At a Glance
- Apple unveiled three new Apple Watch models: Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3.
- The Ultra 3 carries a $799 price tag aimed at athletes, while the SE 3 starts at $249 and the Series 11 at $399.
- The SE 3 brings a jump from the S8 to the S10 chip, an always-on display, fast charging, and new health sensors.
- Why it matters: Buyers can now match price, performance, and health features to their lifestyle.
Apple’s latest watch lineup arrives in late 2025, offering a clear upgrade path for every user. From the budget-friendly SE 3 to the premium Ultra 3, the range covers a wide spectrum of needs and budgets.
Overview of the New Models
Apple released three distinct watches, each targeting a different segment. The Ultra 3 is designed for serious athletes, the Series 11 for mainstream consumers, and the SE 3 for those who want essential features at a lower cost.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 – $799, sports-grade durability, 50-meter water resistance, and a 2000-nit display.
- Apple Watch Series 11 – $399, 2000-nit wide-angle OLED, 46 mm and 44 mm sizes, and advanced health sensors.
- Apple Watch SE 3 – $249, 1000-nit OLED, 44 mm and 40 mm aluminum cases, and the new S10 chip.
Shared Features Across Models
All three watches share a core set of capabilities that make them versatile companions for everyday life. They run on the same S10 chip, offer an always-on Retina display, and provide essential health monitoring.
- Always-on Retina display lets you see the time and watch face without raising your wrist.
- Heart-health notifications include high/low heart rate alerts, irregular rhythm detection, and low cardio-fitness warnings.
- Gesture controls such as wrist flick to dismiss and double tap to answer calls or play music.
- Emergency SOS and Fall/Crash detection automatically notify local services and contacts.
- Water resistance to 50 m supports swimming and other water activities.
- Sleep tracking with a new Sleep Score and wrist-temperature sensing.
- Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates.
- Fast charging reaches 80 % in about 30 min (Series 11) or 45 min (SE 3); 15 min for eight hours of normal use on both.
- Find iPhone button plays a sound, with the Series 11 adding precision finding.
Key Differences Between Series 11 and SE 3
While the core platform is identical, several aspects set the two models apart, especially for users who need more advanced health data or a brighter display.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Up to 24 h (28 h low-power) | Up to 18 h (32 h low-power) |
| Health features | Hypertension alerts, electrical heart sensor, ECG, Blood Oxygen | Basic heart rate, sleep, cycle tracking |
| Display brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Display type | Wide-angle OLED | Simple OLED |
| Sizes | 46 mm & 44 mm (Aluminum/Titanium) | 44 mm & 40 mm (Aluminum) |
| Thickness | ~10 % thinner than SE 3 | Thicker |
| Colors | Aluminum: Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, Space Gray; Titanium: Natural, Gold, Slate | Midnight Aluminum, Starlight Aluminum |
| Extra sensors | Depth gauge (6 m), water-temperature sensor, 1 nit min brightness | 2 nit min brightness, IP6X dust resistance |
The Series 11 offers more advanced health monitoring, a brighter display, and a slimmer profile, making it suitable for users who want the most from their watch.
Choosing the Right Watch
Deciding between the SE 3 and Series 11 depends on what you value most. If you prioritize budget and essential fitness tracking, the SE 3 delivers a solid set of features for $249. For those who need detailed health metrics, a brighter screen, and a sleeker design, the Series 11 at $399 is the better choice. The Ultra 3 remains the top tier for athletes and those willing to pay $799 for premium durability.
Detailed Feature Breakdown
A closer look at each model reveals the unique strengths that Apple has built into the lineup. The Ultra 3 excels in ruggedness, while the Series 11 balances performance and price. The SE 3 focuses on core essentials and affordability.
Ultra 3
- Durability: IP68 rating, 50-meter water resistance, and a titanium case.
- Display: 2000-nit always-on OLED, 44 mm or 45 mm size.
- Health sensors: ECG, Blood Oxygen, always-on heart rate, and a depth gauge.
- Battery: Up to 36 h, fast charging to 80 % in 30 min.
