Why you shouldn’t buy an Apple Watch in 2025

The Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, expected in September 2025, may not meet the expectations of those hoping for major upgrades. According to a DigiTimes report, Apple is preparing a major redesign for 2026 that will bring new sensors, a refreshed case design, and improved power efficiency. Here’s why it might be better to wait until next year.

What to Expect from Apple Watch in 2026

DigiTimes reports that the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 will feature significant updates, making them far more appealing than the 2025 models:

• More sensors: The new model will be equipped with eight sensors arranged in a ring beneath the glass cover on the back of the case. This is double the number found in current models and will improve the accuracy of health tracking, including heart rate, steps, and other metrics.
• Updated design: A slimmer case and a possible switch to magnetic band attachments are expected, improving ergonomics and making it easier to swap accessories.
• Improved energy efficiency: Optimized sensors and components will reduce power consumption, extending battery life.
• Apple Intelligence integration: New AI-powered health analysis features will be included, although functionality will depend on a paired iPhone and watchOS 26.

Back in April 2025, images of a prototype Apple Watch Series 10 with an eight-sensor ring surfaced online, though the technology didn’t make it into the final release. Apple now appears to be refining this for its 2026 lineup, adding weight to rumors of a significant upgrade.

What’s Coming with Series 11 and Ultra 3 in 2025?

The 2025 models, launching September 9 alongside the iPhone 17, will deliver only incremental improvements:

• New health features: Support for hypertension (high blood pressure) trend tracking is expected, though exact measurements won’t be available due to technical and regulatory challenges. Instead, the watch will monitor trends and issue warnings.
• Apple Intelligence: watchOS 26 will introduce AI tools such as Workout Buddy for training motivation, but these will depend on an iPhone with Apple Intelligence support.
• Minimal design changes: The Series 11 will keep the thin 42 mm and 46 mm case of the Series 10, while the Ultra 3 may get a slightly larger display (422x514 pixels) by reducing bezel size.

These updates are far from revolutionary, especially compared to the rumored overhaul in 2026. Key health features, such as blood pressure monitoring, remain limited, and long-awaited noninvasive blood glucose tracking won’t arrive even in 2026 due to technical constraints.

Why You Should Wait

Buying an Apple Watch in 2025 might not be the best choice for several reasons:

• Major redesign coming in 2026: The Series 12 and Ultra 4 are expected to feature a new look, more sensors, and better battery life, making them much more appealing.
• Limited 2025 improvements: Series 11 and Ultra 3 will only bring modest upgrades, like the new S11 processor and basic health functions—likely not worth upgrading for Series 10 or Ultra 2 owners.
• Technical limitations: Features like hypertension tracking will be based on algorithmic estimates rather than precise measurements, reducing their usefulness.

If you already own a Series 9, 10, or Ultra 2, the 2025 models are unlikely to feel like a worthwhile upgrade. Even Reddit users have expressed skepticism, pointing out that rumors of “major redesigns” appear nearly every year but rarely materialize. Still, the leaks about the eight-sensor ring and new design seem promising, especially since prototype images have surfaced.

In Short

The Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, expected in September 2025, will bring only minor updates, such as hypertension trend tracking and watchOS 26 AI features. Meanwhile, the 2026 models (Series 12 and Ultra 4) promise a complete redesign with eight sensors, a slimmer case, magnetic band attachments, and better battery life. If you’re planning to buy an Apple Watch, it’s worth waiting until 2026 to get a device with truly advanced features and a refreshed design that marks a real step forward in Apple’s lineup.