When Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 in September, I used to be certain I used to be going to improve my Apple Watch Ultra this yr to an Ultra 3.
With two generations of processor enhancements, a brighter display, and hypertension detection, I used to be prepared. My present gadget’s response time is getting a bit of sluggish (and that is earlier than including all the brand new AI options with watchOS 26), and battery life has dropped significantly. I used to be prepared to purchase an Ultra 3.
Apple Watch Series 11 battery life enhancements are good for me
“While I definitely do not want one other watch that in all probability prices $799 / £799 / AU$1,399, I favor the Apple Watch to its rivals for its adherence to the Apple ecosystem,” I mentioned in September.
“It actually ‘simply works’ for me, and whereas I do not run marathons or compete in triathlons, I want the longer battery life the Ultra line affords to watch an ongoing coronary heart situation in a single day.”
Except not anymore. The coronary heart situation continues to be there (sadly), however rising the Apple Watch Series 11’s battery life to 24 hours virtually takes the wind out of the Ultra 3’s sails.
The fact is that 36 hours had been by no means a giant requirement for me. I simply wanted to have the ability to work, train, and observe my coronary heart price all through the night time. Thanks to this increase, it is sufficient to get you thru the day without having to put on a feature-packed smartwatch that, let’s be sincere, is overkill for most individuals.
Add in the truth that they share a processor, they each have the brand new hypertension detection, the Series 11 appears sleeker and is cheaper; It can be tough to justify buying the Ultra 3, particularly since I would not take into account myself an ‘Ultra’ athlete.
Am I going to run an ultramarathon or hike within the hills with out taking my cellphone with me? It could be very unlikely. If I’m sincere, I purchased the unique Ultra to enhance battery life.
Before that, I used my Series 7 each day and wanted to cost it earlier than mattress, which appeared like an answer that will by no means final. Now that the Series 11 has higher battery life to assist with sleep monitoring, I will not have to fret about hitting myself with the heavy Titanium Ultra whereas I sleep both.
My final concern was sturdiness. I like my Ultra as a result of after I play with my son I do not really feel like it will break in opposition to a wall, a swing, or anything. It’s comforting to know that the Apple Watch Series 11’s show is 2x extra scratch-resistant than its predecessor: I simply hope the truth lives as much as the claims.
After spending a while testing Apple’s pre-order system and including a trade-in, you may find yourself shopping for an Apple Watch for lower than £180 (round $240) as a result of the Ultra 1 apparently holds its worth.
After all, I do not want an Ultra mannequin.
If all of this seems like I’m actually down on the Ultra 3, I need to emphasize that if it hadn’t been for the 24-hour battery life increase on the Series 11, I’d be pressured to purchase the Ultra 3.
The Ultra 3’s barely bigger display can also be good, and I respect that it is apparently greatest considered at an angle. I’m additionally not blind to the truth that the battery life simply elevated to 42 hours, however I believe a full day is the candy spot for me since I can cost the Series 11 at my desk.
It’s attention-grabbing to see the Series 11 encroach on its Ultra 3 cousin a bit, simply because the hole between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air fashions is blurring. For a very long time I used a MacBook Pro as a result of I had had very unhealthy experiences with the early MacBook Air fashions. Now? I’m scripting this on an M3 MacBook Air linked to all kinds of peripherals and a monitor as my essential work machine. That’s one thing that merely wasn’t attainable that way back.
The Ultra 1 debuted in 2022, the identical yr because the Apple Watch Series 8 and SE 2, together with the iPhone 14. Loads can change in a three-year interval, and I’m excited to see what an Apple Watch Series 11 can do over the following three.
