Apple may have more than just the Apple Watch Series 11 up its sleeve this year. The rumor mill is buzzing with talk that the company's next big launch event could include refreshed versions of the Ultra and SE alongside its next flagship smartwatch. And while the event hasn't been officially announced, it's already shaping up to be a busy season for Apple Watch fans.
Some predictions, like new sensors or improved battery life, feel within reach for this cycle, while others, like foldable screens or in-display cameras, may still be years away. From the realistic to the far-fetched, here's a closer look at what could be coming to the Apple Watch lineup this fall.
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Launch date
Unless there's a massive glitch in the universe, I have it on good authority that we can expect the Apple Watch Series 11 this September, alongside the rumored iPhone 17. Apple has consistently announced a new Apple Watch every year since its 2014 debut. Except for the first-gen model, they all launched at the yearly iPhone event in September.
What's less predictable is the release date. Traditionally, the new model goes on sale anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after the keynote (which is what we expect for 2025), though recent years have seen delays due to production issues. It's also unclear how newly imposed tariffs will affect the new watch's launch and price in 2025.
The Apple Watch Series 11 will follow last year's Apple Watch Series 10, which earned a CNET Editor's Choice Award. Apple sells other models too, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which came out in 2023 and the Apple Watch SE, which dropped in 2022. While Apple doesn't say anything about future products, we are fortunate that there are numerous rumors for all Apple Watch models. Here's what leakers and Apple analysts say we can expect for the next Apple Watch(es).
CNET
How many Apple Watches will we get this year?
We're definitely getting a Series 11, and there's a good chance we'll see an updated Ultra and 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. The Series 10 took the spotlight in 2024 as the only smartwatch announced that year. The new Ultra and Series 11 are mostly expected to look the same, while the SE could be getting a refreshed exterior according to Gurman. And the Ultra could get satellite connectivity and 5G RedCap network access that would bring even the most remote adventures "on the grid".
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