Fans of the Apple smartwatches line their calendars every September, knowing the Apple Watch sees its refresh. But the latest Power On newsletter from veteran tech journalist Mark Gurman may shine some light on exactly what that might entail for Apple’s wearable lines. Let’s take a closer look.
Apple Watch SE: New Design
The entry-level Apple Watch SE was last updated in 2022 and is due for a design refresh. Details remain scant, but the company will probably keep the SE 3’s design after the Series 7 to Series 9 models, following tradition. That would move the SE into modern style while still making sure it stays more budget-friendly.
Apple Watch Series 11: Incremental Changes
After the big design refresh that came with the Series 10, the upcoming Series 11 models will likely enjoy only minor casing revisions. Though the new cases might essentially look indistinguishable from their predecessors, word is that the Series 11 will boast many additional hardware updates, especially in performance and functionality rather than a design refresh.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Connectivity Upgrades
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is supposed to look the same as its predecessor, launched in 2022. Still, Gurman suggests some significant hardware updates, such as satellite connectivity and 5G RedCap support. The latter is a new technology that reduces 5G bandwidth for non-phone devices, which could mean better connectivity for outdoor adventurers and fitness enthusiasts.
Groundbreaking Health Features
Blood pressure monitoring has been the most yearned-for feature across the lineup. First said to be coming with Series 10, this had been delayed due to some reliability problems during test courses. Apple seems ready to launch this revolutionary health feature in 2025, probably setting a new record when it comes to wearable health technology.
Additionally, it’s said to be working on bringing AI workouts to the smartwatch platform, which would line up with plans to push deeper into health and fitness features in the medium term and make the Apple Watch a far more complete wellness device.
Wareable’s Take
This adds credibility to the claims, considering Mark Gurman’s track record in predicting Apple’s plans. The refresh of the design of the SE model makes sense since it has an outdated look. But for the Series 11 and Ultra 3, their rumored upgrades might be a bit underwhelming for some enthusiasts, especially considering the unchanged looks of both models.
The Ultra series, which started in 2022, has missed a major refresh since its launch. Many were expecting a big refresh in 2025, but the rumored upgrades seem more incremental and closer to what one would expect from a normal yearly refresh cycle.
What’s Next?
Of course, these details paint a small picture of what Apple will offer, but much is left to question. As has often been the case with updates, features and designs can change in the upcoming months. Fans of Apple will have to wait until September for an official unveiling.
Keep watching for the latest on the Apple Watch as more rumors and details emerge over the coming months.
