Apple's newly unveiled Apple Watch Series 11 boasts several enticing features, but is an upgrade truly necessary? A closer examination reveals some surprising reasons to reconsider. While marketed with a significant battery life improvement – up to 24 hours compared to the Series 10's 18 hours – this increase is partly due to a change in Apple's internal battery testing methodology, specifically adding six hours of sleep tracking. This means the actual improvement may be less dramatic than advertised.
Furthermore, key features such as hypertension notifications and Sleep Score, prominently highlighted during the launch event, are not exclusive to the Series 11. These functionalities are available on older models like the Series 9, Series 10, and even on models running watchOS 26, including the Series 6 and later. This renders these features less compelling justifications for the upgrade.
Financially, the Series 11's appeal diminishes further. Significant savings can be achieved by purchasing the Series 10. Amazon currently offers the 42mm Series 10 for $70 less and the 46mm model for $359, representing considerable cost savings. These discounts are even more pronounced for premium models, with the Series 10 Titanium models offering substantial price advantages.
However, there are some genuine improvements. The Series 11 boasts a Ceramic Shield with double the scratch resistance compared to its predecessors. The physical battery capacity is also slightly larger, although not as significantly as Apple's initial claims. The addition of 5G cellular connectivity is a notable upgrade for users reliant on cellular service, especially given the gradual phase-out of LTE networks by carriers.
Aesthetically, the return of Space Gray after a hiatus (last seen on the Series 6) is a welcome addition for those who prefer that color. Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual needs and budget. If scratch resistance, 5G connectivity, or the Space Gray color are priorities, the Series 11 justifies the upgrade. Otherwise, the significant cost savings of the Series 10 offer a compelling alternative.
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Originally published at: https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/13/apple-watch-series-11-why-you-shouldnt-necessarily-buy/
