Apple's next "Awe dropping" event is less that a week away, and CNET's experts are expecting a new batch of Apple Watches to take center stage. The headliner will likely be the Apple Watch Series 11, but Apple may have unintentionally revealed a hint about the next Ultra model. Imagery uncovered by MacRumors in the iOS 26 public beta points to new display specs that don't match any current model - a likely sign of what's coming for the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3.
With the clues stacking up, here's a look at everything we know, suspect and can reasonably expect from Apple's 2025 smartwatch lineup.
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How many Apple Watches will we get?
Based on the usual update cycle and now the latest clues in iOS 26, we're at least getting a flagship (Series 11) and an Apple Watch Ultra 3 as revealed by reference in Watch OS 26. Also likely, is the possibility of getting a next-gen SE model, according to a report from Bloomberg's Apple analyst Mark Gurman. The Apple Watch Ultra and the cheaper SE line haven't exactly followed a predictable upgrade cycle, but last year's absence could prove a strong clue that 2025 could be the year we get all three again.
According to Gurman, the new Ultra and Series 11 are mostly expected to look the same, while the SE could get a refreshed exterior. The Ultra could also get satellite connectivity and 5G RedCap network access that would bring even the most remote adventures "on the grid."
CNET
Apple Watch Series 11 price and availability
Traditionally, new models go on sale anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after the keynote. This year, that could mean preorders opening on Friday, Sept. 12, with availability starting the following Friday, Sept. 19. That said, recent years have seen delays due to production issues, and it's still unclear how newly imposed tariffs might affect both the launch timing and pricing in 2025. For context: the Series 10 starts at $399 for the base model, while the Ultra 2 comes in at $799. The other question is what the most expensive variant will be -- solid gold, diamond-encrusted Hermès, anyone?
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