Apple Unveils Updated Watch Lineup Including Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3
Key Points
- Apple adds three new watches: Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3.
- Series 11 features a tougher screen and 24‑hour battery life.
- SE 3 offers fast charging and a lower entry price.
- Ultra 3 provides a 3,000‑nit display, 100‑meter water resistance and satellite SOS.
- All models run watchOS 26 with new health alerts and AI Workout Buddy.
- Battery life ranges from 18 hours (SE 3) to 42 hours (Ultra 3).
- Pricing starts at $249 for SE 3, $399 for Series 11, $799 for Ultra 3.
Apple introduced three refreshed smartwatch models—Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3—at its latest event. The Series 11 adds a tougher screen, longer battery life and new health alerts, while the SE 3 brings fast charging and a lower price point. The Ultra 3, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, offers a larger, brighter display, deeper water resistance and satellite connectivity. All three run watchOS 26 and retain Apple’s suite of fitness and health sensors, with pricing ranging from entry‑level to premium tiers.
New Models Overview
Apple’s latest smartwatch rollout adds three distinct devices: the Series 11, the SE 3 and the Ultra 3. The Series 11 serves as the flagship, featuring a more durable screen and an extended battery that lasts up to 24 hours. The SE 3 targets budget‑conscious consumers, offering fast charging that reaches 80 percent in about 45 minutes and a price that is $150 lower than the Series 11. The Ultra 3 is designed for rugged use, with a 49 mm titanium case, a 3,000‑nit display, 100‑meter water resistance and satellite SOS capabilities.
Design and Display
All three watches use an always‑on LTPO OLED display, but brightness varies by model. The SE 3 tops out at 1,000 nits, the Series 11 reaches 2,000 nits, and the Ultra 3 pushes 3,000 nits for optimal visibility in bright conditions. Case sizes differ: the SE 3 is available in 40 mm or 44 mm aluminum, the Series 11 comes in 42 mm or 46 mm aluminum or titanium, and the Ultra 3 is a single 49 mm titanium design. The Series 11 also introduces a ceramic coating on its glass for added scratch resistance.
Performance and Battery
Each model is powered by Apple’s S10 system‑in‑package chip, enabling on‑device Siri processing and AI‑driven features. Battery life improves across the lineup: the SE 3 provides roughly 18 hours of use, the Series 11 offers 24 hours, and the Ultra 3 extends to 42 hours. All three support fast charging, with the Ultra 3 and SE 3 reaching 80 percent in 45 minutes and the Series 11 in 30 minutes. Low‑power mode can stretch usage further, especially on the Ultra 3.
Health and Fitness Features
Apple retains its comprehensive health sensor suite across the range. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 include electrical heart monitoring, blood‑oxygen sensing, ECG capability and a depth gauge, while the SE 3 offers optical heart tracking, temperature, compass and accelerometer. New watchOS 26 features such as hypertension alerts, a sleep score and the AI‑powered Workout Buddy are available on all three devices, provided the user pairs an Apple Intelligence‑enabled iPhone. Fall and crash detection, emergency SOS and Find My are standard throughout.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing starts at $249 for the entry‑level SE 3, $399 for the Series 11 and $799 for the Ultra 3. Cellular connectivity adds a modest surcharge to the SE 3 and Series 11, while the Ultra 3 includes cellular as standard. All models are water‑resistant, with the SE 3 and Series 11 rated for 50 meters and the Ultra 3 for 100 meters. The devices are positioned to cover a broad spectrum of consumers, from casual users to serious adventurers.