Apple has delivered a complete update to its Watch lineup, introducing the Watch SE (₹25900, 40mm), Watch Series 11, and Watch Ultra 3. The Series 11 (₹46,900, 42mm) and Ultra 3 (₹89,900, 49mm) models feature a new hypertension detection system and fresh watch faces. The lower-end SE model gains additional health features, a faster chip, and updated displays.
The Series 11 is the first Apple Watch with 5G connectivity, and its redesigned cellular antenna is intended to provide better coverage in areas with a weak signal. The Series 11 also offers live translation capabilities, similar to the AirPods Pro 3.
However, the defining feature is its ability to monitor for hypertension, or high blood pressure. The feature uses the Series 11’s optical heart rate sensor and works in the background, analysing data collected over 30 days. A new algorithm then looks for signs that indicate your blood pressure may be too high.
Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, and it impacts approximately 1.3 billion adults globally. It is frequently undiagnosed because it often has no symptoms, many people do not see a doctor regularly, and even during a clinical visit, it can be easily missed with a single measurement.
The feature was developed with advanced machine learning and training data from multiple studies totaling over 100,000 participants. Its performance was then validated in a clinical study of over 2,000 participants. While hypertension notifications will not detect all instances of hypertension, Apple expects the feature to notify over one million people with undiagnosed hypertension within the first year, given the reach of the Apple Watch.
There is also a new sleep score feature. It uses metrics like how long you have been asleep and your sleep stages to help you better understand the quality of your rest.
An improvement in battery life is also included, with the Series 11 getting “up to 24 hours” of battery life. The new Ultra 3 model adds a feature for hikers: the ability to tap into satellite networks in areas without cellular coverage.