medical monitoring capabilities. Together, the refreshed lineup positions Apple’s smartwatch ecosystem as more versatile, health‑focused, and ready for broader connectivity demands.