How the 2025 Apple Watch models compare to previous versions

Apple announced the new Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3 smartwatches during its annual iPhone hardware event on Tuesday. The 2025 models are somewhat iterative in terms of their designs. However, there are plenty of new features present in each that could make either one a worthy upgrade over previous generations, depending on how much money you want to spend.

The most affordable 2025 model is the $249 Apple Watch SE 3, which now runs on the same S10 chipset found in the pricier Series 11 and even in the Ultra 3. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, and there’s an option to spend a little more on either size to get 5G connectivity (the feature adds $50 to the price). Other new features include an always-on display, temperature sensors, which can be used for ovulation tracking, and the ability to play audio through its built-in speaker.

The Series 11 starts at $399 for the 42mm version, and goes up to $499 if you want 5G connectivity in that size. Apple’s Series 11 isn’t all that different from the Series 10, save for enhanced battery life that Apple claims can last for 24 hours per charge. The company introduced hypertension notifications that are currently awaiting FDA clearance, though this feature will also come to the Series 9 and up.

As for the Ultra 3, the big update is the ability to send messages via satellite when you’re off the grid and away from 5G connectivity, which this watch supports as well. Apple also increased the size of the Ultra 3’s screen compared to past generations without adjusting the size of the watch; the bezels simply got smaller. And it increased the battery life.

My colleague Victoria Song has already gotten these new Apple smartwatches around her wrist, long enough to present some early impressions. It won’t be long until full reviews go live (send happy thoughts to Vee), but if it’s spec comparisons you want, that’s what we’ve got. We’re drilling into the new models to see all the ways they improve on their predecessors, or in some cases, ways in which they’re exactly the same.