As August 11, 2025, marks the publication of this article, anticipation for Apple’s next generation of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, is at an all-time high. The tech giant is widely expected to hold a significant launch event on September 9, aligning with its established fall product cycle.
This event is not only rumored to unveil the Apple Watch Series 11 but also potentially an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a next-generation Apple Watch SE, marking a comprehensive refresh of its wearable lineup. A significant announcement preceding the rumored launch came directly from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who revealed that all upcoming Apple Watches and iPhones would feature US-made cover glass.
This manufacturing will take place at glass giant Corning’s facility in Kentucky, underscoring Apple’s broader strategic initiative to bolster domestic production. This move is anticipated to offer benefits extending beyond marketing, potentially leading to enhanced durability, environmental sustainability, and expedited repair cycles due to localized sourcing of replacement glass components.
Further insights into Apple’s plans have emerged from the iOS 26 public beta. MacRumors, a prominent source of Apple-related news, discovered embedded imagery within the beta that appears to detail the display specifications for what is believed to be the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra. These visual clues, combined with information from German phone carrier iPhone Ticker (initially reported by Apple Insider), strongly suggest a September launch is imminent, with the Apple Watch Series 11 expected to debut alongside the rumored iPhone 17.
The precise release schedule for these new models remains somewhat fluid, but historical trends offer a strong indication. Preorders for the new Apple Watch models could commence as early as Friday, September 12, with general availability potentially beginning the following Friday, September 19. However, the exact timing could be influenced by various factors, including potential production challenges or the impact of newly imposed tariffs, which could affect both launch timelines and pricing for 2025.
The forthcoming lineup is expected to include at least two flagship models: the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, as suggested by the iOS 26 clues and the typical update cycle. Additionally, there is a strong likelihood of a next-generation Apple Watch SE model, a possibility echoed by Bloomberg’s Apple analyst Mark Gurman.
While the Apple Watch Ultra and SE lines have historically followed less predictable upgrade cycles, the absence of new models in 2024, where the Series 10 was the sole smartwatch announced, points towards a comprehensive release in 2025. Gurman suggests that while the new Ultra and Series 11 are largely expected to retain similar aesthetics, the SE could undergo a refreshed exterior design. Furthermore, the Ultra is rumored to gain advanced connectivity features such as satellite connectivity and 5G RedCap network access, which would extend its utility to even the most remote environments.
Regarding design, the Apple Watch Series 11 is anticipated to maintain the slim, flat-edged aesthetic introduced with the Series 10, available in 42mm and 46mm sizes. The aforementioned partnership with Corning means that all the protective display glass will be manufactured in the United States. Beyond the marketing advantage, this domestic sourcing could translate into improved durability, enhanced sustainability, and potentially quicker repair turnarounds due to readily available replacement glass.
