Apple Watch Series 11 Hands-On Review: Features, Battery, and Performance

Last Updated on September 30, 2025 by Luis Cooper

When I first started wearing the Apple Watch Series 11, I honestly didn’t expect it to take my breath away.

For years, I had accepted the daily charge routine, knowing that eighteen hours was the maximum battery life.

But this flagship watch surprised me—now rated for a full 24 hours in typical use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode.

That’s a standout upgrade.

The capacity jump, even with 42mm and 46mm sizes, makes it feel like the thinnest, most realistic smartwatch I’ve tested in a long time.

The highlight for me isn’t only the stamina.

This Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED display, with 2,000 nits peak visibility under sunlight, is bright and sharp.

The rounded-square design, Digital Crown, and side button still give it that exclusive look, while water and sweat resistance add practical toughness.

The glass here—now Ion-X and scratch-resistant—feels more durable.

Paired with watchOS 26, the software really shines: the new Flow face, Photos face, and Liquid elements make the watch feel fresh.

Even gestures like Double Tap or the new Wrist Flick make call screening or dodging spam effortless.

Where it gets even more impressive is in Health tracking.

From heart-rate alerts and ECG to Hypertension Notifications that are FDA-approved in the US and rolling out to over 150 countries, the features feel truly life-changing.

Add Sleep Score with color-coded factors, oxygen monitoring after the August 2025 update, and metrics like respiratory rate, temperature, and cycle tracking, and you get a comprehensive view of your body.

Combined with the S10 chip, dual-core CPU, GPU, and 4-core Neural Engine, performance is smooth—apps like Flighty, Tesla, and Carrot Weather all opened quickly and ran smoothly during testing.

For me, the Series 11 doesn’t just compare well with the SE 3, Ultra 10, or even the older 8—it feels like the best pick for anyone eager for flashier upgrades and subtle refinements in a balanced redesign.

In this review, I will provide further guidance.

Apple Watch Series 11 Review:

Everyday Upgrades with Apple Watch’s Latest Software:

Apple’s newest watch, the Series 11, comes loaded with watchOS 26, and you can feel the difference right away.

The software now makes daily tasks much simpler.

For example, there’s a smart new wrist flick feature—just a quick turn of your wrist will clear notifications, so you can keep moving without tapping the screen.

The look of the watch has also gotten a nice update.

The new Liquid Glass design makes everything on the display feel smoother and more modern.

Animations glide across the screen, giving the watch a fresh, lively feel.

For people who like to stay active, Apple added a tool called Workout Buddy.

It’s like having a personal coach on your wrist, giving you tips and encouragement during exercise.

To get the most out of it, you’ll need a newer iPhone with Apple Intelligence.

When I tried it out, I liked how it offered helpful reminders during my runs, but never felt annoying.

There are still a few things Apple could do better.

Siri, for example, hasn’t really changed, even though other smartwatches from Samsung and Google are pushing their assistants forward with smarter AI.

Still, Apple has added two new watch faces.

The Flow face has shifting colors that move around the numbers, and Exactograph breaks down time into small, easy-to-read sections.

These little extras make the Series 11 feel more personal and polished.

Overall, watchOS 26 brings useful changes that make wearing an Apple Watch feel even more natural and enjoyable.

Build Quality and Screen:

At first glance, the Apple Watch 11 looks identical to the Apple Watch Series 10, with the same slim build and lightweight feel.

Apple is clearly refining its formula rather than reinventing it, and that’s not a bad thing.

The thinner design and bigger display introduced in the Series 10 still shine here, and I appreciated how the 46mm review unit felt almost invisible on my wrist during testing.

Even the 42 x 36 x 9.7mm and 46 x 39 x 9.7mm sizes remain the thinnest Apple Watches yet, proving Apple’s commitment to comfort.

The biggest difference this year comes in style.

The Apple Watch 11 is available in four aluminum colors: Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver, and a new Space Grey option. Additionally, it comes with premium Slate, Gold, or Natural Titanium cases for those who prefer a more classic look.

I tested the Space Grey model, and it felt modern and understated.

The good news is that Apple hasn’t abandoned its familiar band system, so older straps still fit perfectly.

