How to pre-order the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3
The three newest Apple Watch models are about to roll out — here's how to secure yours.
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As expected, Apple's September 9 "awe-dropping" event brought a tsunami of new hardware, including the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air. But those long-awaited models weren't the only launches worth noting — the event also debuted three new Apple Watches: the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch SE 3.
Now that the livestream is over, these three new Apple wearables are all available for pre-order. All three will ship out on September 19.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 announcement confirmed rumors of a satellite texting feature that means adventurers no longer need to carry an iPhone to contact emergency services and roadside assistance (in participating countries). The new model doubles the signal strength to communicate with more distant satellites.
In another boon to off-road explorers, the always-on screen should last for much longer on one charge. Apple's engineers have even managed to enlarge the display without making the watch itself bigger. This larger screen is ideal for apps like the new waypoint face, which will be a godsend for anyone who's ever wanted a video game minimap for their actual life.
As expected, the Ultra 3 also adds a MediaTek modem that will bring Apple Watches into the 5G era, putting them in line with modern iPhones. The long-expected blood pressure monitor was also confirmed.
The cost for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799. It comes with one of a range of bands, each designed for a different purpose — the Alpine Band is aimed at long-distance trekking, the Trail Band is for athletes and the Ocean Band is for water sports. The Titanium Milanese Band, which is also waterproof, costs an extra $100. Like with the other models, you can get between $30 and $335 in credit by trading in an older watch.
As for the standard model, we didn't expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to look that different from the Series 10, and Apple served up the iterative improvement we predicted. The new model comes with a new chip, the S11, which lets the Series 11 connect to 5G networks.
As for hardware, the ceramic body of the Series 11 allegedly makes it twice as durable as previous models. It's also confirmed that one charge should last up to 24 hours.
The Apple Watch Series 11 will include the long-awaited blood pressure monitor, which Apple hopes will be a major step toward preventing hypertension deaths worldwide. There's also a new sleep quality monitor called Sleep Score.
The basic aluminum model costs $399, but you can get a more damage-resistant titanium version for $699. An aluminum Series 11 can come with its own data plan (for an additional $100) or just work through a proximity connection to your iPhone; the titanium model comes with the data plan included.
Both come in a 42mm case by default. You can upgrade aluminum to a 46mm case for an extra $30, or upgrade titanium to 46mm for $50 more. In all cases, you can trade in an older Apple Watch to get between $30 and $335 in credit towards a new one.
Apple Watch SE 3
Apple also dropped a new entry in the more accessible Apple Watch SE line, which was sorely in need of an update. Back in March, Engadget's Amy Skorheim called for a larger display, an S9 processor, faster charging and a manageable amount of health tracking features.
Apple answered her call with the Apple Watch SE 3, adding fast charging and temperature sensing powers that link to a vitals monitoring app. SE 3 users will also get access to Sleep Score features.
Unexpectedly, the SE 3 jumps ahead to an S10 processor, so even the "budget" Apple Watch will now be able to handle 5G. The Apple Watch SE 3 now supports an always-on display and gesture controls, and can be used to play media when you don't have your AirPods handy.
The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249 for a 40mm display, or $279 for a 44m display. It'll cost an additional $50 for its own data plan; otherwise, you can use it through a nearby iPhone. You can trade in an older model to get credit toward a new SE 3 — according to the Apple store, up to $335. While I wouldn't expect Apple to pay you to take a new watch, a trade-in can still account for a significant chunk of the price.