I just tried the Apple Watch Series 11 — and what impressed me most might surprise you

I’d honestly stopped holding my breath for the Apple Watch to ever last longer than a day. Eighteen hours has been the ceiling for as long as I’ve been wearing one, and at some point I just accepted the daily charge as part of the deal. Sure, Low Power Mode gave us a little wiggle room, but it felt like a bit of a compromise.

So imagine my surprise when Apple announced that the flagship Apple Watch Series 11 is actually rated for 24 hours of battery life.

For me, that’s the standout upgrade. The jump from LTE to 5G connectivity support is a big win for those who use their smartwatch phone-free. And the first-of-its-kind high blood pressure alerts could be life-changing, but I was more impressed to learn this feature isn’t a Series 11 exclusive.

In fact, a lot of what makes the Apple Watch Series 11 our likely best smartwatch pick comes down to the watchOS 26 software. I’d consider it sticking to a $399 starting price amid tariff anxieties a high note, too.

After going hands-on with the Apple Watch Series 11, I’ve found plenty more worth talking about, from the flashier upgrades to the small refinements. You can read all my first impressions below.

Apple Watch Series 11: Quick facts

• 24-hour battery life: The Series 11 is the longest-lasting Apple Watch in the flagship (a.k.a not Ultra) line.
• Hypertension alerts: Although the Apple Watch 11 is not a blood pressure monitor, a new algorithm can alert users to possible hypertension (high blood pressure) based on a 30-day baseline. Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and newer support hypertension alerts.
• Daily sleep score: Apple is finally following the likes of Google, Garmin, Samsung, and more by offering users a daily numeric sleep score out of 100. Credit towards your sleep score is earned based on duration, bedtime consistency and interruptions.
• 5G connectivity: The Series 11 gets a bump up from LTE to 5G, giving it better cellular range while using less battery power to connect.
• New watch faces: Two new watch faces come to watchOS 26 alongside the Apple Watch 11 launch. Flow pairs Liquid Glass numerals with fluid-looking colors while Exactograph separates out hours, minutes and seconds for precise time keeping.
• 2x scratch resistant display: The Apple Watch 11 offers double the scratch resistance, which should better prevent damage to the display.

Apple Watch Series 11: Specs

Apple Watch Series 11: Price and release date

The Apple Watch Series 11 was announced on September 9. It’s available for preorder now and the release date is September 19th.

Across the board, the Series 11 price is the same as the Series 10 price, with the 42mm GPS model starting at $399 and increasing to $499 for Cellular. The 46mm Series 11 starts at $429 and increases to $529 for Cellular.

• Apple Watch 11 42mm (GPS): $399
• Apple Watch 11 42mm (GPS + 5G): $499
• Apple Watch 11 46mm (GPS): $429
• Apple Watch 11 46mm (GPS + 5G): $529

Apple Watch Series 11: Design and display

The Apple Watch 11 looks identical to the Apple Watch Series 10, with the same dimensions and very similar weights across the board. Reminder: the Series 10 ushered the kind of significant design change (thinner design, bigger display) that we probably won’t see again for a couple more generations.

Apple Watch 11 comes comes in four of aluminum colors: Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver and a new Space Grey option that I found myself gravitating towards in my hands on time. Alternatively, you can pay a premium for Slate, Gold, or Natural titanium cases.

Those who are prone to roughing up their watches will be glad to know the LTPO 3 wide-angle OLED screen features a more protective glass that Apple claims is two times as scratch-resistant.

I would’ve liked the display to be rated brighter than the 2,000 nits considering the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Google Pixel Watch 4 max out at 3,000 nits. For that kind of brightness in Apple’s ecosystem, you’ll want the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Apple Watch Series 11: High blood pressure alerts

If you’re doing Apple Watch 11 research, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some mixed messaging about whether this smartwatch is blood pressure monitor. Let me make it clear that it is not, but it instead can alert you to possible hypertension (high blood pressure) based on an algorithm and the optical heart rate sensor.

You’ll need to wear your Apple Watch — Series 11, Series 10, Series 9, Ultra 3, or Ultra 2 — for 30 days to properly assess your risk for hypertension. If high blood pressure is detected, you’ll get a notification recommending you seek further medical evaluation.

Again, it’s not a diagnosis, but it could very well alert users to a condition they weren’t aware of yet. The hypertension notification feature will be available in over 150 countries, pending regulatory approval that Apple expects to receive before the end of the month.

Apple Watch Series 11: Sleep score

Apple is adding to its sleep tracking features with a new Sleep Score feature introduced alongside Series 11. Like hypertension alerts, this is software-based and thus isn’t exclusive to the new watch.

Your comprehensive Sleep Score is a number out of 100, but it also isn’t just a single number. You’ll be able to see a breakdown based on three key factors: how long you slept, how consistent your bedtimes are, and how often your rest was interrupted.

I find this interesting because it points to specific sleep factors with room for improvement. For example, I may try to work on regulating my bedtime schedule if I know that’s hurting my sleep score.

Apple Watch Series 11: watchOS 11

Beyond the Apple Watch 11 upgrades I’ve already recapped, there are some corresponding features in watchOS 26. The standouts include a new wrist flick gesture to dismiss notifications, a Liquid Glass interface, and a personalized AI fitness coach called Workout Buddy.

The Apple Watch 11 also supports live message translations, though as is the case for Workout Buddy, you’ll need an Apple Intelligence-compatible phone paired.

I think it’s worth mentioning that two fresh watch faces will arrive in watchOS 26. Flow pairs its Liquid Glass numerals with shifting, fluid-inspired colors, while Exactograph splits hours, minutes, and seconds into distinct sections for ultra-precise timekeeping.

Apple Watch Series 11: Battery life

For a full decade, every Apple Watch in the flagship series offered just 18 hours of battery life. Well, times have changed. The new Apple Watch Series 11 is rated at 24 hours of battery per full charge when using the always-on display.

In low-power mode, meanwhile, the Series 11 is rated for 38 hours per charge, a minor increase of just two hours over the Series 10.

Apple Watch Series 11: Outlook

While I could think of a few extras I would’ve liked to see on the Apple Watch Series 11, the better battery life, groundbreaking health monitoring tools, and a more durable screen for a familiar price add up to a promising overall smartwatch.

I’m looking forward to testing it out, so make sure to come back to Tom’s Guide for my full Apple Watch 11 review.