I personally enjoyed the new Nike Run Sport Loops, which were comfortable for workouts and light enough for daily wear.

Of course, the star of the show is the LTPO3 wide-angle OLED screen.

It’s an always-on Retina panel that reaches 2,000 nits, which was bright enough for most of my outdoor use, though rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Google Pixel Watch 4 go up to 3,000 nits.

Still, the Ion-X glass here is now twice as scratch-resistant, which matters more to me since my older Apple Watch used to pick up scuffs easily.

Paired with WR50 and IP7X resistance, the Apple Watch Series 11 feels tough enough for everyday wear, yet polished enough to pass as jewelry.

Blood Pressure Notifications:

There is sometimes confusion when people read about the Apple Watch 11 and its health features.

To be clear, it is not a blood pressure monitor.

What it offers are High blood pressure alerts, which work through an advanced algorithm and the optical heart rate sensor.

This means the watch can notify you if your readings suggest possible hypertension, even though it won’t provide full medical measurements.

To make this feature accurate, you’ll need to wear the watch consistently.

Whether you use the Series 11, Series 10, Series 9, Ultra 3, or Ultra 2, Apple recommends about 30 days of wear with the latest heart rate sensor to build a proper risk profile.

If the watch detects unusual patterns, you’ll get a gentle reminder to confirm results with a blood pressure cuff or consult a doctor.

I find this especially helpful because it turns daily wear into more than just step counts—it could point out something important you might not notice yourself.

From my own routine, I regularly check my blood pressure due to medication, so I wouldn’t expect many alerts.

Still, I see the value in this system.

If my health changed or I reacted differently to medication, the watch might pick up early warning signs.

With FDA clearance and availability in over 150 countries, this tool feels more like a safety net than a medical diagnosis, and that reassurance is meaningful in everyday use.

Charging and Usage Time:

For years, we accepted just 18 hours of battery life on the Apple Watch, but the Apple Watch Series 11 finally changes that.

With the always-on display, Apple now promises 24 hours of battery per full charge, and this improvement makes the watch feel far more practical in everyday use.

During my testing, the watch easily got me through a full day without the constant worry of charging.

What impressed me most was the extended stamina in low-power mode, where the Series 11 can stretch up to 38 hours per charge.

That’s only a slight bump from the Series 10, but it still feels meaningful when you’re traveling or away from a charger.

I noticed the difference during workouts and long outdoor activities, where the drain wasn’t as quick, and I could rely on it a little longer.

In my routine, I now charge the watch in the morning while getting ready for work.

By the next day, it usually still has around 20% left after sleep and daily use.

This new pattern feels natural and less restrictive compared to the older models.

It’s not a massive leap in numbers, but after dealing with short battery life for so many years, even these extra hours make the Series 11 much easier to live with.

Understanding Your Sleep Score:

With the Apple Watch Series 11, tracking your sleep is more straightforward than ever thanks to the new Sleep Score feature. Here’s how it works: Every morning, you’ll see a score out of 100.

That number sums up how well you slept the night before.

However, what really makes this feature useful is that it breaks the score down into three main parts: how long you slept, how regular your sleep schedule is, and how often your sleep was interrupted.

This breakdown made a big difference for me. Instead of just seeing a number, I could spot exactly what affected my rest.

If I stayed up late or woke up frequently during the night, the watch clearly showed me how those habits affected my score.

Initially, the watch took a few days to adjust to my routine.

However, after that, the results began to align with how I actually felt in the mornings.

Most days, my score was high, but on the nights when I slipped up, the feedback helped me identify what to fix—such as sticking to a more regular bedtime.

In the end, Sleep Score turns sleep tracking into something you can actually use.

It’s not just data—it’s a daily nudge to help you get better rest and feel your best.

Why It Stands Out:

Out of the box, the Apple Watch Series 11 runs watchOS 26, and right away, you notice a packed update with a fresh look to the core interface.

The Liquid Glass effect on the wrist makes navigation elements feel more translucent, and the variety of watch faces adds a new layer of fun.

I liked the Photos face, where you can place numerals, time, or complications over an image for more depth, while the Flow face shows its purest form with bubble-glass numerals and lava-lamp-like liquid flowing animations.

