Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Series 10: Key Differences, Specs, and Upgrade Guide 

Now, all eyes are on the Apple Watch Series 11. Is it another major milestone, or more of a quiet refinement? In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the differences between Series 11 and Series 10 watches, from design tweaks and display upgrades to performance, health tracking improvements, battery life, and pricing. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading or just curious what’s new, here’s how the two stack up. 

*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore smartwatches in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.  

*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.  

Comparison chart: Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Series 10 

Overview: Key similarities and differences between Apple Watch 11 vs. 10 

While Apple is known for perfecting rather than reinventing, this year brings some fresh upgrades worth a closer look. So, how does it stack up against last year’s Series 10? Let’s rewind, compare the two, and see where they overlap – and where the Series 11 really makes its mark. 

4 key differences between the Apple Watch 11 vs. 10 

1. Health features: The big news on the Series 11 is the introduction of the new hypertension (high blood pressure) feature, which gently alerts you if the watch detects signs of high blood pressure. Plus, there’s a sleep score that breaks down how well you’re sleeping, highlighting things like how often you wake up and how restorative your sleep is. Blood oxygen monitoring also gets more accurate and reliable. However, most of the same features will make their way to the Series 10, as well, through software updates. 
2. Tougher and longer-lasting: The aluminum models now have Ion-X glass that’s twice as scratch-resistant, thanks to a new ceramic coating. Titanium models still retain the durable sapphire crystal. Battery life is improved, giving you up-to 24 hours on a full charge. Fast charging gets a boost, too, delivering 8 hours of use on just a 15-minute charge. 
3. Smarter workouts: Apple introduces Workout Buddy via watchOS 26 (see below), a new feature that talks you through workouts with personalized motivation and tips based on your fitness data. It’s like having a fitness coach on your wrist. This will also make its way to the 10 series via software updates. 
4. Fresh software: Series 11 ships with watchOS 26 featuring Liquid Glass, which adds vibrant, expressive visuals across the watch faces. You’ll also see new features like live translation in Messages, and the Notes app, which lets you create (or access) notes directly from your wrist. It also allows for a new one-handed wrist flick gesture to easily dismiss notifications. Again, while the Series 10 will get watchOS 26 via updates, it won’t support all the new features. 

6 key similarities between the Apple Watch 11 vs. 10 

1. Chip: For the first time ever, Apple’s newest watches will not get a new chip. Instead, they’ll use the same S10 chip that powers the Series 10 watches.  
2. Design: Both models feature Apple’s distinctive squared-off design and remain compatible with existing bands. The Series 11 maintains a slim, comfortable profile, with a new color option added to the lineup. 
3. Display: Both watches use bright, always-on LTPO OLED screens. The Series 11 offers enhanced scratch resistance and improved outdoor visibility, but the core display technology remains the same. 
4. Health fundamentals: The 10 series will also have access to blood pressure monitoring, ECG, sleep tracking, temperature sensing, blood oxygen monitoring, and irregular rhythm notifications, but the Series 11 may benefit from software improvements to boost accuracy.  
5. Battery life: Both deliver reliable battery performance, but the Series 11 gives you extra hours of usage compared to the Series 10. 
6. Pricing: The starting price remains unchanged at $399 for the 42mm model and $429 for the 46mm, keeping the new features accessible without a premium increase. 

Design and build 

The Apple Watch Series 11 sticks with Apple’s signature squared-off design but adds slimmer bezels and new finishes like Space Gray aluminum. It remains thin, comfortable, and fully compatible with existing bands. 

Apple also stepped up its sustainability game. Unlike the Series 10, the Series 11 is made with 40% recycled content, uses a 3D-printed titanium case that cuts raw material use in half, and is manufactured using 100% renewable electricity. Packaging is fully recyclable, too. 

• Takeaway: The Series 11 won’t reinvent the wheel but will bring subtle style and durability upgrades that make it feel fresh yet familiar, while making meaningful progress in eco-friendly manufacturing. 

Display 

Apple has kept things familiar with the Apple Watch Series 11, making subtle upgrades rather than major design changes from the Series 10. The display remains LTPO OLED, offering bright, always-on performance with improved power efficiency.  

The aluminum models feature tougher Ion-X glass with a ceramic coating for double the scratch resistance, while titanium versions keep their durable sapphire crystal front. While the switch to Micro-LED didn’t happen this time, Series 11 introduces the new Liquid Glass interface with watchOS 26, bringing smoother animations and a more vibrant experience compared to Series 11. 

• Takeaway: The display tech is mostly the same, but Series 11 improves visuals with Liquid Glass and better efficiency. 

Performance and processor 

For the first time ever, the newest Apple Watch Series will NOT get an all-new chip, instead opting to stick with the S10 from the previous year’s models. Still, the S10 seems poised to handle all the advanced features, like AI-driven health tracking and on-device Siri, running seamlessly without draining your battery. 

• Takeaway: While many assumed there would be an S11 chip, the new series stays with the S10, which seems to support the performance and efficiency needed on the newest watches. However, if you were hoping for a faster chip, you’ll likely be disappointed. 

