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10 Features That Would Make Me Buy the Apple Watch Series 11

Published: Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

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With WatchOS 26 now in public beta, Apple’s smartwatch lineup is gearing up for another significant evolution this fall with the anticipated launch of the Apple Watch Series 11, likely accompanied by updates to the Ultra and SE models. As the flagship device, the Series 11 will set the tone for Apple’s wearable direction, but how will it improve on last year’s Series 10 and compete against rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8?

One critical area for advancement is Siri and AI integration. After firsthand use of Google's Gemini AI on the Galaxy Watch 8, it’s clear that Apple’s Siri lags behind in conversational ability and utility on the wrist. Gemini can handle complex commands in a single interaction, summarize information aloud, and avoid dead-end results or cumbersome app switching—features that are invaluable given the Apple Watch’s limited screen space and the need for swift, efficient interactions. Currently, WatchOS 26’s few AI enhancements, such as live translation in messages and the Workout Buddy feature, still rely heavily on processing from an iPhone, limiting the watch’s standalone intelligence. For Apple to remain competitive, it must significantly upgrade Siri’s capabilities and boost the Apple Watch’s on-device processing power to support more autonomous, intelligent features directly on the wrist[1][2].

This leads to the rumored S11 chip, which is expected to power the Series 11. While the Ultra 2 and Series 10 made strides by enabling on-device Siri for basic commands, the next-generation chip will need to deliver substantial improvements in speed and energy efficiency. Such gains are essential to run advanced AI features like an enhanced Workout Buddy independently, without relying on an iPhone for processing[1][2].

Battery life remains a major sticking point for Apple Watch users. The Series 10’s approximate 26-hour battery life barely covers a full day and night, forcing users to choose between charging and continuous features like sleep tracking or missing out on key health insights. The Ultra line has demonstrated the potential for longer endurance, offering up to two days at full use or 72 hours in low power mode. For the Series 11, a reliable 48-hour battery life—even if only in low power mode—would be a transformative improvement that could eliminate the common dilemma of choosing between sleep tracking and daily use. Despite faster charging introduced with Series 10, Apple has yet to confirm significant efficiency gains in WatchOS 26 or reveal battery rumors for Series 11, leaving users hopeful that the next iteration will finally address this critical issue[1][2].

Health sensors continue to be a major focus for Apple. Blood pressure monitoring is among the most requested features, and while Apple is reportedly developing it, accuracy challenges may delay its arrival beyond 2025. This feature would likely not provide precise systolic and diastolic readings but instead monitor trends to alert users to hypertension risks, enabling proactive medical consultation similar to existing atrial fibrillation alerts. Glucose monitoring remains even more speculative, but rumors and enthusiast discussions suggest Apple may be exploring this technology for future models, which could be revolutionary for diabetes management[2][4].

Beyond these expected updates, there is room for innovative wellness features that surprise and engage users. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 introduced an Antioxidant Index that measures skin carotenoid levels, offering a novel way to link diet and stress management through a wearable. While not FDA-approved and categorized as a wellness tool, it adds a unique dimension to health tracking. Apple could develop similarly distinctive sensors or wellness insights that deepen user engagement and differentiate the watch in the crowded market[1].

Another area ripe for improvement is the Apple Watch’s health data interpretation. The current Vitals app alerts users when multiple health metrics are abnormal but doesn’t connect these dots in a meaningful way. Features like the Oura Ring’s Symptom Radar, which analyzes health shifts and suggests resting by pausing activity goals, represent the kind of contextual intelligence Apple could build into future WatchOS versions. Automating such health management would be especially useful when users feel unwell and might overlook manual adjustments[1].

Design-wise, the Series 11 is expected to retain the overall look of the Series 10, with its large edge-to-edge display and slightly thinner bezels. Minor tweaks could include an energy-efficient LTPO screen with better resolution and brightness, potentially improving battery life further. However, a more radical design change such as a circular watch face or a rotating bezel, like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers, remains unlikely but highly desired by some enthusiasts for its tactile and aesthetic appeal[1][3].

Outdoor and lifestyle tracking could also be enhanced. The Apple Watch does offer a UV Index complication, but it is passive and easy to overlook. More proactive alerts about cumulative UV exposure—warning users when they’ve had too little or too much sun—would be a beneficial nudge toward better health, similar to how smart rings have helped users rethink indoor time and vitamin D intake. Additionally, the Ultra model already features precision dual-frequency GPS, improving location accuracy in challenging environments, but this should become standard across all Series models to match competitors like Samsung[1][3].

Software improvements could include more full-featured apps on the watch itself. For example, WhatsApp’s full messaging and calling capabilities on the wrist would greatly enhance usability. The addition of the Notes app in WatchOS 26 shows that Apple is gradually expanding the watch’s utility as a standalone device. Gesture controls also have potential for growth; while Apple introduced double-tap and flick gestures, customization remains limited. Allowing users to assign gestures to launch apps, ping their phone, or perform other shortcuts could improve efficiency and daily interaction[1].

In summary, the Apple Watch Series 11 is poised to build on the solid foundation of the Series 10 with iterative design refinements and internal upgrades. However, to truly keep pace with competitors and meet user expectations, Apple must deliver a smarter, more independent Siri experience powered by a significantly enhanced S11 chip, extend battery life to at least 48 hours, and introduce meaningful health innovations like blood pressure monitoring. Incremental software and gesture improvements, along with deeper health insights and proactive wellness features, will also be critical. While radical design changes like a circular face or rotating bezel remain unlikely, the combination of these updates could redefine the Apple Watch experience for 2025 and beyond, ensuring it remains the leading smartwatch for health-conscious, tech-savvy users[1][2][3][4].

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