At a Glance
- Apple Watch Series 11 is the top all-around choice for most users
- SE 3 delivers flagship features at nearly half the price
- Ultra 3 adds satellite SOS and 48-hour battery for adventurers
- Why it matters: The right model saves you hundreds while matching your health, fitness, and safety needs
Apple now sells three new watches in 2026: the flagship Series 11, the rugged Ultra 3, and the budget SE 3. News Of Losangeles‘s testing shows each targets different users and budgets, while WatchOS 26 adds hypertension alerts and sleep scores even to older models.
Series 11: The Goldilocks Watch
The Apple Watch Series 11 balances price, features, and design better than any other model. It keeps the same S10 chip as its predecessor but adds six extra hours of real-world battery life, 5G connectivity, and tougher cover glass on aluminum cases.
Battery life is officially 24 hours, yet testers regularly hit 30 hours depending on use. A 15-minute top-up supplies enough power for a full night of sleep tracking-critical for features like sleep apnea alerts and ovulation predictions.
Hypertension notifications are FDA-cleared and could be life-saving. The watch also keeps the edge-to-edge screen in 42 mm and 46 mm sizes, making it comfortable for both small and large wrists.
Who should buy it: iPhone owners who want every health sensor, a sleek design, and longer battery without the Ultra 3 bulk or price.
SE 3: Flagship Features on a Budget
The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249-almost half the Series 11 price-yet uses the same S10 processor and 5G cellular option. It gains an always-on display, ultrafast charging (eight hours of use in 15 minutes), and new wellness tools like Sleep Score and Workout Buddy.
Missing pieces include ECG, blood oxygen, and hypertension alerts. Battery life covers one full day plus a 40-minute GPS workout and overnight sleep tracking.
Who should buy it: first-time smartwatch buyers, parents setting up a kid’s watch, or anyone upgrading from Series 7 or earlier.
Ultra 3: Adventure-Ready Powerhouse
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 costs $799-double the Series 11-but delivers satellite SOS for off-grid emergencies and a 48-hour battery that stretches to 72 hours in Low Power mode. The 49 mm titanium case is water-resistant to 100 m and tested to MIL-STD 810H, yet testers found it comfortable for sleep.
A 15-minute charge adds 12% power, and the 3,000-nit screen stays visible in harsh sunlight. Satellite connectivity joins existing emergency tools like Fall, Crash, and Emergency SOS.
Who should buy it: athletes, hikers, and anyone who wants maximum durability and battery without leaving Apple’s ecosystem.
Head-to-Head Specs
| Feature | Series 11 | Ultra 3 | SE 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $399 | $799 | $249 |
| Sizes | 42 mm, 46 mm | 49 mm | 40 mm, 44 mm |
| Battery | 24-30 hrs | 48-72 hrs | 18 hrs |
| Display Nits | 2,000 | 3,000 | 1,000 |
| ECG / Hypertension | Yes | Yes | No |
| Satellite SOS | No | Yes | No |
| 5G Cellular | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Buying Tips
- Budget: Wait for Black Friday or buy Apple-refurbished to save up to $70
- Durability: Aluminum Series 11 glass is 2× more scratch-resistant than SE 3 Ion-X
- Cellular: Add $100 only if you’ll regularly leave your iPhone behind
- Kids: SE 3 cellular supports Apple Watch for Your Kids mode-no iPhone needed for the child
Blood Oxygen Returns
A 2024 patent dispute forced Apple to disable SpO₂ on U.S. models sold after January 18, 2024. iOS 18.6.1 and WatchOS 11.6.1 restore the feature by processing data on the paired iPhone; results appear in the Health app.
What About Older Models?
The Series 10 is no longer sold by Apple but still available at retailers for about $70 less than the Series 11. You get the same S10 chip and most health tools except the extra six-hour battery life, 5G, and tougher glass.
Alternatives to Apple Watch
Stick with Apple if you keep your iPhone. Wear OS watches like the Galaxy or Pixel Watch offer limited iOS compatibility. Garmin Venu 3 or Huawei Watch Fit 3 run proprietary systems and work better across platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Series 11 is the safest overall pick for features and longevity
- SE 3 delivers 90% of the experience for $150 less
- Ultra 3 justifies its premium only if you need satellite SOS or two-day battery
- Buy now or wait-Apple watches hold value, and discounts appear every few months
