Apple Watch Series 11 – Top 5 Rumored Upgrades You Need to Know Before Launch

Apple’s September 2025 event is just weeks away, and anticipation is high for the Apple Watch Series 11. While early leaks suggest the overall design will remain similar to previous models, both hardware and software are expected to receive meaningful updates. With the introduction of watchOS 26 and potential new health features, the Series 11 could be a more capable and connected wearable than ever before.

Apple Watch Series 11 - Top 5 Rumored Upgrades You Need to Know Before Launch

Summary Table

Apple Watch Series 11 - Top 5 Rumored Upgrades You Need to Know Before Launch
Feature
Description
S11 Processor & 5G RedCap
Faster chip for smoother performance and improved battery life, plus potential 5G connectivity for select models
watchOS 26 Enhancements
New UI with Liquid Glass, AI Workout Buddy, wrist flick gestures, Notes app, live translation, and smarter widgets
Sleep Score
Consolidated sleep quality metric using multiple health and activity sensors
Blood Pressure Trends
Early detection of hypertension patterns with alerts for follow-up testing
Unified Visual Design
Consistent Liquid Glass interface across all apps and system screens

Below, we break down the five most notable rumored upgrades.

1. S11 Processor and 5G RedCap Connectivity

Each Apple Watch generation has introduced a faster chip, and the Series 11 is expected to follow suit with the S11 processor. This chip should improve both performance and power efficiency, potentially delivering longer battery life and smoother navigation.

In addition, reports indicate Apple may move to a MediaTek modem with 5G RedCap support. This would mark the first time the Apple Watch supports a form of 5G connectivity, replacing LTE in select models. 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) is designed for wearables, offering faster speeds with lower power draw.

For those considering the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3, leaks also hint at satellite connectivity for sending messages in areas without cellular coverage.

2. watchOS 26 and the Liquid Glass Interface

The watchOS 26 update will debut alongside the Series 11, introducing a fresh design language and new AI-powered tools.

Key additions include:

  • Liquid Glass UI – A translucent, frosted-glass appearance across apps, widgets, and notifications, giving the interface a cleaner and more modern look.

  • Workout Buddy – An AI-driven personal trainer powered by Apple Intelligence. It provides real-time workout feedback, motivation, and tips, using voice models trained on actual Apple Fitness+ coaches.

  • Wrist Flick Gestures – Quickly dismiss notifications or return to the home screen with a simple flick of the wrist.

  • Notes App – Syncs with your iPhone or iPad so you can view all your notes on your watch. You can also create new notes via dictation, drawing, or the on-screen keyboard, though editing existing notes is still unavailable.

  • Live Translation – Translates messages in real time directly from your wrist.

  • Improved Smart Stack – More context-aware widgets, plus a redesigned Workout app interface for quicker access to essential features.

3. Sleep Score Tracking

Apple’s sleep tracking is expected to get a significant upgrade with the introduction of a Sleep Score feature. This would combine metrics like sleep duration, stages, and interruptions into a single, easy-to-read score.

Unlike basic trackers, Apple could integrate additional health data-such as heart rate variability or oxygen saturation-for a more comprehensive sleep assessment. This builds on Apple’s history of health features that meet high accuracy standards.

4. Blood Pressure Trend Alerts

While not confirmed for the standard Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to be the first Apple wearable to support blood pressure trend detection. Instead of providing exact systolic and diastolic numbers like a traditional cuff, the watch would alert users when their readings are trending toward hypertension. This information could be shared with healthcare providers for further testing.

Even if it launches only on the Ultra 3 initially, future software updates could bring the feature to other models.

5. A Unified, Modern Design

Beyond the technical upgrades, the Series 11 will benefit from the visual consistency Apple is pushing across all its platforms. The Liquid Glass interface is part of a broader UI refresh coming to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, creating a more seamless look and feel for users in the Apple ecosystem.

Q: Will the Apple Watch Series 11 have 5G?

A. Possibly. Rumors point to a MediaTek modem with 5G RedCap, designed for low-power wearables.

Q: Can the Series 11 track blood pressure?

A. The Ultra 3 may introduce blood pressure trend alerts first. Exact readings are unlikely, but early detection alerts are expected.

Q: What is Workout Buddy?

A. An AI-powered coaching tool in watchOS 26 that offers live voice feedback during workouts, similar to having a personal trainer.

Q: Is the Notes app finally on Apple Watch?

A. Yes, watchOS 26 adds a Notes app for viewing synced notes and creating new ones, but not editing existing ones.

Q: What is Liquid Glass?

A. A translucent design style giving apps and UI elements a frosted look, making the interface feel lighter and more modern.

For More Information Click HERE

About the Author
Tushar is a skilled content writer with a passion for crafting compelling and engaging narratives. With a deep understanding of audience needs, he creates content that informs, inspires, and connects. Whether it’s blog posts, articles, or marketing copy, he brings creativity and clarity to every piece. His expertise helps our brand communicate effectively and leave a lasting impact.

Leave a Comment