160: Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 or Wait for Next Year?

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show (front.macrumors.com/?p=1015115&preview=true), we talk through what to expect from the Apple Watch SE (macrumors.com/roundup/apple-watch-se) 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3, and whether it's worth holding off on an upgrade until next year.

The third-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ is rumored to feature a larger display (perhaps like the Apple Watch Series 7), the S11 chip (macrumors.com/2025/08/13/apple-watch-s11-chip-…), and potentially a plastic casing. It could also available at a slightly lower price point.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will likely feature the S11 chip, 5G RedCap connectivity on cellular models, a "Sleep Score" feature (macrumors.com/2025/07/22/sleep-score-apple-wat…), and potentially hypertension detection. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to also get all of these new features, as well as a slightly larger (macrumors.com/2025/08/05/apple-watch-ultra-3-d…) wide-angle OLED display with a faster refresh rate, and satellite connectivity.

Earlier this week, internal Apple code revealed (macrumors.com/2025/08/19/new-apple-watch-with-…) that the 2026 Apple Watch lineup is poised to get some major enhancements. The new devices will feature Touch ID (macrumors.com/guide/touch-id) for biometric authentication, a redesigned chip based on newer CPU technology for improved performance, a revamped design (macrumors.com/2025/08/15/apple-watch-significa…) with a new rear sensor array, and more.