Highlights
- Apple is planning a major update to its smartwatch lineup this year.
- It will unveil a new Apple Watch SE with a redesigned look, a new Apple Watch Series 11 and an Apple Watch Ultra 3.
- The Series 11 and Ultra 3 are expected to bring satellite connectivity, 5G RedCap and high blood pressure detection.
- Apple is also working on an AI coaching service, a redesigned health app and AirPods with heart rate monitoring.
If you are one of those Apple fans who have been waiting for some shakeups in the Apple Watch lineup, this could be the year you may finally get exactly that. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is preparing for a major update to its smartwatch lineup this year.
The company plans to launch a new Apple Watch SE alongside refreshes for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Here’s a quick roundup of Gurman’s latest report on the Apple Watch lineup.
Apple Watch SE To Get New Look
Although Gurman hasn’t shared specific details about the redesign, he did confirm that the upcoming Apple Watch SE will sport a new look.
Speculation suggests it might adopt the design language of the 2021 Apple Watch Series 7 or possibly something entirely new. In earlier reports, Gurman mentioned that Apple had considered a plastic body for the SE model, which could mean the new version will be lighter and more colourful with fun shades accompanying its release.
For anyone considering an Apple Watch SE, it might be worth waiting for this refreshed model to arrive later this year.
New Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are not expected to feature major design changes. Gurman states they will “probably stay roughly the same.”
Despite this, both models are expected to bring significant improvements.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is set to gain satellite connectivity and support for 5G RedCap improving its connectivity options. Moreover, both the Series 11 and Ultra 3 will introduce high blood pressure detection.
This feature was initially expected to debut with the Series 10 and has been since delayed due to the watch’s thinner design. While it won’t provide exact blood pressure readings, it will alert users to any concerning trends, offering a useful new tool for monitoring health.
Sharing the specifics of the feature, Gurman writes, “The blood-pressure feature…is designed to work in a similar way to Apple’s sleep apnea detector. It won’t give users specific readings — such as diastolic or systolic levels — but it will inform them that they may be in a state of hypertension.”
In addition to these updates, Gurman also mentions that Apple is working on broader enhancements to its health ecosystem. This includes a new AI coaching service, a redesigned health app and AirPods with heart rate monitoring.
If these rumours are true, Apple could refresh its entire smartwatch lineup in one go, which is something the Cupertino giant hasn’t done since 2022 when it launched the Apple Watch SE 2, Series 8 and the original Ultra model.
FAQs
Q11. What changes can we expect in the new Apple Watch SE?
Answer. The new Apple Watch SE will “sport a new look.” Speculation suggests it might adopt the design language of the 2021 Apple Watch Series 7 or possibly something entirely new. It might also feature a plastic body, making it lighter and more colourful.
Q2. What improvements are coming to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3?
Answer. While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are not expected to feature major design changes, both models will bring significant improvements such as satellite connectivity, 5G RedCap and high blood pressure detection.
Q3. What enhancements is Apple working on for its health ecosystem?
Answer. Apple is working on broader enhancements to its health ecosystem, including a new AI coaching service, a redesigned health app, and AirPods with heart rate monitoring.
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