Apple Watch is getting a major update: new design, satellite communications and pressure monitoring

Apple is preparing a major update to all models of its smartwatches. A new Apple Watch SE model with a new design is expected to launch, as well as updates to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. In addition, long-awaited features related to health monitoring and satellite communication support will appear.

Image Source: Apple

While the more expensive Apple Watch models likely won’t see significant design changes, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature satellite connectivity and 5G RedCap, greatly expanding connectivity. Additionally, as reported by 9to5Mac, Apple is expected to introduce blood pressure monitoring in both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

While this feature doesn’t provide accurate blood pressure readings, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it will alert you to a possible problem, similar to how a sleep apnea detector works. According to Gurman, the feature “does not show users specific diastolic or systolic readings, but does indicate the presence of a high blood pressure condition.”

The blood pressure monitoring feature was originally expected to debut in the Apple Watch Series 10, but its release was delayed due to the thin design of the watch. However, the company is gearing up to introduce this feature this year.

If all the rumors are true, Apple will update the entire Apple Watch line at once for the first time since 2022, when the Apple Watch SE 2, Series 8 and the first Ultra version were introduced. Last year, the Ultra 3 and the new SE were expected to appear, but instead the company limited itself to releasing a new version of the Ultra 2 in a black titanium case. This time, judging by the leaks, Apple is ready to introduce the long-awaited updates as early as 2025.

It is worth saying that in the future Apple plans to use smart functions not only in watches, but also in other devices. For example, the release of new AirPods with heart rate monitoring and other useful options is expected.