Best Apple Watch 2026: Which model is best for you

2024’s Series 10 brought a larger display and thinner design, and at a quick glance, 2025’s Apple Watch Series 11 is much the same. But there are differences: the new display is more scratch-resistant than 2024’s model thanks to the upgraded Ion-X glass that comes with the aluminium case which Apple says is 2x more scratch-resistant than the Series 10. The even tougher titanium version of the Apple Watch 11 offers the same tough sapphire crystal display used for the Ultra 3.

The Series 11 is available in Jet Black, Silver, Rose Gold, Space Gray in the standard aluminium body, or Natural, Gold, and Slate titanium versions. The Space Gray option is new for 2025.

The big news of the 2025 models is the inclusion of blood pressure monitoring. The hypertension detection feature will be available for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. But it’s not only those models: you can also record the data on the Apple Watch Series 9 and 10 and the Ultra 2.

Also available on the Apple Watch Series 11, and all Apple Watches from Series 9 forwards is Live Listen transcription and Live Translation which will automatically transcribe phone calls and messages on your Apple Watch screen in real time. Sleep Score is another new feature that isn’t unique to the 2025 models: it runs on Series 6 and newer models running watchOS 26.

New features that the older Apple Watches don’t get include 5G cellular on the cellular models. There is improved battery life of 24 hours, up from 18 hours, and fast charging is faster: charge up to 80% in 30 minutes and a 15 minute change will get you up to 8 hours battery life.

The main disappointment is that the Apple Watch 11 uses the same S10 processor in the Series 10.

Prices start at $399/£369 for the smaller model – that’s a reduction in the U.K. price compared to the Apple Watch Series 10.

Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399/£369 for 42mm model. The Apple Watch Series 10 was from $399/£399 for 42mm model, so that’s a price drop in the U.K.

Who should buy the Apple Watch 11?

While it shares the S10 processor with the Series 10, the enhanced durability and improved battery life are beneficial – and, if battery life is important to you, crucial. For those upgrading from an older Apple Watch, the Series 11 is a good option. If you own a Series 10, or even a Series 9, it’s probably not worth upgrading because you can already take advantage of most of the new features.

Apple Watch 11 further considerations:

If you can find an offer on an Apple Watch Series 10 then you can save money knowing you are getting a practically identical Apple Watch. We would tend to advice against spending more to get the cellular model as we don’t think it’s necessary – but it may be something you would benefit from.

Apple’s Ultra series are Apple Watches designed for adventurers and power users. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes two years after the Ultra 2 launched. There’s a slightly larger display due to thinner bezels, and the case is slightly thinner too (12mm compared to the Ultra 2’s 14.4mm), but it doesn’t look massively different to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It comes in the same natural and black titanium options.

There are some differences though. The tough sapphire crystal display means improved durability. The screen is better thanks to a LTPO3 wide-angle OLED – so you’ll be able to see notifications from any angle in bright sunlight.

Other changes include the S10 chip (up from the S9 in the Ultra 2), 5G cellular and satellite connectivity.

The 42 hours of battery life, compared to 36 on the Ultra 2, and 24 for the Series 11, is particularly impressive. Fast charging is faster – you can charge up to 80% in 45 minutes, rather than an hour. A 15 minute change will get you up to 12 hours.

The high blood pressure detection feature may be enticing, but it is also available on the Apple Watch 11, Apple Watch 10 and even the 9. As are the other features like Live Listen transcription, Live Translation, and Sleep Score.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts from $799/£749, that’s a discount for U.K. shoppers compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 which started from $799/£799.

Who should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

If you are the adventurous type, taking part in activities like camping, hiking, diving, and anything else classed as extreme sports, the Apple Watch Ultra is the watch for you. With it’s satellite feature, the Ultra 3 will be a particular benefit for anyone who goes off the grid and outside of cellular coverage. It’s bigger and bulkier, and it costs more than the Series 11, but if you need a smart watch with a rugged design suited to extreme environments, the Ultra is the one to get.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 further considerations:

Features offered by the Ultra models that are missing from the Series 11 include Emergency SOS via satellite, a Siren (to use in emergencies), water resistance to 100m (rather than 50m), and a 40m depth gauge (up from 6m) suitability for scuba, high‑speed water sports, a 3,000 nits display (compared to 2,000) and an expanded operating range for the Always-on altimeter from –500m to 9,000ml. If you need any of those features then the Ultra is for you.

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