Apple’s annual Watch refresh has finally arrived for Australia, and for once, it’s not just a case of “same sausage, different sizzle.” The 2025 lineup brings three distinct flavours: Series 11, SE3 and Ultra 3—each with its own audience, price point, and a handful of genuinely new tricks. Let’s break down what’s hot, what’s not, and whether you should bother upgrading at all.
Apple Watch Series 11: The Smart Upgrade
Starting at A$679 for aluminium (and a cool A$1,249 if you want titanium), the Series 11 is Apple’s flagship for the “I want it all, but I’m not running a marathon” crowd. This year’s big upgrades? A brighter, always-on display that hits 2,000 nits, a new S10 chip for snappier performance, and battery life that finally creeps up to 24 hours—so you can actually track your sleep without waking up to a dead wrist.
The double-tap gesture is here, and I’ll admit, it’s the kind of subtle improvement that makes you feel like you’re living in the future. Siri is now processed on-device, making voice commands feel less like shouting into the void. And if you’re accident-prone, improved crash and fall detection means your Watch is more likely to call for help before you’ve even finished swearing.
Key new features:
- S10 chip (faster, smoother everything)
- 24-hour battery life (finally!)
- 2,000 nit always-on display
- Double-tap gesture
- On-device Siri
- Enhanced crash/fall detection
If you’re coming from anything older than Series 8, this is a genuinely worthwhile leap. Titanium fans, prepare your wallets.
Apple Watch SE3: The Sensible Hero
The SE3 is Apple’s “gateway smartwatch,” now starting at just A$399. This year, it’s finally shed its “cheap and cheerful” reputation, thanks to the same S10 chip as the Series 11 and Ultra 3, and—drumroll—an always-on display. Yes, you can now see the time without flicking your wrist like you’re swatting flies.
Sleep apnoea detection, cycle tracking, and crash detection have trickled down to the SE3, making it more capable than ever. Fast charging is in, so you won’t be tethered to the wall for hours. It’s the perfect pick for first-timers, parents, or anyone who’d rather spend their cash on actual coffee instead of titanium.
Key new features:
- S10 chip (same as the big boys)
- Always-on display (finally!)
- Fast charging
- Sleep apnoea detection
- Cycle tracking
- Crash detection
If you want Apple Watch smarts without the Apple Watch price, SE3 is the no-brainer.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Adventure Beast
Now we’re talking. The Ultra 3 is the smartwatch equivalent of a monster truck—starting at A$1,399 for a 49mm titanium case, it’s unapologetically overkill for most people, but a godsend for adventurers and weekend warriors.
This year, the Ultra 3 gets a display that’s so bright (3,000 nits) you could practically use it to signal passing ships. Battery life stretches up to 42 hours (or 72 in Low Power Mode), so multi-day hikes are actually possible. The big headline: Emergency SOS via satellite, with two years of coverage included. No SIM needed—just get lost in the bush and your Watch will still have your back.
There’s also a built-in siren, improved water resistance (up to 100 metres), and customisable action buttons for instant access to workouts, waypoints, or your “get me out of here” playlist.
Key new features:
- 3,000 nit display (sunlight-proof)
- 42-hour battery (72 with Low Power Mode)
- Emergency SOS via satellite (2 years included)
- Customisable action button
- Enhanced water resistance (100m)
- Built-in siren
If you’re serious about the outdoors—or just want a smartwatch that’s as tough as you pretend to be—the Ultra 3 finally puts Apple in the same league as Garmin and Suunto.
Pricing and Availability
All three watches are available for pre-order now, with official release set for September 19. Pricing starts at
- Apple Watch SE3: A$399 for the ,
- Apple Watch Series 11: A$679 for the aluminium or A$1,249 for titanium
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: A$1,399
You can buy online or in-store, with free standard shipping and same-day metro courier delivery for A$15. Apple’s trade-in program is still kicking, so bring your old Watch for a discount.
Australian models are stuck with 4G (no 5G yet), and some health features like hypertension detection are pending TGA approval. All require an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26.
Apple’s 2025 Watch lineup finally feels like three distinct products, not just one watch stretched thin. Series 11 is the smart all-rounder, SE3 is the sensible hero, and Ultra 3 is the adventure beast. For the first time in years, you can actually buy based on your needs—not just your budget or brand loyalty.
Personally, I’m leaning Ultra 3. I may never scale a mountain, but I like knowing my watch could save my bacon if I ever get lost in the bush as I am hopeless outdoors. Whichever way you swing, Apple’s latest watches are more than just incremental—they’re actually interesting.
And in the world of wearables, that’s no small feat.
