WIRED updates Apple Watch buying guide: Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3 compared
Adrienne So’s July 2026 assessment positions the Series 11 as the comprehensive health leader, the SE 3 as the budget entry point, and the Ultra 3 for off-grid connectivity.
WIRED has published an updated buying guide for the current Apple Watch lineup, authored by Adrienne So, with recommendations released in July 2026. The review evaluates three distinct models—the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch SE 3, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3—categorising them by use case rather than offering a single top pick. The guide notes that the question of which watch to buy has become more complex as Apple differentiates its hardware across price points and specific feature sets.
The Series 11 is positioned as the flagship model, primarily distinguished by its 24-hour battery life, an upgrade from the previous 18-hour duration. This improvement allows for continuous wear during sleep tracking, providing users with an Apple sleep score and detailed breakdowns. The device includes a full suite of health sensors, including blood oxygen monitoring, electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities, and FDA-cleared hypertension notifications. Connectivity has been upgraded to 5G from LTE, and the display reaches 2,000 nits of brightness.
For consumers seeking a lower entry point, the guide identifies the Apple Watch SE 3 as the best value option, priced at $249. Powered by the S10 chip, the SE 3 introduces health notifications for sleep apnea and skin temperature sensing, features absent in the previous SE 2 model. However, it omits blood oxygen and ECG monitoring, as well as the latest hypertension notifications. The display is rated at 1,000 nits, and while it lacks the Ultra-wideband (UWB) locator chip, it retains fall detection and now supports WhatsApp.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is targeted at outdoor enthusiasts, featuring satellite messaging and a 42-hour battery life, up from 36 hours on the Ultra 2. The guide highlights the practical utility of satellite messaging for users off-grid, noting that the watch is more likely to be on the body than a phone in such scenarios. Additional rugged features include a siren, diving capabilities, a three-mic array for calls, and a titanium case manufactured using 3D printing for material efficiency.
All three models operate on watchOS 27, enabling access to the Liquid Glass display, the AI-enabled Workout Buddy feature, and Siri-suggested apps. The review also advises against purchasing older models such as the Series 4, Series 5, or second-generation SE, as they are incompatible with watchOS 27. The Series 10 is mentioned as a viable alternative if available at a significant discount, though it lacks the 24-hour battery life of the Series 11.
