The MacRumors Show: Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 or Wait for Next Year?

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through what to expect from the Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3, and whether it's worth holding off on an upgrade until next year.


The third-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ is rumored to feature a larger display (perhaps like the Apple Watch Series 7), the S11 chip, and potentially a plastic casing. It could also available at a slightly lower price point.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will likely feature the S11 chip, 5G RedCap connectivity on cellular models, a "Sleep Score" feature, and potentially hypertension detection. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to also get all of these new features, as well as a slightly larger wide-angle OLED display with a faster refresh rate, and satellite connectivity.

Earlier this week, internal Apple code revealed that the 2026 Apple Watch lineup is poised to get some major enhancements. The new devices will feature Touch ID for biometric authentication, a redesigned chip based on newer CPU technology for improved performance, a revamped design with a new rear sensor array, and more.

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You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.

If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's plan to focus on the smart home with a host of new devices and improvements to Siri.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

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Top Rated Comments

jz0309 Avatar
1 week ago
Waiting is always the best choice as you'll never spend any money at all, cause next years tech will be so much better. That trend has been observed now for 40+ years...

Seriously, buy new computing devices when the current one doesn't do its job anymore, and buy the tool that does...
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeerDrinkerDan Avatar
1 week ago
Every release or pending release will be "worse" than the next one coming. Just buy a thing when you need it.

-bdd
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SFjohn Avatar
1 week ago
I always get a new  Watch each year. I keep last years watch as well. With 2 watches it’s easy to switch them on the charger, one for a few days, another for a couple more. I return my oldest watch to  for recycling, & get money back from . ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
StuBeck Avatar
1 week ago
If you need one, buy one, if you don't, don't. The rumors on a generational change for watches seems to be hoping more than anything, I remember how the S6 was going to get Mini LEDs for example.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Marcos_Diez Avatar
1 week ago

I'm the same as you. If the processor in the New Ultra isn't any different than the Series 9 and 10 I'm going to hold off.
the risk is waiting to 2026 and seeing none of the rumours coming true...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
East India Company Avatar
1 week ago
Wait
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)