Should You Buy an Apple Watch Now? Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 Rumored Upgrades and watchOS 26 Features Explained

Summary:

This video advises against buying an Apple Watch immediately due to upcoming releases and significant rumored upgrades, particularly for the Ultra model.

Upcoming Apple Event: New Apple Watches (Series 11, Ultra 3, SE 3) are expected to be announced around September 9th, with pre-orders on the 12th and delivery on the 18th.
Apple Watch Series 11 (Expected Minor Update):
- Likely to retain the Series 10 design (thinner, glossy black finish, brighter screen).
- Rumored to include a new S11 chip for faster on-device Siri processing and potential 5G RedCap support.
- A blood pressure sensor is rumored, possibly exclusive to the Ultra.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Expected Major Update):
- Anticipated larger display, thinner case, and faster charging (similar to Series 10).
- Rumored to gain 5G support, satellite connectivity for emergencies, and the S11 processor.
- Blood pressure monitoring might be an Ultra-exclusive feature to justify its price.
Apple Watch SE 3 (Affordable Option):
- Rumors suggest a plastic version for increased affordability and durability, and a slight screen size increase.
- Expected to receive a processor update to align with the Series 11 and Ultra 3, and potentially include a heart rate sensor.
watchOS 26 Features:
- Introduces a "Liquid Glass" UI for a more glass-like appearance across the OS.
- New accessibility features like a "flick" gesture to dismiss notifications.
- Includes an AI Workout Buddy for motivation and a redesigned Workout app with easier access to music, goals, and metrics.
- Adds a Notes app with dictation and keyboard support, improved Smart Stack hints, and live translation for messages.
- Features adaptive notification sounds that adjust volume based on ambient noise.
  
  Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra side-by-side comparison showing relative sizes and thinness. [ 00:01:45 ]

Introduction to Upcoming Apple Watch Releases [00:00]

The video advises against purchasing an Apple Watch immediately.
- New models (Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3) are anticipated.
- An Apple event is rumored for September 9th, with pre-orders on the 12th and deliveries on the 18th.
The speaker plans to acquire and review the new watches upon release.
Current models (Series 10, Ultra 2, SE 2) are available with discounts on platforms like Amazon, but waiting for the event is recommended to see if new features are appealing.

Why You Should Wait: Series 10 Features and Future Upgrades [00:52]

The speaker expresses satisfaction with the current Apple Watch Series 10.
- Display: Brighter screen with faster refresh rate allowing a second hand display. [01:29]
  - It has the largest screen size among current Apple Watches, even larger than the Ultra's, despite the Ultra having a bigger case. [01:34]
    
    A side-by-side comparison of the Apple Watch Series 10 (left) and the Apple Watch Ultra (right), highlighting the Series 10's larger screen despite the Ultra's bigger case. [ 00:01:35 ]
    
    An Apple Watch on a wrist, displaying a watch face with a visible second hand, demonstrating the faster refresh rate. [ 00:05:49 ]
  - A promotional image highlights the Series 10's "Monumental display".
    
    A promotional image highlighting the Series 10's "Monumental display." [ 00:04:00 ]
- Design: 10% thinner, allowing it to sit closer to the wrist. [01:43]
  - Features a jet glossy black finish. [01:48]
    
    A close-up view of the Apple Watch Series 10 in jet glossy black finish, showcasing its sleek and reflective surface. [ 00:01:50 ]
    
    A side profile view of the Apple Watch Series 10 in jet glossy black finish, highlighting its thin design. [ 00:00:00 ]
- Durability: A separate video by the speaker details the long-term wear of the jet black finish over 8 months. [01:52]
  
  A video thumbnail asking "8 Months Later" about the Apple Watch's durability. [ 00:01:58 ]
Upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 is not expected to have major design changes. [02:09]

Series 11 Upgrades [02:05]

Processor: Rumored to include a new S11 chip. [02:32]
- This chip is expected to offer slight speed improvements over previous versions. [02:39]
- Series 9 and later chips support on-device Siri processing for certain requests (e.g., starting workouts), which speeds up interactions. [02:46]
  
  Examples of on-device Siri requests for the Apple Watch, such as "Siri, start a 30-minute outdoor run" and "Siri, play something upbeat." [ 00:02:57 ]
Connectivity: Expected to gain 5G RedCap support for cellular models. [03:17]
- The speaker notes that LTE connectivity on current models (like the Ultra) is already sufficient for most tasks. [03:22]
Health Sensors: Rumors suggest a blood pressure sensor that would alert users to high or low blood pressure. [03:31]
- This feature might be exclusive to the Ultra 3 to differentiate it from the Series line. [03:42]
Display Technology: MicroLED display technology is rumored, but the speaker considers it unlikely for the Series 11 due to the recent Series 10 redesign. [03:51]
- This advanced display might appear in future models or not at all.
AI Features: The S11 chip could enable more AI capabilities, although full Apple Intelligence on-device is unlikely due to power requirements. [04:06]
- An enhanced Siri experience is possible, which Apple has been discussing for over a year. [04:15]
  
  A visual displaying the "Apple Intelligence" branding. [ 00:04:13 ]
Recommendation on AI-capable devices: It is advisable to get devices that support Apple Intelligence if planning to keep them for a long time, as its usefulness is expected to grow. [04:35]

Ultra 3 Upgrades [05:00]

The Ultra 3 is expected to receive the most significant upgrades, as Apple needs to justify its premium price. [05:02]
- The previous Ultra update was primarily a color option (black) and a processor update without major new features. [05:12]
  