You can even customize the color and typeface, making it feel more personal.

Another big addition is the dozen built-in Notes app, which I found handy for jotting quick thoughts or referencing from iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

The Call screening option also works well if you’re on a cellular plan, letting you spot spam before answering.

Useful gestures, such as the Double Tap (performed by pinching between the forefinger and thumb) or the Wrist Flick for one-handed use, make daily tasks easier.

Combined with the upgraded sensor array and software, you gain powerful health tools, including heart-rate tracking and alerts, ECG, wrist temperature monitoring, respiratory rate tracking, cycle tracking, and hearing features.

Apple also introduced Hypertension Notifications across the Series 9, Series 10, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3, providing hypertension alerts throughout the day.

In the US, this system has been FDA-approved since September 15, 2025, and is currently used in over 150 countries.

It uses an optical sensor to track pulse signals and morphology with Apple’s algorithm, supported by studies, while still recommending a visit to a doctor.

Other highlights include Sleep Score, which provides clear data on sleep with a digestible score ranging from 0 to 100, categorized as Very Low to Excellent, accompanied by a color-coded ring that tracks bedtime, duration, and interruptions.

Features like Blood oxygen monitoring (reinstated in August) and a clean Health app round out the package.

Even the redesigned speakers, with precision holes and grilles, sound better for playing a song or recording a voice memo.

Meanwhile, the microphones kept my call clear enough that even in a noisy Yankee Stadium, my brother could still hear me.

Specs:

Apple	Apple Watch 11 Series
Phone OS Compatibility	iOS
Watch OS	watchOS 26
Processor	Apple S10
Display Size	1.65 inches / 1.81 inches
Display Type	Always-on LTPO3 OLED
Fitness Features	Heart Rate Monitor, ECG, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Temperature Sensor, Pedometer, Gyroscope, Pulse Oximeter, Accelerometer, GPS, Barometer
Battery Life	43 hours (tested)
Separate App Store	Yes
Phone Call Capacity	Yes
Compatibility	iOS
Heart Rate Monitor	Yes
Sleep Tracker	Yes

Personal Testing Journey:

I’ve been reviewing Apple Watches, smartwatches, and fitness trackers for many years, ever since I purchased the original Apple Watch in 2014.

Eleven years later, I unboxed the Apple Watch Series 11, went through the setup process, and wore it for a full week.

During this test, I focused on every facet that matters in a review, from features like 24-hour battery life to the overall functionality of watchOS 26 and the new Sleep Score system.

To see how it stacked up, I compared the Apple Watch Series 11 with the Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the SE 3, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

I also tried out different workouts, including outdoor walks, runs, yoga, and stretching, checking the metrics against those of other Apple Watches and the Oura Ring.

The display, especially with its wide-angle viewing capabilities, was tested under various conditions, including bright sunlight and indoor lighting.

Throughout the review period, I aimed to use the watch just as an average user would.

That meant tracking daily activities, checking health stats, and relying on it during exercise.

By blending my reviewer’s perspective with regular day-to-day usage, I could see how well the Apple Watch Series 11 really performs beyond the spec sheet.

Verdict:

The Apple Watch Series 11 isn’t a total overhaul, but it brings some meaningful improvements that make daily use a lot easier. The new 24-hour battery lets you finally break free from having to charge the watch every night, which is a huge relief for anyone on the go. With added 5G support and a tougher, scratch-resistant screen, the Series 11 is built to handle daily bumps and keep you connected wherever you are.

Health features continue to be a highlight. The Hypertension Alerts and Sleep Score tools aren’t unique to just this model, but they’re powerful additions that really do help you stay on top of your wellness. After testing these features myself, I noticed the watch feels less like a fancy accessory and more like a practical health companion.

If you’re still wearing an older Apple Watch—anything before the Series 9—this upgrade is definitely worth considering. The jump in battery life, performance, and durability makes a real difference. For Series 10 owners, the changes might not be enough to justify a switch, but if you’re buying your first Apple Watch or looking for a big refresh, the Series 11 is a smart, reliable choice and keeps Apple at the front of the smartwatch pack.

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