When the first Apple Watch was released a decade ago, it was a very basic device by today’s standards. Water resistance, integrated GPS, cellular comms, temperature tracking and many other features we take for granted today were years away. Indeed, that first Apple Watch was something of a let down – almost a beta release given its mediocre performance and confusing user interface.
Today, Apple has transformed the Apple Watch into a powerful health, fitness and well-being tool. If early Apple Watch owners were wondering what the device’s ‘killer app’ would be, the answer is very clear today. It’s all about helping us to be healthier and to live longer lives that aren’t made miserable by poor health.
So, what can we expect from the 2025 version of the Apple Watch.
Updated: 26 March 2025
The current range will stay
Apple offers three main versions of the Apple Watch
- Apple Watch SE: the entry level model
- Apple Watch: the model for most of us
- Apple Watch Ultra: made for insurance sports and users who engage in more extreme activities
There is, of course, the Apple Watch Hermes which is really a regular Apple Watch made from more expensive materials and with some fancy designer bands.
Our Apple Watch Buying Guide can help you work out which model is best for you.
Blood pressure monitoring
Apple has been experimenting with a blood pressure monitoring or measurement function for the Apple Watch for some time. The latest rumour, coming from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, suggests that Apple hasn’t got things quite right yet.
Blood pressure is quite tricky to measure as it can fluctuate. There can be a difference between your blood pressure as you sit and stand and there are the expected fluctuations that happen during exercise. Measuring blood pressure at the wrist and providing useful information to an Apple Watch wearer is proving to be a tricky proposition.
My suspicion is that we are at least a year away from blood pressure monitoring being available on the Apple Watch. And we can probably add months to that before the Australian Therapeutics Goods Administration gives regulatory approval for the function to be activated here.
Sensors
Apple was forced to remove blood oxygen sensing from the Apple Watch in the USA following a patent dispute.
That function still works in Australia so there should not be a change here. However, Apple may choose to add that sensor to the Apple Watch SE given it’s been around for a while and is no longer at the cutting edge of what Apple can do.
The Apple Watch SE 3 could also get better temperature sensing to support cycle tracking.
Cameras, microphones and AI
Apple continues to push its AI ambitions despite many setbacks. Once again, Mark Gurman has some word on this.
He speculates that the new Apple Watch may get its first taste of Apple Intelligence as Apple is considering the introduction of cameras and microphones to gain context about where a user is and what they are doing to provide better outputs from the flailing AI service.
For what it’s worth, adding a camera to the Apple Watch could lead to more problems. Already, there are workplaces where cameras are not allowed. Having to take your watch off as well as leaving your phone behind could be an issue for some users. And Apple will have to ensure the camera can’t be accidentally activated to avoid privacy issues.
I don’t expect the next or subsequent Apple Watch models to have a camera.
Materials
Apple has experimented with different materials over the last few years with aluminium, stainless steel and titanium as the main metals used.
There has been some speculation that Apple would look to lighten the weight and cost of the Apple Watch SE by using a plastic body. However, Apple’s experimentation with that material seems to be over with the company retaining metal as the body for the entry level Apple Watch.
Chips
The Apple Watch SE 2 is running the S8 chip that was introduced with the Series 8 model in 2022.
Apple’s strategy with its SE products has been to equip that model with technology that is about two generations behind the flagship products. That means we can expect the Apple Watch SE to have an S9 chip while the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 would get a new S11 chip.
That would also mean the more expensive Apple Watch Ultra 3 would not be a processor generation behind the Apple Watch Series 11.
Displays
When Apple released the Apple Watch Series 10 last year, it looks one by surprise as it boasted more usable screen area than the dearer Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 we can expect this year will likely have enhanced display area although Apple will be challenged to achieve that without increasing the size or weight while retaining the protective titanium bezels.
Connectivity
Apple has been working with satellite connectivity in the iPhone for some time. And it seems the Apple Watch Ultra will get satellite connectivity along with 5G.
Satellite connectivity means users will be more likely to have access to emergency services when in remote areas.
The version of 5G likely to come to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 wont;t have the same performance as regular 5G but will use less power – a key feature in a device with such a small battery.
Pricing
Apple tends to minimise price fluctuations between generations so we can expect prices, in Australia, to stay close to the current levels.
- Apple Watch SE: from $399
- Apple Watch: from $649
- Apple Watch Ultra: from $1399
The great unknown is whether the current US government’s position on tariffs will impact local pricing.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.