As we have fun the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch at present, we thought we would check out what Apple has in retailer for the next-generation model of the system that is coming this fall. The Apple Watch Sequence 11 would not sound like it’ll be a groundbreaking anniversary system, however Apple might shock us.
New Modem Know-how
Proper now, the Apple Watch makes use of Intel mobile modems which might be restricted to LTE connectivity, however Apple is planning to as an alternative undertake know-how from MediaTek for future Apple Watch fashions. MediaTek’s modem chip helps 5G RedCap, which is a 5G service particularly designed for wearables that do not want commonplace 5G speeds.
5G RedCap might deliver 5G connectivity to the Apple Watch, which might possible be an enchancment over the prevailing LTE connectivity choices.
Chip Enhancements
We might get an up to date S11 chip for the Apple Watch this 12 months, which might have a extra compact, environment friendly design. There may very well be optimizations in battery life, together with extra area for a bigger battery or different parts.
Well being Options
Apple is engaged on a blood stress monitoring characteristic, and there’s a probability that it might launch in 2025 fashions, although there have been rumors of improvement points that would push it again.
When blood stress monitoring involves the Apple Watch, it will not present actual systolic and diastolic measurements, as an alternative merely monitoring for hypertension and offering an alert if the situation is detected over time. Hypertension is a critical concern the place an individual’s blood stress stays excessive over time, and it’s a danger issue for coronary heart illness, stroke, and different well being points.
After receiving a hypertension alert, an Apple Watch consumer might present that info to a medical skilled for extra testing, just like how the prevailing atrial fibrillation options work within the Apple Watch. Apple has been working into issues with accuracy and reliability that would trigger delays.
watchOS Revamp
watchOS 12, set to launch in September, will deliver some watchOS design adjustments to the Apple Watch Sequence 11 together with current Apple Watch fashions.
Rumors recommend that it’ll have visionOS-like design adjustments that can match the adjustments coming in iOS 19, nevertheless it will not be an entire design overhaul. We might see new interface parts which might be impressed by visionOS, with an emphasis on translucency, glass-like finishes, rounded buttons, and refined lighting results.
Apple might additionally introduce a brand new set of options “powered” by Apple Intelligence. These capabilities will not run straight on the Apple Watch as a result of it doesn’t have sufficient RAM or space for storing to assist it, however a related iPhone will have the ability to provide sufficient energy for Apple Watch Apple Intelligence options.
AI-Powered Well being Teaching
In an replace to iOS 19, Apple might introduce a brand new model of the Well being app that may characteristic personalised well being suggestions to assist customers lead a more healthy way of life. This is able to naturally have an Apple Watch part, utilizing knowledge gathered by the watch and offering on-device steering.
Meals monitoring options may be launched sooner or later, with Apple set to compete with apps like MyFitnessPal.
What Occurred to Redesign Rumors?
Forward of when the Apple Watch Sequence 10 launched, there have been rumors that Apple was engaged on a particular anniversary model of the system, or an “Apple Watch X” with a serious design overhaul. That redesign was mentioned to incorporate a thinner casing and a brand new manner for bands to connect to the system utilizing a magnetic connection, which might have meant that current bands wouldn’t be suitable with new Apple Watch fashions.
With the Sequence 10, we did get a thinner casing, however there was no new band attachment system. It is not clear if that is been scrapped fully, nevertheless it’s not a rumor that has popped again up for the Sequence 11.
Apple did not acknowledge the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch final 12 months, in order that may very well be one thing that can provide you with the Sequence 11 launch.
What About Blood Oxygen Monitoring?
Since early 2024, Apple Watch fashions bought in the USA haven’t had blood oxygen monitoring capabilities after Apple was pressured to take away the characteristic or face an import ban for patent violations. No Apple Watch Sequence 10 fashions within the U.S. have a functioning blood oxygen monitoring characteristic, and it is wanting just like the Apple Watch 11 will not both.
There have been no indicators as of late that trace at whether or not and when blood oxygen monitoring is coming again. Apple has the flexibility to re-enable blood oxygen monitoring through a software program replace as a result of the {hardware} continues to be there, however up to now, Apple would not appear keen to settle with Masimo, the corporate that sued it, nor have we heard rumors of an alternate resolution.
Apple might win an attraction of the case, settle, or create a brand new methodology for blood oxygen sensing that does not use Masimo know-how, but when none of these issues occur, it will likely be years earlier than blood oxygen sensing comes again. Masimo’s patents are set to run out in 2028, so a minimum of there’s hope for a blood oxygen sensing earlier than the tip of the last decade.
Pricing
If new tariffs are launched on semiconductors and Apple’s merchandise aren’t exempted, there’s a chance that the Sequence 11 fashions might get dearer. As of now, although, we’re nonetheless anticipating a $399 start line.
Future Apple Watch Updates
Apple is engaged on some rather more thrilling updates for future variations of the Apple Watch, however we’re nonetheless a number of years away from most of them.
Launch Date
We’re anticipating the Apple Watch Sequence 11 to be introduced in September alongside new iPhone 17 fashions.
