Apple Watch 2025 Lineup: Key Differences Between SE 3, Series 11 & Ultra 3

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

If you're looking for an Apple Watch in 2025, the choice can feel overwhelming. Apple’s new SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3 offer excellent features at different price points, but each is best suited for different users and needs. Here’s a clear breakdown from iOS Today to help you make the right choice, fast.

Why Apple Watch Selection Matters in 2025

Apple’s latest lineup—Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3—covers budgets from $249 up to $799+, with significant improvements in health tracking, battery life, and durability across models. As Apple extends key features like always-on displays and advanced health metrics to more models, it’s important to know which features are worth paying extra for, based on your lifestyle.

On iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explained how to pick the right watch for your needs, highlighting both subtle and significant differences you might have missed.

Key Differences: SE 3 vs Series 11 vs Ultra 3

Apple Watch SE 3

• Price: $249 (GPS), $299 (GPS + Cellular)
• Design: Aluminum, available in Midnight and Starlight
• Display: Always-on Retina (max 1,000 nits brightness)
• Health Sensors: Heart rate, sleep tracking, respiratory rate, cycle tracking
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
• Extras: Basic water resistance (50 meters), lacks ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension notifications, and Ultra Wideband precision finding

Apple Watch Series 11

• Price: $399 (GPS), $499 (Cellular)
• Design: Aluminum (four colors), titanium (three colors), two case sizes (46mm & 42mm)
• Display: Always-on Retina (max 2,000 nits)
• Health Sensors: Adds ECG, blood oxygen app, hypertension notifications
• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
• Extras: Precision finding (Ultra Wideband), depth gauge (up to 6 meters), stronger ceramic/sapphire back

Apple Watch Ultra 3

• Price: Starts higher ($799+; exact not mentioned but inferred from past Ultra pricing)
• Design: Large 49mm titanium case, most durable
• Display: Biggest, brightest (3,000 nits)
• Health Sensors: All of Series 11 plus advanced GPS, dual speakers, extra-strong backing
• Battery Life: Up to 42 hours
• Durability: Water resistance to 100 meters, depth gauge to 40 meters, dive/snorkel ready, built-in siren, satellite SOS

Best Choice For…

Everyday Users & First-Time Buyers

• Apple Watch SE 3 is the budget pick. It covers all basic fitness tracking, sleep, and safety features. Ideal for users who don’t need advanced health metrics (like ECG) or deep water resistance.
• Recommended: If affordability is key and you don’t care about fancy extras, SE 3 delivers most core functionality for the lowest price.

Fitness Enthusiasts & Health-Conscious Users

• Apple Watch Series 11 hits the sweet spot. You get enhanced health features (ECG, blood oxygen), more color/case choices, better screen brightness, and improved precision finding for lost devices.
• Recommended: If you want a full-featured smartwatch without paying Ultra prices, Series 11 is the practical choice.

Outdoor Adventurers & Power Users

• Apple Watch Ultra 3 is designed for athletes, divers, hikers, and anyone who needs extreme durability, navigation accuracy, and marathon battery life.
• Recommended: If you need the longest battery, highest water resistance, emergency features (like satellite SOS), or the biggest screen, Ultra 3 is worth the upgrade. Just note its large size may not suit everyone, especially users with smaller wrists.

What Surprised the Hosts

On iOS Today, Mikah and Rosemary found that feature differences between models are smaller than in past years, making even the budget SE 3 a strong value. However, the Ultra is physically very large, which can be a dealbreaker for users with small wrists. Battery life and health sensors are now more consistent across the range, but the Ultra still stands out for outdoor usage.

What to (Apple) Watch Out For

• SE 3 is best for budget and basic use, lacking a few advanced health metrics and durability features
• Series 11 balances price, features, and design choices, with strong health tracking for most users
• Ultra 3 is the top performer in battery, display, durability, and outdoor features, but may be too large for some
• All models now feature always-on displays and excellent basic fitness tracking
• Consider your current use (upgrade needs, wrist size, battery expectations) before choosing the Ultra

Unless you need advanced health or outdoor features, most buyers are well-served by the SE 3 or Series 11. Only opt for the Ultra if you truly need the durability, advanced GPS, or battery for professional-level activities. Apple’s lineup is better than ever for all budgets. Make sure to compare carefully and you’ll find the right watch for you.

Catch the full buying guide and more insights from the hosts by listening to iOS Today, episode 772. Subscribe for future episodes: https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today/episodes/772