The Apple Watch Series 11 offers a refined iteration of its predecessor with notable improvements in display brightness and performance thanks to the S9 SiP chip. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart notes it's a 'small but meaningful step forward' without dramatic redesigns. CNET's reviewer calls it a 'goldilocks pick' but suggests it's becoming harder to recommend over newer models. The watch maintains its strong position in health monitoring with enhanced ECG capabilities and always-on display improvements, though it lacks major innovations that would distinguish it from previous generations.
Full review
Design and Aesthetics
The Apple Watch Series 11 maintains the familiar form factor of its predecessor, the Series 10, with minimal visual changes that reflect Apple's strategy of incremental refinement over revolutionary redesign. Reviewers noted that the differences between the two models are subtle, with the primary distinction being color options. The aluminum models now come in four finishes: Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, and Jet Black, with Space Gray being a new addition that Apple sent for review. However, the color palette has been criticized for its lack of distinction from Silver, with one reviewer stating that Space Gray is 'so close to Silver that I do wonder why Apple bothered.' The titanium models retain the Slate, Gold, and Natural finishes, with the Slate being particularly praised for its timeless appeal. The 42mm and 46mm sizes remain unchanged, and the watch continues to be available in Hermes editions, with prices starting at $1,249 for the silver titanium model. The overall design remains comfortable and unobtrusive, with the Series 11 maintaining the slim profile that has made it a favorite among wearers, though some reviewers noted that the titanium model, while more premium, is also significantly more expensive.
Display and Readability
Apple Watch Series 11 retains the same wide-angle OLED LTPO technology as the previous generation, ensuring consistent performance in terms of readability and refresh rate. The 1Hz refresh rate, which was introduced in the Series 10, continues to provide excellent time-telling capabilities, particularly from obtuse angles. Reviewers highlighted that this feature makes the watch easier to read in various lighting conditions, which is a significant improvement over previous models. The display quality remains bright and punchy, with good viewing angles and adequate scratch resistance, especially on the aluminum models where the reinforced glass is twice as scratch-resistant as the Series 10. One reviewer noted that the display has remained consistent and functional, with no major complaints about its performance or clarity, which speaks to Apple's focus on reliability over innovation in this area.
Health and Fitness Features
The Apple Watch Series 11 introduces several health and fitness enhancements, including hypertension notifications, which are a new addition to the watch's health capabilities. These notifications alert users to potential high blood pressure trends, a feature that has been well-received by health-conscious users. The watch continues to offer robust fitness tracking, with accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring, which has been consistently praised by reviewers. The Sleep Score feature, which measures duration, bedtime, and interruptions, has been noted as a valuable addition, though some reviewers have expressed concerns about its accuracy compared to dedicated sleep tracking devices like the Oura Ring 4, which measures additional factors such as latency, sleep efficiency, and restfulness. The watch also includes Workout Buddy, which provides guided training plans, and the ability to track workouts with third-party apps like WorkOutDoors, which offers more customization than the native tracking app. However, some reviewers have pointed out that the lack of a daily readiness or energy score is a missed opportunity, especially for athletes who rely on recovery metrics for training optimization.
Battery Life and Performance
One of the most notable improvements in the Apple Watch Series 11 is its enhanced battery life, which provides an additional six hours of usage compared to the Series 10. This improvement allows users to wear the watch all day, track sleep, and charge it in the morning without needing to charge it before bedtime. The watch still operates on a single-day battery life, which is standard for smartwatches, but the extra hours make a meaningful difference in daily usability. Reviewers noted that the increased battery life is noticeable, especially for those who use the watch extensively for fitness tracking and health monitoring. The watch also charges quickly, with users able to get a top-up to last the day with just 15-30 minutes of charging. However, some reviewers have pointed out that the battery life is still shorter than that of dedicated sports watches, which can last significantly longer. The S10 chip continues to deliver solid performance, with no major issues reported in terms of responsiveness or multitasking capabilities, though some users have noted that the watch can still experience minor lag during intensive tasks like running GPS tracking or using third-party apps.
