Apple Unveils Watch Series 11 With Hypertension Alerts and 5G Connectivity

Lead: Apple introduced the Watch Series 11 today at its Cupertino event, rolling out on-device hypertension alerts, 5G connectivity, and up to 30 hours of battery life. Nut Graf: The Series 11 marks Apple’s first smartwatch to proactively monitor high blood pressure and deliver advanced sleep scoring, alongside brighter displays and faster charging, underscoring the company’s push into health technology.

Health Features

  • Hypertension Alerts: Users receive on-wrist notifications when sustained elevated blood pressure is detected, leveraging an optical sensor that monitors for hypertension rather than exact systolic/diastolic readings.
  • Daily Sleep Scores: Built-in sleep analytics now provide nightly sleep scores, helping users track rest quality without a third-party app.
  • Blood Oxygen Monitoring: SpO₂ measurement returns in the Series 11 for U.S. customers, enabling blood-oxygen tracking alongside heart rate and ECG capabilities.

Performance and Design

  • 5G Connectivity: For the first time, Apple Watch supports 5G, improving cellular performance for calls, streaming, and Walkie-Talkie features without iPhone in range.
  • Brighter, More Durable Display: The new OLED screen peaks at 3,000 nits-50% brighter than its predecessor-and features a ceramic-bonded ceramic coating for twice the scratch resistance.
  • S11 Chip and Battery Life: The S11 system-in-package offers more efficient power management, extending normal-mode battery life from 18 hours to up to 30 hours, and achieving 85% charge in 30 minutes.
  • Apple Intelligence Features: Workout Buddy offers AI-driven training guidance, live message translation, and other on-device intelligence tools debuting alongside watchOS 26.

Availability and Pricing

  • Models and Sizes: Available in 42 mm and 46 mm aluminum or titanium finishes, with GPS-only and GPS + Cellular options.
  • Pricing: Starts at $399 for the GPS model; cellular versions begin at $499.
  • Release Date: Pre-orders open Friday, September 12, with shipments beginning September 19.

This developing story will be updated as hands-on reviews and clinical validation data become available.