The smartwatch arena has its undisputed king, and in 2024, Apple has once again raised the bar. With a trio of new models—the sophisticated Series 11, the indomitable Ultra 3, and the accessible SE 3—there's an Apple Watch for every wrist and wallet. But which one deserves your investment?
Apple Watch Series 11: The All-Round Champion
The standard bearer continues to impress. The Series 11 refines an already winning formula with a brighter, always-on display that is effortlessly readable even under the harsh British summer sun. Battery life, a perennial concern for smartwatch users, sees a welcome boost, comfortably stretching to a day and a half with typical use.
New health sensors are the headline act. Enhanced sleep tracking provides more nuanced insights into your rest patterns, while a groundbreaking new blood oxygen monitoring system offers crucial data for fitness enthusiasts and those keen on monitoring their overall wellbeing.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: For The Extremists
Built for the edge of possibility, the Ultra 3 is Apple's most robust timepiece yet. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, it's designed to withstand the toughest conditions, from the Scottish Highlands to a deep-sea dive.
The Ultra 3 boasts an astonishing battery life that can last for multiple days on a single charge, making it the perfect companion for extended adventures. A new action button can be customised for instant access to workouts, compass functionality, or shortcuts, while the larger, brightest-ever display ensures critical data is always visible.
Apple Watch SE 3: Unbeatable Value
Don't let the friendly price tag fool you. The third-generation SE packs a serious punch, bringing the core Apple Watch experience to a broader audience. It features the same powerful chip found in its more expensive siblings, ensuring slick performance and smooth navigation.
While it forgoes the always-on display and some advanced health metrics, it retains essential features like heart rate notifications, fall detection, and crash detection—making it a brilliantly affordable tool for safety and connectivity.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For most users: The Apple Watch Series 11 strikes the perfect balance between price, features, and performance. It's the ideal daily driver.
For adventurers and athletes: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is worth every penny for its unparalleled battery life and rugged, feature-packed design.
For first-time buyers or those on a budget: The Apple Watch SE 3 offers phenomenal value and delivers the essential Apple Watch experience without breaking the bank.
Whichever you choose, Apple's 2024 lineup continues its dominance, offering the most cohesive and powerful ecosystem in the wearable world.