Smart Features and User Experience
The Apple Watch Series 11 continues to excel in smart features, with seamless integration into the iPhone ecosystem. Users can take advantage of Apple Pay, the ability to ping their iPhone from the watch, and a variety of gestures like Double Tap and Wrist Flick, which have become increasingly useful for hands-free operation. The watch's ability to support software updates that are also available on older models, such as hypertension notifications and Sleep Score, ensures that users are not left behind in terms of new features. However, some reviewers have noted that the lack of a dedicated lap button for runners is a significant shortcoming, especially when using third-party apps that require dual-button presses to mark laps. The GPS tracking is generally accurate, though it falls short of dual-band GPS capabilities found in more specialized sports watches. The App Store is rich with fitness and health apps, providing users with a wide range of options for customization and training plans, but the watch's performance in these areas is still limited by its overall design as a general-purpose smartwatch rather than a dedicated fitness device.
Value and Market Positioning
The Apple Watch Series 11 is positioned as a premium smartwatch with a price point that reflects its high-end features and build quality. The aluminum models start at £369/$399, while the titanium models are significantly more expensive, with the Hermes edition starting at $1,249. Reviewers have noted that while the Series 11 offers improvements over the Series 10, the upgrades are incremental rather than revolutionary, which may not justify the upgrade for current Series 10 owners. The watch's value proposition is strong for new users or those upgrading from older models, particularly those who value the health and fitness features, the improved battery life, and the enhanced durability of the display. However, for users who are already satisfied with the Series 10, the differences may not be substantial enough to warrant an upgrade. The watch's continued relevance in the market is supported by its strong ecosystem integration and the consistent quality of its health and fitness features, though some reviewers have suggested that the Series 10 remains a solid choice, especially if found in a sale, given the modest improvements in the Series 11.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Apple Watch Series 11 has several notable shortcomings that may deter certain users. The most significant criticism is the lack of a dedicated lap button for runners, which makes it difficult to use with third-party apps that require dual-button presses. Additionally, the watch still lacks a daily readiness or energy score, a feature that many athletes would find valuable for training optimization. The battery life, while improved, is still shorter than that of dedicated sports watches, which can be a limitation for users who rely on extended usage without charging. The display, though durable, is not as robust as some competitors, and the new Space Gray color option has been criticized for being too similar to Silver. The titanium model, while premium, is significantly more expensive, and the overall upgrade from the Series 10 is minimal, which may not justify the cost for existing users. Some reviewers have also noted that the watch's performance in GPS tracking, while generally good, is not as reliable as dual-band tracking found in more specialized devices, particularly under tree cover or in dense urban environments.
Who It's Best For
The Apple Watch Series 11 is best suited for users who are already invested in the iPhone ecosystem and value health and fitness tracking, as well as the convenience of smart features like Apple Pay and seamless integration with other Apple devices. New users or those upgrading from older models, particularly the Series 8 or earlier, will find the improvements in battery life and health features compelling. The watch is also ideal for individuals who prioritize comfort and aesthetics, as the slim design and variety of color options make it a versatile accessory. However, the watch is not recommended for serious runners who require dual-band GPS tracking or a dedicated lap button, as these features are missing. Users who are looking for a dedicated sports watch with longer battery life and more advanced analytics may find the Apple Watch Series 11 lacking in comparison to devices like the Garmin Forerunner 165 or Coros Pace Pro. Additionally, the titanium model's high price point makes it less accessible to budget-conscious consumers, and the incremental upgrades may not justify an upgrade for current Series 10 users.
Strengths
- +Improved brightness with up to 2,000 nits peak brightness for better visibility in sunlight
- +Enhanced always-on display functionality with improved readability
- +Faster S9 SiP chip delivering better performance and efficiency
- +New ECG app with enhanced heart rhythm monitoring capabilities
Watch-outs
- −No significant design changes from Series 10
- −Still lacks standalone cellular connectivity in entry-level models
How it compares
The Apple Watch Series 11 improves upon its predecessor with a faster S9 chip and enhanced display brightness, but unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it lacks rugged durability and specialized outdoor features. Compared to the Apple Watch SE, it offers more advanced health monitoring and a premium feel, though it doesn't provide the budget-friendly value that the SE delivers. It's a refined upgrade for existing Apple Watch users but doesn't break new ground in terms of design or functionality.
Who this is for
At a glance: Existing Apple Watch users wanting a performance upgrade.
Why you’d buy the Apple Watch Series 11
- Improved brightness with up to 2,000 nits peak brightness for better visibility in sunlight.
- Enhanced always-on display functionality with improved readability.
- Faster S9 SiP chip delivering better performance and efficiency.
Why you’d skip it
- No significant design changes from Series 10.
- Still lacks standalone cellular connectivity in entry-level models.
Rating sources
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
