As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch today, it's an opportune moment to delve into the anticipated features of the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11, expected to launch this fall. While the Series 11 does not seem poised to mark a revolutionary milestone, Apple has a history of surprises, so there may be more to look forward to than meets the eye.

New Modem Technology

Currently, the Apple Watch utilizes Intel's cellular modems, which restrict its connectivity to LTE. However, Apple is preparing to transition to a new technology supplied by MediaTek for the next iterations of the Apple Watch. This new modem chip is designed to support 5G RedCap, a specialized 5G service tailored specifically for wearables that do not require standard 5G speeds.

The introduction of 5G RedCap could represent a significant advancement, enhancing the Apple Watch's connectivity capabilities and providing users with a faster and more reliable connection than the existing LTE network.

Chip Improvements

There are speculations that the Apple Watch Series 11 will feature an updated S11 chip, which promises a more compact and efficient design. This upgrade could lead to enhancements in battery life and possibly create additional space for a larger battery or other necessary components, making the device more efficient and user-friendly.

Health Features

In its pursuit of enhancing health-monitoring capabilities, Apple is reportedly developing a blood pressure monitoring feature. While there are hopes for its rollout in 2025, some rumors suggest that development challenges may delay its introduction. When this feature is finally integrated, it will not solely provide precise systolic and diastolic measurements; instead, it will monitor users for signs of hypertension over time, issuing alerts when elevated levels are detected. Hypertension is a critical health concern, as it significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.

Upon receiving a hypertension alert, users could share this data with healthcare professionals for further evaluation, similar to the way the existing atrial fibrillation features currently function on the Apple Watch. However, Apple has faced hurdles regarding the accuracy and reliability of this technology, raising concerns about potential delays in its rollout.

watchOS Revamp

The upcoming watchOS 12, set to debut in September, is expected to introduce a series of design changes to the Apple Watch Series 11, as well as to existing models. Preliminary rumors indicate that it will borrow visual elements from visionOS, complementing the anticipated updates in iOS 19. However, it is important to note that this will not constitute a full design overhaul. Instead, users can expect new interface enhancements inspired by visionOS, such as translucent elements, glass-like finishes, rounded buttons, and subtle lighting effects that will modernize the user experience.

Additionally, Apple may introduce features powered by Apple Intelligence, which would not run directly on the Apple Watch due to hardware constraints. Instead, these capabilities could leverage the processing power of a connected iPhone to enhance the overall functionality of the Watch.

AI-Powered Health Coaching

In a significant update to iOS 19, Apple could unveil a revamped Health app featuring personalized health recommendations aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle. This program would integrate seamlessly with the Apple Watch, using the health data collected by the device to offer tailored guidance and support.

Moreover, there are indications that future iterations may include food tracking functionalities, positioning Apple to compete more directly with existing health and fitness applications like MyFitnessPal.

What Happened to Redesign Rumors?

Before the launch of the Apple Watch Series 10, speculation ran high that Apple was contemplating a special anniversary model, dubbed the "Apple Watch X," featuring a significant design overhaul. This redesign was rumored to include a thinner casing and a revolutionary magnetic band attachment system, which would have rendered existing bands incompatible with newer models.

While the Series 10 did indeed feature a thinner casing, it lacked the new band attachment system, leaving many to wonder whether these redesign plans have been entirely abandoned. Apple did not formally acknowledge the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch last year, which raises the possibility that the Series 11 might commemorate this milestone in some fashion.

What About Blood Oxygen Monitoring?

Starting in early 2024, Apple Watch models sold within the United States will not include blood oxygen monitoring capabilities. This change occurred after Apple faced the threat of an import ban due to patent violations. Consequently, no Apple Watch Series 10 models in the U.S. currently possess functional blood oxygen monitoring, and it is uncertain whether the Series 11 will include this feature.

There has been no recent indication of when, or if, blood oxygen monitoring will be reinstated. While Apple retains the ability to reactivate this feature through a software update, the company has yet to reach a settlement with Masimo, the entity that pursued legal action against them. Should Apple fail to resolve these issues, it may take years before blood oxygen sensing makes its return. Given that Masimo's patents are set to expire in 2028, there remains a glimmer of hope for reintroducing this feature before the decade concludes.

Pricing

If new tariffs on semiconductors come into play and Apple's products do not receive exemptions, there is a likelihood that the Series 11 will see an increase in pricing. As it stands, however, the expected starting price remains at $399.

While Apple is planning to unveil more thrilling updates for future Apple Watch versions, many of those innovations appear to be some years away. The Apple Watch Series 11 is anticipated to be officially announced in September, alongside the new iPhone 17 models.