The smartest watch of the year? Let’s compare Apple Watch 11 with Apple Watch 10
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Reviews of new Apple Watches usually start the same way. Setting up takes little time, and using them is familiar. In recent years, the daily use has hardly changed. Models come out, but the features stay almost the same. This year, the Apple Watch 11 brings a few things worth your attention. To be clear, about 90% of it is the same as Series 10. Still, some updates may make you want to switch. Here we give you a full review ofthe Apple Watch 11 and compare it with the Series 10. This should help you decide if it’s time to buy the new watch or keep the older one that still works fine.
Key features of Apple Watch 11
Apple Watch 11 is Apple’s new flagship watch. The first thing you notice is longer battery life. In normal mode, it lasts up to 24 hours. Many users have wanted this for years.
The second new feature is blood pressure alerts. Apple notes that it should not be used by pregnant women or people under 22. Another update isa better mobile connection. In most other ways, the watch works the same as Series 10.
What we liked in the Apple Watch 11
Now let’s move on to evaluating the advantages of the Apple Watch 11 that make it worth upgrading from version 10. Here are the pros of the model that we highlighted in our review.
Longer battery life
Series 10 lasted up to 18 hours. The new model goes up to 24. You can track workouts, walks, sleep, calls, and more all day without worrying about the charge.
This makes it easy to wear day and night. You can now keep it on at night for sleep tracking. Still, the Ultra model lasts even longer. Charging is also quick: 15 minutes gives about 8 hours, and 30–40 minutes is enough for a full day.
Health tracking in watchOS 26
Apple Watch on watchOS 26 now has blood pressure alerts. It’s not only for Series 11 – Series 9 and newer, plus Ultra 2, get it after the update. It helps notice high blood pressure trends before a doctor visit. You can also log data with a compatible monitor and share results with your doctor in PDF. FDA approval is still pending.
Another new tool is Sleep Score. It rates sleep based on three points: duration, time of going to bed, and waking up. Results appear in the Health app along with breathing, vital signs, and sleep apnea alerts. It’s not as detailed as Oura or Whoop, but it helps you improve sleep habits.
Overall, the new Apple Watch features provide useful health information and help you better monitor your sleep and blood pressure, even if they are not a substitute for a full medical examination.
Better mobile connection
Apple Watch 11 supports 5G. Music, maps, and downloads are faster, and the extra antenna helps in weak signal areas. You can leave your iPhone at home and stay connected on a run, a coffee trip, or anywhere else.
New wrist gesture
Apple Watch 11 adds a new wrist flick gesture. It clears notifications, turns off alarms, or stops timers with a quick move. Unlike the older double-tap, it works more reliably and avoids random triggers.
What Changed in Apple Watch 11 – Details Below
Watch the video to see the new Apple Watch 11 in action, check the available updates, and learn about its other features
What we didn’t like
Apple Watch 11 mostly repeats the Series 10. The main updates – longer battery, sleep tools, and blood pressure alerts – also work on older models with watchOS 26.
Read also: How To Choose A Smartwatch: Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Or Garmin
If you have Series 9 or newer, there’s no strong reason to upgrade unless you want a bigger battery. For Series 8 or older, the update makes more sense, but even then it’s not a big leap.
Apple Watch 11 compared to other models
To make the comparison more clear, we compared the Apple Watch Series 11 with other popular devices, namely the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
| Feature | Apple Watch 11 | Apple Watch 10 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
| Size | 46mm or 42mm, aluminum/titanium | 46mm or 42mm, aluminum/titanium | 49mm, titanium |
| Weight | 37–43 g | 35–41 g | 61–62 g |
| Display | Always-On Retina, LTPO3 OLED, up to 2000 nits | Same | Always-On Retina, LTPO3 OLED, up to 3000 nits |
| Chip | S10 dual-core, 4-core Neural Engine | Same | Same |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Connectivity | GPS or GPS + Cellular, 5G | GPS or GPS + Cellular | GPS + Cellular + Satellite, 5G |
| Health sensors | Blood pressure, ECG, SpO₂, sleep, Sleep Score, vitals, temp, cycle | Same | Same |
| Emergency | SOS, Fall Detection | SOS, Fall Detection | SOS via Satellite, Fall & Crash Detection, Siren |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m | 100 m, swimming, snorkeling, diving |
| Battery | Up to 24 h, 38 h in Low Power Mode | Up to 18 h, 36 h in Low Power Mode | Up to 42 h, 72 h in Low Power Mode |
| Screen | Always-On Retina OLED, 2000 nits | Same | 3000 nits |
| Charging | Fast (0–80% in ~30 min, 15 min = 8 h) | Fast (0–80% in ~30 min) | Fast (0–80% in ~45 min, 15 min = 12 h) |
| Price | GPS: from $399, GPS + Cellular: from $499 | – | GPS + Cellular: from $799 |
Bottom line
Apple Watch 11 is an evolution, not a revolution. Blood pressure alerts, sleep tools, and health updates are already available on Series 9 and newer with watchOS 26. The real benefits are the larger battery and 5G with a stronger antenna. This matters most if you often go without an iPhone.
For Series 8 or older owners, the upgrade is worth it. For Series 9 or 10 users, it depends on how much you value the extra battery and faster mobile connection. Series 11 is still Apple’s top watch, but whether to switch depends on your needs.
FAQ
Longer battery life (up to 24 hours) and 5G with an extra antenna. Most other features are also on Series 9 and newer with watchOS 26.
Only if you want longer battery life or a faster mobile connection. Series 10 still does the job well.
Blood pressure alerts, Sleep Score, and improved tracking of vitals. Most of these are also on older models with watchOS 26.
