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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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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
16 months 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
16 months 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
16 months 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)
16 months 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)
16 months ago

I have an Ultra 1 but will wait for another year. Doesn't seem the Ultra 3 have much in the way of upgrades. The 2026 watches should have a processor upgrade (which would make it two processing generations over my current ultra) and hopefully a more significant design change. But I'm good for now.
Same boat. Until my Ultra 1st gen can’t hold a charge and there’s a truly spectacular update, I’m holding off. For me, battery life is the biggest factor. Even charging every other day feels like a hassle when I already have so many things that need plugging in: phone, iPad, MBP, ThermoWorks probes, headphones, lawn and garden gear, power tools, etc. I really miss the days when a watch didn’t need recharging.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kerr Avatar
16 months ago
Why wait a year when you could wait 2-3 years?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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