Top Smartwatches Compatible with iOS in 2025: Leading Apple Watches to Consider
Apple is set to launch a new lineup of Apple Watches in September 2025, according to recent reports. The highly anticipated lineup includes the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Series 11.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is poised to be a significant upgrade, following a two-year gap since the last Ultra 2 update. This model will feature a slightly larger, wide-angle OLED display with a brighter, higher refresh rate always-on mode. The Ultra 3 will also boast satellite text messaging capability without the need for Wi-Fi or cellular, and 5G support replacing LTE. Powered by the S10 chip or newer, the Ultra 3 promises faster performance. Other expected features include potential blood pressure monitoring, although it may be delayed, and faster charging. The Ultra 3 is expected to start around $799, similar to its predecessor's pricing.
Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 will maintain a similar design to the Series 10 but will boast a more energy-efficient, higher-resolution screen. It is rumoured to include a front-facing camera in the display. Health monitoring and display technology improvements are expected, with blood pressure monitoring and blood-glucose tracking rumoured. The Series 11 will switch from 4G to 5G antenna, although satellite texting might be exclusive to the Ultra 3. The Series 11 will be powered by the S12 chip and run on watchOS 12. The base model is expected to start at around $399, similar to the Series 10.
Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch SE 3 is anticipated to be a budget-friendly refresh, scheduled to launch alongside the other watches in 2025. Details are less clear, but it is expected to receive an update this year, according to multiple sources.
It's worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 9, which was an incremental update to the Apple Watch 8, offered features such as hands-free gesture controls, the S9 chipset, brighter screen, and improved Find Devices feature. All Apple Watches require pairing with an iPhone.
For those without an iPhone, the best Android smartwatches may be more suitable. The Apple Watch 6, while still a strong watch, has a battery life that is not as long as desired, especially now that you can track sleep. The Apple Watch Series 10, on the other hand, is suitable for most users, featuring a larger, more vibrant display and a thinner profile compared to previous models. It includes media playback through the speaker and refreshes at a lower rate of 1Hz, once per second, allowing seconds to be displayed on some Watch Faces through the always-on display.
The Apple Watch SE 2 offers speedy performance and overperforming battery life, making it the best cheap Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, with its rugged design, bright OLED display, and powerful GPS, is the best all-round performer among Apple smartwatches. The Apple Watch Series 10 also includes blood oxygen monitoring and a slightly improved screen compared to previous generations. The new charging coil in the Apple Watch Series 10 can fast charge the watch from 0-80% in just 30 minutes.
The Apple Watch Series 10's car crash detection tool could potentially save your life, making it an attractive option for many users. The Apple Watch Series 9's battery life remains average, but its hands-free gesture controls, S9 chipset, brighter screen, and improved Find Devices feature make it a compelling choice for some.
All three new models are expected to launch around September 2025, likely alongside the iPhone 17 lineup at Apple's usual fall event. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch date.
- The new Apple Watch Ultra 3, with its satellite text messaging capability and 5G support, is set to be a smartphone companion for tech enthusiasts, offering a wider array of gadget-to-gadget communication options.
- Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 11 will continue to be a valuable addition to users' wearables collection, promising health monitoring improvements and 5G connectivity, making it an essential piece of technology for those seeking seamless integration with their smartphones.