  A promotional image of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in its black version, highlighting its rugged design and features like 3000 nits brightness and WR100 water resistance. [ 00:05:14 ]
Design & Display:
- Rumored to feature a larger display and a thinner case, similar to the Series 10's reduced thickness. [05:20]
- The faster refresh rate display technology from the Series 10, which enables a second hand and better off-axis viewing, is expected to come to the Ultra. [05:39]
Charging: Expected to adopt the Series 10's faster charging coils for quicker charging speeds. [05:26]

A visual representation of an Apple Watch displaying a green lightning bolt icon and battery percentage, indicating fast charging. [ 00:05:34 ]
Connectivity: Will likely include 5G support and satellite connectivity. [05:54]
- Satellite connectivity would allow communication in remote areas, useful for adventurers. [05:57]
Processor & AI: Will also get the S11 processor, supporting Apple's push for Apple Intelligence capability across devices. [06:08]
Health Sensors: The blood pressure sensor is rumored for the Ultra 3, possibly exclusively, to further differentiate it. [06:18]

Apple Watch SE 3 Upgrades [06:30]

Design: Rumors suggest a new plastic version of the SE, potentially as a more affordable or durable alternative to the aluminum model. [06:34]
- The speaker notes that aluminum Apple Watches can be prone to dings and scratches. [06:55]
- A plastic version could be particularly beneficial for children. [07:08]
  
  A promotional image for the Apple Watch SE, showcasing multiple watches and its core features. [ 00:06:31 ]
Processor: Expected to receive a processor update to keep it consistent with the Series 11 and Ultra 3. [07:11]
Display: A slightly larger screen is rumored. [07:17]
Health Sensors: The heart rate sensor, previously missing from the SE, is rumored to be included. [07:25]

A close-up of the Apple Watch SE displaying heart rate information. [ 00:07:27 ]

watchOS 26 [07:29]

User Interface: Features a "Liquid Glass" redesign. [07:32]
- This provides a more translucent, glass-like appearance to UI elements across the operating system. [07:38]
  
  A preview of watchOS 26 showing various Apple Watch faces and UI elements. [ 00:07:31 ]
  
  A series of Apple Watch screens showcasing the "Liquid Glass" UI, with redesigned Control Center icons and updated app controls featuring translucent backgrounds. [ 00:07:58 ]
  
  The Apple Watch passcode entry screen, demonstrating the "Liquid Glass" effect on the number buttons. [ 00:07:53 ]
Compatibility: watchOS 26 is compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 or higher, Ultra, and SE 2nd generation, requiring an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26. [07:59]

A compatibility chart indicating that watchOS 26 is compatible with Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Series 9, Series 10, Ultra, and Ultra 2 models. [ 00:08:03 ]
New Features (for newer watches):
- Flick Gesture: A new accessibility feature allows users to dismiss notifications with a flick of the wrist. [08:14]
  
  A hand demonstrating the "flick of a wrist" gesture on an Apple Watch to dismiss a notification. [ 00:08:18 ]
- AI Workout Buddy: An AI-powered feature that provides encouragement and real-time feedback during workouts (e.g., pace alerts for running). [08:22]
  
  A promotional image for the Apple Watch Workout app, displaying motivational messages like "That was your fastest 5k ever!" and "You've just crossed 500 miles for the year. Incredible stuff!" [ 00:08:28 ]
- Redesigned Workout App: Streamlined interface with quick access to music, goals, and workout views via corner icons. [08:48]
  
  A detailed view of the redesigned Apple Watch Workout app interface, showing options for music, play/pause, and notification settings arranged in the corners. [ 00:08:53 ]
  - Users can easily set workout goals (time, distance) and customize metric displays. [09:08]
    
    A close-up of the Apple Watch Workout app's "Goals" screen, allowing users to select workout objectives such as time or distance. [ 00:09:08 ]
- Notes App: The Notes app is now available on the Apple Watch, supporting dictation and keyboard input for quick note-taking. [09:23]
  
  A close-up view of the Apple Watch displaying the Notes app, showing a list of pinned notes and the option to add new notes via dictation or keyboard. [ 00:09:28 ]
  
  The keyboard input screen for the Apple Watch Notes app. [ 00:09:31 ]
- Smart Stack & Notification Upgrades: Improved predictive algorithms offer "Smart Stack hints" for common actions and events. [09:48]
  - The Smart Stack, accessed by rolling the Digital Crown up, can show relevant events or frequently used apps. [10:02]
    
    A close-up of an Apple Watch demonstrating the Smart Stack feature, showing dynamic widgets like "State of Mind Log" and "Last Edited" notes when scrolling the Digital Crown. [ 00:10:07 ]
    
    An example of the Smart Stack hints feature, showing a camera remote suggestion. [ 00:09:50 ]
- Live Translation in Messages: Messages in foreign languages will automatically be translated. [10:31]
  
  A message translated live on the Apple Watch screen, from Korean to English: "Thank you so much, Grandma." [ 00:10:32 ]
- Adaptive Notification Sound: Notification volume adjusts based on the surrounding ambient noise. [10:36]
  
  A red bell icon with radiating circles, representing adaptive notification volume adjustment. [ 00:10:39 ]

Recommendations [11:00]

For the regular Apple Watch Series, this year might not offer significant upgrades, making existing models with deals potentially attractive. [11:05]
It's highly recommended to wait for the September 9th Apple event to see the official announcements before making a purchase. [11:25]
The Ultra 3 is the model most worth waiting for due to its expected larger upgrades, especially for those considering their first Ultra or an upgrade. [11:54]
Users upgrading from older models (e.g., Series 3 to Series 10) have reported a "night and day" difference. [12:10]