The MacRumors Show: Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 or Wait for Next Year? - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

The MacRumors Show: Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 or Wait for Next Year?

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through what to expect from the Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3, and whether it's worth holding off on an upgrade until next year.


The third-generation Apple Watch SE is rumored to feature a larger display (perhaps like the Apple Watch Series 7), the S11 chip, and potentially a plastic casing. It could also available at a slightly lower price point.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will likely feature the S11 chip, 5G RedCap connectivity on cellular models, a "Sleep Score" feature, and potentially hypertension detection. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to also get all of these new features, as well as a slightly larger wide-angle OLED display with a faster refresh rate, and satellite connectivity.

Earlier this week, internal Apple code revealed that the 2026 Apple Watch lineup is poised to get some major enhancements. The new devices will feature Touch ID for biometric authentication, a redesigned chip based on newer CPU technology for improved performance, a revamped design with a new rear sensor array, and more.

The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.

If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's plan to focus on the smart home with a host of new devices and improvements to Siri.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.

Popular Stories

TMRS 200 Latest iPhone 18 Pro Leaks and Rumors Thumb

The MacRumors Show: Latest iPhone 18 Pro Leaks and Rumors

Friday July 3, 2026 9:13 am PDT by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the latest leaks and rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Tata Electronics, one of Apple's manufacturing partners in India, was hit by a ransomware attack that resulted in more than 200,000 internal files being posted online, including component lists, supplier data,...
TMRS 201 MacBook Ultra Thumb

The MacRumors Show: Goodbye MacBook Pro? MacBook Ultra Is Coming

Friday July 10, 2026 9:12 am PDT by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the future of Apple's increasingly tangled high-end MacBook lineup, including the entry-level MacBook Pro and the rumored "MacBook Ultra." Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Apple's chip roadmap for the Mac is reportedly set to take an unusual turn over the next year. The company is said to be skipping the...
TMRS 202 20th Anniversary iPhone Thumb

The MacRumors Show: iPhone XX? Next Year's Major Upgrades Will Change Everything

Friday July 17, 2026 8:28 am PDT by
This week's episode of The MacRumors Show looks ahead to the 20th anniversary iPhone, the radically redesigned model that Apple is expected to launch in 2027. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Apple's plans for the device's name remain unclear. The company skipped "iPhone 9" and moved straight to the iPhone X for the device's 10th anniversary in 2017, and it is ...

Top Rated Comments

jz0309 Avatar
12 months ago
Waiting is always the best choice as you'll never spend any money at all, cause next years tech will be so much better. That trend has been observed now for 40+ years...

Seriously, buy new computing devices when the current one doesn't do its job anymore, and buy the tool that does...
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeerDrinkerDan Avatar
12 months ago
Every release or pending release will be "worse" than the next one coming. Just buy a thing when you need it.

-bdd
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SFjohn Avatar
12 months ago
I always get a new  Watch each year. I keep last years watch as well. With 2 watches it’s easy to switch them on the charger, one for a few days, another for a couple more. I return my oldest watch to  for recycling, & get money back from . 😉
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
If you need one, buy one, if you don't, don't. The rumors on a generational change for watches seems to be hoping more than anything, I remember how the S6 was going to get Mini LEDs for example.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago

I have an Ultra 1 but will wait for another year. Doesn't seem the Ultra 3 have much in the way of upgrades. The 2026 watches should have a processor upgrade (which would make it two processing generations over my current ultra) and hopefully a more significant design change. But I'm good for now.
Same boat. Until my Ultra 1st gen can’t hold a charge and there’s a truly spectacular update, I’m holding off. For me, battery life is the biggest factor. Even charging every other day feels like a hassle when I already have so many things that need plugging in: phone, iPad, MBP, ThermoWorks probes, headphones, lawn and garden gear, power tools, etc. I really miss the days when a watch didn’t need recharging.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kerr Avatar
12 months ago
Why wait a year when you could wait 2-3 years?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors