WatchSep 2025

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple · From $399

Release date Sep 19, 2025

Critical Gold

Based on 17 Critic Reviews

15 with a published score, 2 scored from text · How it works

Latest review Jun 1, 2026

Critical Gold

Based on 17 Critic Reviews

15 with a published score, 2 scored from text · How it works

Latest review Jun 1, 2026

11 Rave5 Positive1 Favorable

Critics' Take

Critics call the Series 11 a refinement of an already excellent smartwatch. Longer battery life (up to 24 hours), a tougher Ion-X screen, 5G and hypertension alerts earn praise, and Wired and CNET both score it 9/10. Several reviewers, including Macworld, T3 and Digital Trends, say Series 10 owners can skip it and that the cheaper SE 3 suits many buyers.

From the manufacturer

What critics loved

Battery life now rated up to 24 hours
Tougher Ion-X glass, twice as scratch resistant
Hypertension alerts and Sleep Score
Accurate heart rate and GPS tracking

Common gripes

Barely changed from the Series 10
Battery still needs charging daily
Works only with an iPhone
Cheaper Apple Watch SE 3 is almost as good
Few Series 11-exclusive features

Critic Scorecard

17 reviews

Sort:By ScoreBy Date

Weighted by outlet tier:T1100%T275%T340%T420%

WiredT1Sep 16, 2025

“Every year, I say you probably don’t need to upgrade if you already own a recent Apple Watch. This year is the exception.”

By Adrienne So · Rated 9/10Full review

Tom's GuideT2★ Editors' ChoiceSep 16, 2025

“The Apple Watch Series 11 finally cracks the 18-hour battery life mark. It also introduces a first-of-its-kind high blood pressure alert feature (hypertension) and daily sleep scores.”

By Kate Kozuch · Rated 5/5Full review

PCMagT2★ Editors' ChoiceSep 16, 2025

“The Series 11 offers longer battery life than its predecessor and adds 5G cellular support without a price increase over the Series 10.”

By Andrew Gebhart · Rated 4.5/5Full review

MashableT2Sep 22, 2025

“Yes. Even if you already have a Series 10, which has nearly all the same features, the new Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t require you to charge it mid-day in order to keep it going through the night.”

By Stan Schroeder · Rated 4.5/5Full review

EngadgetT1Sep 16, 2025

“With improvements to battery life and new health metrics, the Apple Watch Series 11 is a refinement on what was already the best smartwatch for iPhone owners.”

By Cherlynn Low · Rated 90/100Full review

ZDNETT2Sep 16, 2025

“The Series 11 is ideal for you if you have already used a smartwatch and are ready for an upgrade.”

Date is the page's original_publish_date; the page was republished/updated 2026-03-25 with a deal headline.

By Nina Raemont · Rated 4.6/5Full review

Show 11 more reviews ▾Show fewer ▴

CGMagazineT4Oct 25, 2025

“A bolstered battery and reinforced display make it worth considering an upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 11, even if its best new applications aren't exclusive.”

By Chris de Hoog · Rated 9/10Full review

Expert ReviewsT3Oct 28, 2025

“The Apple Watch Series 11 is a fantastic smartwatch that’s useful for all manner of things”

By Jonathan Bray · Rated 5/5Full review

Trusted ReviewsT2Jun 1, 2026

“The Apple Watch Series 11 doesn't reinvent the wheel compared to its predecessor, but it delivers a couple of improvements – most notably in battery life and display, which make it worth the upgrade (for some).”

Date is the page's datePublished (2026-06-01, updated 2026-08-05).

By Max Parker · Rated 4.5/5Full review

CNETT1★ Editors' ChoiceFeb 18, 2026

“Subtle updates keep the Apple Watch Series 11 at the top of its game with noticeable battery gains, but the competition is closing in.”

Date is the page's datePublished (2026-02-18); the page shows CNET's Editors' Choice Award.

By Vanessa Hand Orellana · Rated 9.0/10Full review

Android PoliceT3Oct 4, 2025

“The Series 11 is an excellent smartwatch, and I recommend it, but I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, even if they’re Apple Watch fans.”

By Andy Boxall · Rated 9/10Full review

Digital TrendsT2★ Editors' ChoiceOct 8, 2025

“It's boringly good, but if you look closer, the bar for practical perks has been raised.”

Numeric score not shown in page text; score estimated from the Editors' Choice verdict.

By Nadeem Sarwar · Unrated, scored from textFull review

TechRadarT2Sep 16, 2025

“After a week with the Apple Watch Series 11, it’s clear that while the design hasn’t changed, the bigger battery, new health features, and watchOS upgrades make it the most capable, best-looking mainline Apple Watch yet.”

By Jacob Krol · Rated 4/5Full review

NotebookcheckT3Nov 6, 2025

“With the Series 11, Apple delivers a solid update to its smartwatch lineup.”

By Benedikt Winkel · Unrated, scored from textFull review

T3T3Feb 6, 2026

“The Apple Watch Series 11 is a confident refinement, not a reinvention. Battery life finally improves, health features continue to mature, and watchOS 26 adds welcome polish.”

Date is the page's datePublished (2026-02-06).

By Matt Kollat · Rated 4/5Full review

The VergeT1Sep 16, 2025

“Even so, there’s value in being a dependable workhorse. For certain folks, the Series 11 is still the best option over the new SE 3 or the Ultra.”

By Victoria Song · Rated 8/10Full review

MacworldT2Oct 20, 2025

“The Apple Watch Series 11 is a truly excellent smartwatch: it looks great, it feels great, it’s easy to use and offers a wide range of health and fitness features.”

By David Price · Rated 4/5Full review