The Apple Watch 11 has officially been announced and is set to be released in the UK on 19 September 2025. Starting at £369 for the GPS-only version and £469 for the GPS + Cellular model, this new smartwatch continues Apple’s tradition of innovation, merging health features, advanced processors, and an elegant design. With new sensors, a revamped chipset, and deeper integration with Apple's ecosystem, the Apple Watch 11 is poised to be a significant leap forward in wearable tech.
Apple Watch 11: Refined Design Meets Durability
Visually, the Apple Watch 11 sticks with the familiar rounded edges and OLED Retina display but includes subtle refinements. Apple has further reduced the bezel size and introduced a new material option—polished titanium—for specific models. The watch maintains its IP6X dust resistance and WR50 water resistance rating, ensuring it keeps up with both your workouts and your weekday wear.
New Colours and Sizes for the Apple Watch 11
The Apple Watch 11 is offered in four core colours: Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver, and a brand-new Space Grey. Users can still choose between the 42mm and 46mm case sizes, with both options available across aluminium and stainless steel cases. Apple has also refined the strap connector to enhance comfort and compatibility with existing bands.
Performance Boost with the New S10 Chip
Under the hood, the Apple Watch 11 introduces the new S10 SiP (System in Package), delivering a 30% performance increase over the previous S9 chip. This upgrade translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better overall responsiveness. The new chip also supports enhanced on-device Siri processing for faster responses without depending on Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Improved Battery Efficiency
Despite the performance boost, the Apple Watch 11 maintains all-day battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. Apple has also introduced an extended Low Power Mode which delivers up to 36 hours of battery life when activated. This new mode intelligently disables non-essential features while preserving essential notifications and health tracking.
Apple Watch 11 Health and Fitness Features
As expected, health and fitness tracking remain at the core of the Apple Watch 11. Among the new features is a Blood Pressure Monitoring sensor, an addition Apple fans have long anticipated. Also new is a Skin Temperature Tracker designed for better sleep and cycle tracking accuracy.
Enhanced Heart and Sleep Monitoring
The Apple Watch 11 includes improved ECG capabilities and enhanced irregular rhythm notifications. Sleep tracking now provides more comprehensive metrics, such as REM stages and nocturnal heart rate variability. All health data syncs seamlessly with the Health app on iOS for long-term trend analysis.
Connectivity and smarts of Apple Watch 11
The Apple Watch 11 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more stable connections. The GPS + Cellular model now includes beamforming technology for clearer phone calls. Apple has also updated Ultra Wideband (UWB) 2.0, allowing for more precise location tracking and integration with the Find My network.
New watchOS 11 Enhancements
Running on watchOS 11, the new smartwatch benefits from software-based improvements like Smart Widgets, redesigned workouts, and better third-party app support. The updated operating system introduces a new "Vitals" app that consolidates health metrics into an easy daily summary. Customisable complications and more animated watch faces round out the experience, further tailoring the watch to personal needs.
Apple Watch 11 vs Previous Models
Compared to the Apple Watch Series 10, the new version is approximately 5 grams lighter in the aluminium model and includes 1.1 times faster app load times. Newer sensors and wider UWB capabilities also make the Apple Watch 11 more future-proof. Overall, the wearable offers meaningful enhancements while retaining full strap and accessory compatibility.
Technical Specifications Comparison Table
| Feature | Apple Watch 10 | Apple Watch 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | S9 | S10 |
| Display Size | 42mm / 46mm | 42mm / 46mm |
| Battery Life | 18 hours | 18-36 hours |
| New Sensors | None added | Blood Pressure, Skin Temp |
| Chip Efficiency | Baseline | 30% more efficient |
| OS Version | watchOS 10 | watchOS 11 |
Battery and Charging Enhancements on Apple Watch 11
The Apple Watch 11 keeps its fast-charging capability, delivering an 80% charge in just 45 minutes. Apple has also improved ambient power usage; the Always-On Display now consumes 15% less energy. Combined with watchOS 11’s optimisations, this makes it one of the most efficient smartwatches Apple has released.
New Strap Options for the Apple Watch 11
Apple has introduced several exclusive bands with this release, including the Braided Loop 2 and Sport Loop Pro. These new designs are not only fashionable but eco-friendly, with recycled materials used in construction. They are also fully backwards compatible with any Apple Watch strap from Series 4 onward.
Highlight Features of Apple Watch 11 Straps
- Eco-friendly materials
- New colours available
- Backwards compatible straps
- Improved sweat resistance
- Loop and buckle-free options
Compatibility with iPhones and Ecosystem
The Apple Watch 11 requires an iPhone XR or newer running iOS 18 or later. It pairs instantly via the Apple Watch app and supports automatic iCloud backup for a streamlined setup. Apple Wallet, Apple Home, Fitness+ and more are fully supported with deeper integration than ever.
Who Should Consider the Apple Watch 11?
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a tech-savvy user, or simply want a daily companion to improve wellness, the Apple Watch 11 is a great contender. Its expanded health features and improved connectivity make it suitable for a broad audience. It's especially valuable for those upgrading from a Series 7 or earlier model due to the noticeable jump in performance and durability.
Apple Watch 11 FAQ
What is the release date of the Apple Watch 11 in the UK?
The expected release date is 19 September 2025.
What sizes does the Apple Watch 11 come in?
The Apple Watch 11 is available in 42mm and 46mm case sizes.
What new health features does it include?
It adds Blood Pressure Monitoring and Skin Temperature Tracking.
Is the Apple Watch 11 compatible with older straps?
Yes, straps from Series 4 onwards are fully compatible.
How much does it cost in the UK?
Prices start at £369 for GPS and £469 for GPS + Cellular models.
Conclusion
With so many new features, the Apple Watch 11 is shaping up to be one of the most capable smartwatches Apple has ever released. Are you planning to get your hands on one when it hits UK shelves on 19 September 2025? Which new feature are you most excited about—Blood Pressure Monitoring or the faster S10 chip?
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