Apple Watch Series Eleven Review: Superb Wrist Gestures with Longer Battery Life

This most recent smartwatch 11th generation introduces the feature most people really need in a wearable device: longer battery life.

Otherwise, the new model functions as a straightforward upgrade to the Series 10, matching it in design, proportions and features, with most of its upgrades originating from software.

This new model furthermore more affordable by £30 for UK customers, priced starting at 369 pounds (€449/$399 USD/A$679), positioned above the newly revamped SE model costing £219 at the low end alongside the £749 Ultra 3 at the high end.

Appearance and Screen

Similar to the previous Series 10, this updated version measures only under 10mm slim, resulting in a slender profile when worn, easy to sneak under cuffs plus more pleasant during sleep.

The 2,000nit display is plenty bright for viewing indoors and out, remaining clear at various perspectives, which makes glancing down at the time or alerts simple.

It is covered with glass reportedly twice as scratch resistant compared to previous models, although not as hard as sapphire, that remains exclusive on the pricier titanium models.

Performance and Battery

The updated wearable features equivalent S10 silicon found in earlier versions while adding support for 5G connectivity option plus enhanced signal strength for those times exploring remote areas.

The batteries show improvement in storage approximately 10 percent for the 42mm and 46mm watches correspondingly.

Bigger version achieved approximately 48 hours in our assessment featuring overnight analysis but without exercise.

Most people will just about be able to track 48 hours including sleep until recharge becomes necessary, requiring just over an hour using a 20W or higher charger (sold separately), reaching approximately three-quarters charge in 30 minutes.

If you do go out for a run, battery endurance reaches around 8 hours while recording, which is long enough for a marathon or multiple events.

Device Details

• Case size: 42mm and 46mm
• Device slimness: Under 10mm
• Mass: about 30g or 37g
• Chip: S10 silicon
• Memory: 64 gigabytes
• Watch OS: latest watchOS
• Waterproof rating: 5ATM rating (5 atmospheres)
• Health tracking: Heart rate, Electrocardiogram, Blood oxygen, temp, Depth gauge, Microphone, speaker, Near-field communication, Global navigation, compass, Altimeter
• Wireless features: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC capability, UWB, 5G cellular option

watchOS 26 Features

The latest device comes preloaded with updated software, which runs on each iteration since the sixth generation and subsequent.

It adds Apple's new transparent design elements, resulting in display features semi-translucent, and adds additional display styles: a large digital face titled Flow sensitive to gestures and an analogue face titled Exactograph, dividing hours, minutes and seconds as separate indicators.

The best new feature involves wrist movements, where you rapidly twist your arm outward then returning to exit screens and return to the watch face.

It works even without looking at the device to check the display, allowing users to turn off alerts using a quick gesture via arm movement.

Health and Fitness Tracking

The wearable device includes the same comprehensive fitness analysis system of features found in earlier versions while introducing some additional functions and revamped workout app.

Blood pressure notifications look for signs of hypertension through extended monitoring, notifying you to seek medical advice if cardiac metrics indicates potential a hidden problem.

Enhanced sleep analysis makes Apple's sleep tracking easier to interpret, like other brands including various manufacturers.

Each morning the device displays a percentage score separated into components across three areas: duration, bedtime and interruptions, which are all easy to understand and available via the health software through your mobile also.

Workout buddy serves as automated guidance employing your previous workout data to deliver motivational messages during fitness activities, like detecting that you have already run regular activity patterns plus intensity measurement you put it.

Also featuring audible heads-up upon achieving specific targets throughout activities, like specific speed, pulse rate, range, duration or other metrics.

Users can select of three voices, which speak to you through connected audio paired with the device across twelve exercise types, like strolling, sprinting or cycling.

Unfortunately, functionality requires if you also carry newer iPhone models with you, proving inconvenient prompting abandonment of the function preventing inconvenience carrying mobile devices.

Eco-Friendly Features

Apple says the battery should last exceeding 1000 full charge cycles with at least 80% of starting power and is replaceable for ninety-five pounds.

Fixings require approximately £300-400 according to device type.

Materials include significant amounts of sustainable elements such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass components, gold, lithium, specialized materials, steel, tin elements, {titanium|