Series 11
- Display: 2000-nit wide-angle OLED, 46 mm or 44 mm options.
- Health: Hypertension alerts, electrical heart sensor, ECG, Blood Oxygen.
- Durability: 50-meter water resistance, aluminum or titanium case.
- Battery: Up to 24 h, fast charging to 80 % in 30 min.
SE 3
- Display: 1000-nit OLED, 44 mm or 40 mm aluminum case.
- Health: Basic heart rate, sleep, cycle tracking, wrist-temperature sensor.
- Durability: 50-meter water resistance, IP6X dust resistance.
- Battery: Up to 18 h, fast charging to 80 % in 45 min.
Price and Value Analysis
Apple’s pricing strategy reflects the feature set and target audience of each watch. The Ultra 3 commands a premium price for its ruggedness and advanced sensors. The Series 11 offers a mid-range option with a strong health suite. The SE 3 provides the most accessible entry point for new users.
- Ultra 3: $799 – Best for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Series 11: $399 – Ideal for health-focused consumers.
- SE 3: $249 – Perfect for budget-conscious buyers.
The price gap narrows as features converge, but each tier still offers distinct value propositions.
User Experience and Design
Design choices impact how users interact with each watch. The Ultra 3’s larger case and brighter display make it visible in bright conditions, while the Series 11’s slimmer profile appeals to everyday wearers. The SE 3’s compact size keeps it lightweight and comfortable for long wear.
- Ultra 3: 44 mm titanium, rugged edges, 2000-nit display.
- Series 11: 46 mm aluminum/titanium, wide-angle OLED, 2000-nit brightness.
- SE 3: 40 mm/44 mm aluminum, 1000-nit OLED, lightweight.
The tactile feel of the watch band also differs, with the Ultra 3 offering a sport-style band and the SE 3 using a standard aluminum band.
Battery Life in Real World
Real-world usage often differs from lab specifications. Users report that the Ultra 3 can last a full day with heavy use, while the Series 11 comfortably stays above 24 h. The SE 3’s battery life is shorter but still adequate for most daily activities.
- Ultra 3: 36 h on a full charge, fast charging to 80 % in 30 min.
- Series 11: 24 h, 28 h low-power mode, 80 % in 30 min.
- SE 3: 18 h, 32 h low-power mode, 80 % in 45 min.
Fast charging reduces downtime, especially for the SE 3, which benefits from a 45-minute top-up.
Health Tracking Capabilities
Health monitoring is a core selling point for Apple Watches. The Series 11 adds hypertension alerts and an electrical heart sensor, while the Ultra 3 expands on this with a depth gauge. The SE 3 focuses on essential metrics like heart rate and sleep.
- Ultra 3: ECG, Blood Oxygen, depth gauge, heart rate, always-on sensor.
- Series 11: ECG, Blood Oxygen, electrical heart sensor, hypertension alerts.
- SE 3: Heart rate, sleep, cycle tracking, wrist-temperature sensor.
These features allow users to track a wide range of health metrics without additional accessories.
Water and Durability
All three watches are water-resistant to 50 m, enabling swimming and water sports. The Ultra 3 also includes a depth gauge for diving. The SE 3’s IP6X dust resistance adds extra protection in outdoor settings.
- Ultra 3: 50 m water resistance, depth gauge, titanium case.
- Series 11: 50 m water resistance, aluminum/titanium case.
- SE 3: 50 m water resistance, IP6X dust resistance, aluminum case.
The rugged build of the Ultra 3 makes it suitable for harsh environments, while the SE 3 remains durable enough for everyday use.
Key Takeaways
- The SE 3 offers a major upgrade from its predecessor, adding an S10 chip, fast charging, and new health sensors, all for $249.
- The Series 11 provides advanced health features, a 2000-nit display, and a slimmer design, priced at $399.
- The Ultra 3 targets serious athletes with a $799 price tag, 50-meter water resistance, and the brightest display.
Choosing the right Apple Watch model now feels less like a gamble and more like a match between your budget, lifestyle, and health-tracking needs.