Health and fitness features 

The Apple Watch Series 11 is the first to introduce hypertension (blood pressure) notifications, advanced recovery insights, and tighter integration with Apple Fitness+. Adding to the mix is watchOS 26, which introduces Workout Buddy, an AI-powered fitness coach that offers personalized motivation during workouts, making wellness tracking smarter and more engaging. Apple also continues to offer blood oxygen (SpO₂) monitoring in the U.S. 

The Series 10 will eventually get most of the software updates, which still makes it a strong choice, but it lacks some of the new capabilities found in Series 11. 

• Takeaway: If health tracking is a priority, Series 11 offers meaningful upgrades out right of the box. 

Battery life and charging 

The Apple Watch Series 11 improves on the Series 10’s battery life, offering up-to 24 hours (with normal use) on a single charge compared to the Series 10’s up-to 18 hours. Thanks to the optimized display and some other upgrades, the Series 11 delivers longer-lasting performance throughout the day, whether you’re tracking workouts, using GPS, or monitoring health sensors. Plus, Series 11 supports fast charging, giving you up to 8 hours of battery life on just 15-minute charge. 

• Takeaway: The Series 11 offers a meaningful boost in battery life and faster charging, making it more reliable for all-day use. 

Software: watchOS 26 vs. watchOS 11 

As mentioned, with the Apple Watch Series 11, the introduction of watchOS 26 takes usability and interactivity to a new level beyond just fitness. The watch features a fresh Liquid Glass interface that elevates visuals across Smart Stack, notifications, and menus with a sleek, semi-translucent design. Interactions feel more intuitive and, thanks to new wrist-flick gestures (not available on the Series 10), you can now dismiss alerts, silence alarms, or navigate without touching the screen. The Smart Stack has also been upgraded to offer proactive suggestions, like activating Backtrack in remote areas or adjusting volume based on your surroundings. 

New additions like Workout Buddy delivers real-time, AI-powered coaching with audio cues that keep you engaged during training sessions. There’s even a built-in Notes app now, allowing you to jot down ideas, reminders, or lists directly on the watch, something people have requested for years. 

Compared to the watchOS 11 software that shipped on the Series 10, watchOS 26 goes further, layering in more intelligence, better personalization, and refined visuals that make the Series 11 experience feel more seamless, thoughtful, and capable out of the box. 

• Takeaway: While the older watches will eventually get the watchOS 26 upgrade, the S11 provides a more tailored, future-forward experience that helps you stay on top of your health with smarter insights and tools. 

Should you upgrade your Apple Watch? 

• From Series 10: The choice depends on what you value most. If you want longer battery life, better durability, a new color, or the ability to use wrist gestures, the Series 11 is definitely worth the upgrade. Otherwise, the Series 10 still holds up as a strong, modern smartwatch. 
• From Series 9 or older: Moving to the Series 11 is a big jump – you’ll get a brighter display, sleeker design, advanced health features, and a much more powerful processor. 

FAQs about the Apple Watch Series 11 vs. 10 

What’s the difference between Apple Watch Series 11 and Series 10? 

The Series 11 is the first to introduce blood pressure monitoring, Workout Buddy, AI advancements, and exclusive watchOS 26 features out of the box. The Series 10 brought an updated chip, slimmer chassis and a bright OLED display, setting a strong foundation for the latest model. 

Is it worth upgrading to Series 11? 

If you’re coming from Series 9 or older, most likely, but ultimately your decision is up to you and should be based on your individual needs and wants from your watch. For Series 10 owners, it depends on how much you care about the new features, longer battery life, and performance improvements. 

How much will the Apple Watch Series 11 cost? 

Starting prices will remain at $399 for the base model, and $429 for the larger model, with the cellular upgrade on each costing an extra $100. 

What Apple Watch Series 11 models can I choose from? 

Apple Watch Series 11 comes in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm. The 42mm model is a great fit if you prefer a lighter, more compact watch and want something less bulky for everyday wear. The 46mm version offers a larger display, which is perfect if you want bigger text and easier interaction with apps, or if you use your watch a lot for fitness tracking and want more screen real estate. 

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. 10: The bottom line 

The Apple Watch Series 11 takes everything great about the Series 10 and refines it with some meaningful upgrades. The standout changes include a boost in durability, smoother performance, better battery efficiency, and the introduction of features like Workout Buddy and blood pressure monitoring – a game changer for health tracking. Plus, the display and power management have been fine-tuned to make your daily use even better. 

If you’re coming from a Series 9 or older, upgrading to the Series 11 will feel like a big leap forward, with noticeable improvements in speed, AI features, and the overall experience. But if you already own a Series 10, the decision is a bit more personal. It really comes down to how much you care about having a more durable watch, longer battery life, and smoother performance. For many, the Series 10 remains a strong, capable smartwatch that continues to deliver solid value, so upgrading right away might not be necessary unless those new features really catch your eye. 

Ultimately, the Series 11 offers a future-focused experience that gently pushes the envelope without reinventing the wheel, making it a smart, thoughtful upgrade for those who want the best smartwatch Apple has to offer right now. 

You may also be interested in: 

• Our7 Picks for Top Fitness Trackers and Watches for 2025 
• Apple Watch Series 10 Is Here. Does It Live Up To The Hype? 
• Shop Apple Watches 
• Find Apple Deals 

Sources: 

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