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Our verdict on the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm)
- Buy it if
- You use an iPhone and want the most polished smartwatch for workouts, health alerts, sleep and notifications.
- Skip it if
- You use an Android phone; Apple Watch only works with iPhone.
- Best for
- iPhone owners
- Key feature
- Best all-round smartwatch for iPhone, now with longer battery
- Typical price
- $379–$429
Key specifications
| Battery | Up to 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | 50 m (WR50) |
| Sizes | 42mm and 46mm |
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- use an iPhone
- want ECG, sleep score and safety features
- want the best smartwatch apps
Skip it if you
- use Android
- want a week of battery
- already own a Series 9 or 10
Pros and cons
Pros
- Smooth, bright always-on display
- Strong health features including ECG and sleep score
- Battery rated for up to 24 hours
- Huge app and band selection
Cons
- iPhone only
- Daily or near-daily charging
What it is
The Apple Watch Series 11 is Apple’s mainstream smartwatch for 2025 and 2026. It keeps the thin design of the Series 10, adds a tougher display cover and longer battery life, and builds on Apple’s health features with a sleep score and hypertension notifications.
What stands out
- Bright, wide-angle always-on display
– Battery rated for up to 24 hours
– ECG, sleep score, fall detection and crash detection
– The biggest selection of watch apps and bands
What to know
- It only works with iPhone
– You will still charge it most days
– Cellular models cost more and add a carrier fee
Is it worth it?
If you have an iPhone and want a smartwatch you will use every day, the Series 11 is the one to buy. If you mostly want notifications and step counts, the Apple Watch SE 3 saves about $150.
Alternatives worth considering
Apple · Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)
You want an Apple Watch for activity, notifications and safety features without paying for the flagship.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Value Apple Watch
- Typical price
- $229–$279
Pros
- Fast chip and always-on display
- Crash and fall detection
Cons
- Fewer health sensors
Samsung · Smartwatches
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (40mm, Bluetooth)
You use an Android phone, especially a Galaxy, and want a full-featured smartwatch with good sleep and health tracking.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Android owners
- Typical price
- $299–$349
Pros
- Thinner, lighter design
- Bright AMOLED display
Cons
- About a day and a half of battery
Frequently asked questions
Is the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) worth it?
Yes, for iPhone owners who want one watch for fitness, health alerts and notifications. Series 11 adds longer battery life and keeps the best app selection. Skip it if you own a Series 9 or 10, or if the SE 3 covers what you need.
Who should skip it?
If you use Android, an alternative will suit you better.
Is Series 11 worth upgrading from Series 9?
Probably not. The battery gain and new health features are nice, but a Series 9 still does almost everything well.