The best Apple Watch in 2026
Source: Engadget
What to look for in an Apple Watch
Like all Apple products, Apple Watches only pair with iPhones. They cannot be paired with Android devices, though other wearables (e.g., Garmin, Fitbit) can connect to an iPhone.
Chips and sensors
- Processor – All three models use the S10 SiP chip with a four‑core Neural Engine.
- On‑device Siri – Handles dictation, translation, automatic workout detection, and double‑tap/wrist‑flick gestures.
- Standard sensors (all models) – Optical heart‑rate, temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, and light sensor.
- Advanced sensors (Series 11 & Ultra 3)
- Sophisticated heart‑monitor with hypertension‑detection.
- ECG, blood‑oxygen, water‑temperature, and water‑depth sensors.
- Ultra‑Wideband chip for precise AirTag location.
- Safety & connectivity – Fall and crash detection are standard; NFC for Apple Pay works on every model.
- Cellular – Optional on Series 11 and SE 3 (5G). Ultra 3 includes cellular by default and adds satellite‑enabled SOS, messaging, and Find My capabilities.
Displays and case options
| Model | Always‑on display | Max brightness | Night‑mode (red dial) | Case sizes | Case material & colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE 3 | Yes | 1,000 nits | No | 40 mm / 44 mm | Aluminum – Starlight or Midnight |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Yes (wide‑angle OLED) | 2,000 nits | No | 42 mm / 46 mm | Aluminum – Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black; Titanium – Natural, Gold, Slate |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Yes (wide‑angle OLED) | 3,000 nits | Yes (certain faces) | 49 mm (single size) | Titanium – Natural or Black |
Higher‑end screens can dim to a single nit for low‑light environments.
Battery life
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 – Up to 42 h normal use; 72 h in Low Power Mode.
- Apple Watch Series 11 – Up to 24 h normal use; 38 h in Low Power Mode.
- Apple Watch SE 3 – Up to 18 h normal use; 32 h in Low Power Mode.
All three support fast charging:
- 80 % charge in 45 min (SE 3 & Ultra 3)
- 80 % charge in 30 min (Series 11)
Fitness and wellness features
- Activity app – Three rings (Move, Exercise, Stand) track daily calories, active minutes, and standing time.
- Sensors – Accelerometer and optical heart‑rate sensor determine activity type, intensity, and calorie burn.
- Badges & animations – Earned when you meet ring goals.
- Workout Buddy – Works on all three watches but requires an AI‑enabled iPhone and Bluetooth headphones.
- Offline maps – Available on every model; Ultra 3 adds satellite connectivity for true off‑grid use.
Siri
- Voice commands: weather, start a workout, identify a song, dictate a text, etc.
- Raise to Speak – No “Hey Siri” needed; lift wrist near mouth to activate.
- On‑device processing – Simple requests (e.g., start a timer) are faster because they don’t need to hit the network.
- Network‑dependent requests – Sending texts or fetching weather still require Wi‑Fi or cellular, so a GPS‑only model needs the paired iPhone nearby.
Carbon‑neutral claims
Apple declared the Series 9 with an aluminum case its first carbon‑neutral product. But has since dropped those c
(Note: The original text ends abruptly here; the statement is retained as‑is.)
Apple Watch Overview
Apple claims that all three new watches have been designed to reduce environmental impact and the company still maintains its commitment to becoming carbon‑neutral by 2030.
Price
| Model | Starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE 3 | $249 (40 mm, GPS‑only) | +$50 for cellular |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | $399 (42 mm, aluminum, GPS‑only) | Up to $749 for 46 mm titanium (cellular) |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | $799 (49 mm titanium, GPS + cellular) | Price rises with different bands |
The price gap between the cheapest and most expensive entry‑level models is $550.
You may also want to factor in accessories when budgeting.
How We Tested Apple Watches
Engadget has been reviewing Apple Watches since the first model launched in 2015. For each new release—including the Ultra and SE lines—we spend several days (often weeks) wearing the device while:
- Running
- Hitting the gym
- Hiking
- Sleeping
During this time we evaluate how the watch tracks metrics, integrates with the iPhone, and performs the myriad features Apple advertises.
Because we also review competing smartwatches (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch), our editors can compare Apple’s offerings not only to previous generations but also to other wearables on the market. All buying guides and recommendations are based on first‑hand testing by Engadget staff.
Apple Watch Comparison Chart
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release date | September 2025 | September 2025 | September 2025 |
| Case sizes | 42 mm or 46 mm | 49 mm | 40 mm or 44 mm |
| Case material | Aluminum or titanium | Titanium | Aluminum |
| Display | LTPO3 OLED Always‑On | LTPO3 OLED Always‑On | LTPO OLED Always‑On |
| Max brightness | 2,000 nits | 3,000 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Chip | S10 SiP | S10 SiP | S10 SiP |
| Max battery life | 24 h / 38 h (low‑power) | 42 h / 72 h (low‑power) | 18 h / 32 h (low‑power) |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 100 m | 50 m |
| Featured sensors | Electrical heart, optical heart (3rd gen), blood‑oxygen, temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light, depth gauge, water‑temp | Same as Series 11 | Optical heart (2nd gen), temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light |
Apple Watch FAQs
What are the best Apple Watch apps for fitness tracking?
All three watches use the same built‑in Fitness and Workout apps, which track speed, cadence, distance, and heart rate. The Ultra 3 and Series 11 add extra sensors (electrical heart‑rate sensor, depth gauge, blood‑oxygen, and ECG) for a more comprehensive health picture. All models are compatible with the AI‑powered Workout Buddy introduced in watchOS 26 (requires an AI‑compatible iPhone).
Are any of the Apple Watch series waterproof?
All three models are water‑resistant and can be used for swimming:
- Apple Watch SE 3 – up to 50 m depth
- Apple Watch Series 11 – up to 50 m depth
- Apple Watch Ultra 3 – up to 100 m depth