Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3 Launch With watchOS 26, Battery Gains

Apple updates the 2026 watch lineup

Apple updated its wearable hardware for February 2026 and released watchOS 26 to the public. The new software includes a Liquid Glass interface redesign and AI-powered fitness coaching. These updates coincide with significant battery life improvements across the flagship models.

The Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen) now serves as the entry-level option starting at $249. Apple also refreshed the Series 11 and Ultra 3 with 5G connectivity and enhanced health sensors. Most models now feature hypertension notifications and sleep apnea detection as standard equipment.

The watchOS 26 update requires a Series 6 or newer. Users must pair their watches with an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone to access the new Workout Buddy features. This update marks the end of software support for the Series 4, Series 5, and the original SE.

The Apple Watch SE 3 value

Apple updated the Watch SE (3rd Gen) with the S10 chip to bring it in line with the flagship models. This processor allows the budget watch to handle sleep apnea notifications and skin temperature sensing. It remains the most affordable way to access the watchOS 26 ecosystem at $249.

The SE 3 uses a 1,000-nit OLED display that lacks the always-on capabilities of the more expensive versions. It does not include the blood oxygen sensor, the ECG app, or the new hypertension alerts. However, it does support fast charging and includes fall detection for safety.

Parents can use the SE 3 for children via Apple’s Family Setup program. This model now supports WhatsApp natively, making it a viable communication tool without a paired phone. The S10 chip ensures the watch remains snappy even when running complex Smart Stack widgets.

• Price: $249
• Processor: S10 SiP
• Display: 1,000-nit Retina
• Key Features: Sleep apnea alerts, skin temperature, 50m water resistance

Series 11 battery life improvements

The Apple Watch Series 11 officially moved from an 18-hour battery rating to a 24-hour standard. This six-hour increase allows users to track a full day of activity and a full night of sleep without mid-day charging. The watch starts at $399, though retailers frequently discount it to $299.

Apple equipped the Series 11 with a 2,000-nit wide-angle display for better visibility in direct sunlight. It features 5G cellular support, upgrading the data speeds from the older LTE standard. The watch also includes the full suite of health sensors, including FDA-cleared high-blood-pressure notifications.

The Series 11 comes in various finishes, including a 3D-printed titanium case option. It uses the UWB locator chip for precision finding of lost iPhones or AirTags. Users can view the new Sleep Score in the Vitals app, which requires consistent overnight wear.

Ultra 3 adds satellite messaging

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 targets outdoor enthusiasts with the addition of satellite messaging. This feature allows users to send texts and emergency pings when they are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi range. The Ultra 3 maintains its $768 price point and rugged 49mm titanium design.

Battery life on the Ultra 3 now reaches 42 hours under normal use, up from 36 hours on the previous generation. In low-power mode, the watch can last through a full weekend of hiking and GPS tracking. It features the brightest screen in the lineup at 3,000 nits.

The Ultra 3 includes a dual-frequency GPS system and a programmable Action Button. It remains the only model with a built-in 86-decibel siren for emergency signaling. It also supports recreational scuba diving to depths of 40 meters using the Oceanic+ app.

• Price: $768
• Battery: 42 hours normal / 72 hours low power
• Special Hardware: Satellite antenna, Action Button, Siren
• Connectivity: 5G and Satellite

New fitness and software features

The watchOS 26 update introduces Workout Buddy, an AI-driven assistant that provides real-time coaching. The assistant uses Apple Intelligence to analyze your pace and heart rate during runs or cycles. It offers verbal encouragement and can automatically adjust your Fitness+ workout intensity.

Apple expanded Fitness+ with new three-week strength training programs designed for beginners. These programs sync directly with the watch to track mechanical load and intensity trends. The Vitals app now aggregates hypertension data to warn users about potential long-term health risks.

The Liquid Glass design language simplifies the user interface with translucent layers and rounded buttons. Users can now dismiss Smart Stack notifications with a wrist flick gesture. This gesture uses the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect subtle muscle movements in the forearm.

The best Apple Watch accessories

Third-party manufacturers updated their accessories to support the fast-charging requirements of the Series 11 and Ultra 3. A Qi2-certified charger is now the standard for bedside power. These chargers provide the 15W necessary to top off the battery in under an hour.

Cases and screen protectors remain popular for users in high-impact environments. Apple charges high repair fees for cracked screens, often exceeding $299 for non-Ultra models. A $15 polycarbonate case can prevent expensive AppleCare claims or out-of-warranty replacements.

• Belkin Qi2 3-in-1 Charger: $110
• Spigen Thin Fit Case: $15
• Konsu NYC Leather Band: $169
• Amazon Screen Protector 3-Pack: $10

Watches you should avoid buying

The Series 10 remains a capable device but lacks the 24-hour battery life of the newer flagship. It currently sells for roughly $206 on the secondary market. While it supports watchOS 26, it cannot provide the same Sleep Score reliability due to its shorter runtime.

Consumers should avoid the Series 4, Series 5, and the first-generation SE. These models do not support watchOS 26 and will not receive future security patches. The Series 3 and older lack waterproofing and cellular capabilities that modern apps require.

Retailers sometimes clear out Series 9 stock at deep discounts. This model is still a viable purchase because it includes the blood oxygen sensor and hypertension notifications. However, the S9 chip is significantly slower than the S10 found in the 2026 lineup.