The Apple Watch Series 11 is one of the most straightforward reviews I’ve ever undertaken. The latest Apple smartwatch closely resembles the prior Series 10, which I also evaluated. It appears the same, functions similarly, and provides nearly identical features, with a few unique enhancements.

Nevertheless, it boasts one significant upgrade: extended battery life.

If you’ve previously used an Apple Watch, you recognize how important this aspect is.

Apple Watch Series 11: Cost and specifications

The specifications for the Series 11 are strikingly akin to those of the earlier model, the Apple Watch Series 10. The size, chip, storage, display—each element mirrors the previous version with only slight variations in weight (the new model is marginally heavier). The single noticeable distinction is the inclusion of a new shade for the Aluminum casing, Space Gray.

Here are the key details:

– Display size: 42/46mm
– Chip: S10
– Storage: 64GB
– Display resolution: 416×496 pixels
– Colors: Rose Gold, Silver, Space Gray, Jet Black (Aluminum), Gold, Natural, Slate (Titanium)
– Water resistance: 50m
– Dust resistance: IP6X

Apple Watch Series 11: Design and display

The display maintains its previous size, as does the design. The Watch Series 11 continues to be exceptionally comfortable, virtually vanishing when worn. The increase in weight is minimal. The sole method to differentiate the Series 11 from the Series 10 is the color. Apple provided me the review unit in the new Space Gray Aluminum finish. I’ve always appreciated Apple’s Space Gray hue, and the contrast between the casing and the black display is pleasing, though not dramatically distinct from the earlier available Silver finish.

The Space Gray shade is a refreshing change from my last all-black Watch. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

To go with the new Watch, Apple sent me a Space Black Sport Band. It’s fine, but I prefer the less-rubbery texture of Apple’s Sport Loop. Apple has a wide variety of wristbands, along with countless third-party alternatives, ensuring everyone can find something suitable.

Apple asserts the new display is twice as resistant to scratches compared to the previous one, thanks to Ion-X glass. While it’s tough to verify this without damaging the watch, it is a welcome enhancement, especially since I tend to bump my hand against various objects, including with the new Series 11.

Even though the display isn’t remarkably novel, it remains sharply vivid, even from an angle. It’s the best display I’ve encountered on a smartwatch, and one of the main reasons I find it challenging to switch to a non-Apple smartwatch like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.

Apple Watch Series 11: Performance

The Apple Watch continues to perform quickly, thanks to the S10 chip inside. I’ve never had to worry about memory on an Apple Watch (64GB is included). Various metrics, such as blood oxygen monitoring and heart rate measurements, continue to function quite accurately.

However, there are a few new features, such as hypertension alerts and Sleep Score, but those are also accessible on several older models now equipped with watchOS 26. I didn’t receive any hypertension alerts while using the watch, which is beneficial for me personally, but perhaps less favorable for this review. Regarding the new Sleep Score, I appreciated having a comprehensive view of my sleep quality, considering my son woke me up every hour or two during the night.

Excellent, but only in comparison to my typically poor sleep quality. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Workout Buddy is another new feature, an AI-driven, virtual workout instructor and companion. It doesn’t quite fit my workouts, which involve calisthenics and strength training; in fact, I couldn’t get it to provide any engaging commentary at all. Apple’s marketing materials mainly highlight activities like running, and the Workout Buddy may be more suitable for those.

Concerning new watch faces, Apple’s watchOS 26 introduces two new options: the vibrant Flow and the Exactograph. I wasn’t particularly fond of Flow at first as it rendered time nearly illegible, but adjusting the settings can enhance its appeal. The Exactograph is a geeky triple chronograph, featuring separate dials for hours, minutes, and seconds. Tap it once or twice to “explode” the minutes and seconds dial—it’s quite impressive.

Apple Watch Series 11: Battery life

Last year’s Apple Watch offered 18 hours of battery life. Apple claims the Series 11 now boasts 24 hours of battery life. For a device that accompanies you most of the time, this represents a significant upgrade in performance. But how do Apple’s claims hold up in practical use?

I’m pleased to confirm that Apple was truthful about the enhanced battery life. Upon receiving my unit, I charged it to 100 percent and began wearing it around 4 p.m. I wore it overnight, and