Apple has confirmed that its next event is taking place on September 9, and all signs point to a big update for the Apple Watch line.
We believe, based on several months of leaks and rumors, that Apple will debut not one, not two, but three new Apple Watches. Currently, just three Apple Watches available to buy from the company: the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch SE (2022), with older models consigned to third-party sellers.
Rumors of a new trio of watches suggest the entire line is getting an upgrade. Here are the three new devices we believe will be announced at the Cupertino ‘Awe dropping’ event, and you can bet we’ll be hard at work updating our guides to the best Apple Watches and best smartwatches.
Whether you’ve been paying attention to the leaks and rumors, or you’re just catching up now, here’s everything you need to know about the Apple Watches we reckon are coming on September 9.
1. Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 got a small upgrade last year in a new titanium black colorway, and it remains the gold standard when it comes to heart rate accuracy and versatility, recently being tested against a chest strap monitor.
Upgrades that we’re expecting from the Apple Watch Ultra 3 include satellite connectivity, as in the upcoming Google Pixel Watch 4. This feature would allow users to communicate from the watch without a phone in case of emergency, even if they’re not using a data plan to connect to the internet.
If you do happen to be using a data plan with your Apple Watch, we’re expecting 5G connectivity for a serious boost to its navigation, communication and music streaming capabilities.
We’re also hoping for a new, more powerful chipset, and possibly high-blood-pressure detection. The Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 are virtually identical in terms of their design, and we’re not expecting any radical changes to the chassis and protruding Action button.
2. Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 is the next mainline iteration of the Apple Watch.
Last year, the Series 10 got a big wraparound screen redesign, a slimmer body and a new chipset, so we’re not expecting any big design changes here, especially as there will likely be two other watches getting most of the attention. Another new chip is likely.
We know that, alongside the rest of the range, it’s going to be getting all the new software smarts from watchOS 26, including the AI-powered Workout Buddy feature and redesigned Workout app. It’s possible we’ll get a much-anticipated blood-pressure detection feature, but from a hardware perspective, the Series 11 is likely to be similar to the 10.
3. Apple Watch SE 3
Every couple of years, the Apple Watch combines elements from some of its older models with a cheaper-to-make chassis to give us a new entry into the SE series.
We labelled the SE 2 the best cheap Apple Watch you can buy, and the SE 3 is likely to provide the same great experience in a more affordable package. It’s unlikely the SE 3 will get the Series 10’s wraparound screen, instead probably getting an older Series 9 style display to make use of cheaper, now-defunct older parts.
Expect modern, AI-powered watchOS 26 software inside a model designed to cost around $250 / £250 / AU$500.