Apple Watch Series 11 Review: New Features Added, But "Unchanged Issues" Also Made Clear

1. Series 11 is not a "major overhaul" but an "internal update"

The Apple Watch Series 11, following the trend of a thinner casing in Series 10, is not heading towards a drastic design change this time. Computer Bild also states that "there are few major external refreshes," and notes that the changes are mainly focused on the **health and sports areas and internal aspects (communication and processing)**.COMPUTER BILD

In other words, Series 11 is more of a year where those who wear it daily and collect data will benefit rather than a year where you want it for its looks. Conversely, for those who are not interested in that aspect, it might seem like "Hmm, is it the same again this year?"

2. Highlight of new features ①: Hypertension notification = Not a "diagnosis" but a "trend alert"

Apple is strongly promoting the hypertension notification in Series 11. It is explained that Series 11 uses data from optical sensors to analyze vascular reactions over a 30-day period and notify users when it detects "possible patterns of hypertension."Apple

The important point here is that this is not a function that "measures and confirms numbers" like a blood pressure monitor, but a type that **"alerts you to signs."** When a notification appears, the intended use is to confirm it with a home blood pressure monitor or at a medical institution (similar explanations can be seen in reviews).Woman & Home

Note on medical features: While this type of function is convenient, if you have health concerns or receive continuous notifications, do not make judgments on your own and consult a medical institution.

3. Highlight of new features ②: Sleep Score = More "easy-to-understand visuals" added

The "Sleep Score" is prominently featured on Apple's official page.Apple
The Verge also introduces it as a feature that makes it easier to understand sleep quality using indicators such as sleep duration and sleep stages.The Verge

However, as pointed out by Computer Bild, this type of score is a field that Samsung and Google have been offering for some time.COMPUTER BILD
Apple's strength lies not in the "watch alone," but in being able to view it integrated within the iPhone's healthcare/ecosystem. Conversely,those who wear it to bed every night = people who face battery and comfort issues.

4. Highlight of new features ③: Workout Buddy = AI "encouragement" is interesting, but be aware of language conditions

Apple is advancing Series 11 towards "collaborating with Apple Intelligence (nearby iPhone) to provide verbal encouragement and insights during workouts."Apple
Computer Bild also touches on Workout Buddy as a new element positioned at the center of Apple Fitness, while noting thatinitially, it is only available in English.COMPUTER BILD

This is where the user experience can vary significantly for Japanese users.
For those who find an English voice coach "acceptable," it is refreshing, butwaiting until it can be used naturally in Japanese is also a plausible decision.

5. Communication evolution: Cellular model supports 5G (RedCap). What about Japan's support status?

For cellular communication in Series 11, Apple has clearly announced "5G support."Apple
Apple Support also states thatSeries 11 / SE 3 / Ultra 3 can connect to 4G LTE and 5G if available.Apple Support

Regarding the situation with Japanese carriers, domestic reports at the time of the announcement confirmed thatthe logos of Docomo, au, and SoftBank were shown.ケータイ Watch
Docomo's guidance mentions conditions for using 5G (e.g., contracts and 5G SA requirements).Docomo
Meanwhile, Apple itself states that "5G availability varies by country and carrier."Apple

Internationally, 5G is often deployed in the context ofRedCap (power-saving, IoT-oriented 5G), with Telekom in Germany strongly promoting itself as "the only one."telekom.com
In conclusion, while 5G in Series 11 is "convenient to have," it is safer to check how your carriersupports 5G on the Apple Watch before purchasing.Apple+1

6. Screen is "twice as scratch-resistant"... but reviews point out it's "easy to scratch"

Apple explains that the Ion-X glass of Series 11 is "twice as scratch-resistant as Series 10."Apple+1

However, Computer Bild's actual measurements show that it did not meet expectations, with the magazine's scratch test indicating that it was scratched at the **"6/9 stage,"** and concluding that even with Ion-X glass (ceramic coating), no "special hardness" was confirmed.COMPUTER BILD

This directly impacts purchasing decisions.

• Those who use protective cases or films: Not too serious

• Those who use it bare: Consider the risk without taking the series' claims at face value

7. Battery life is "up to 24 hours," but the "fundamental issue" remains

Apple's official explanation states up to 24 hours with regular use and up to 38 hours in low power mode, with short charging allowing for sleep tracking.Apple+1

Computer Bild's test also found thatthe claimed 24 hours was achieved with some battery remaining, but the conclusion is simple:"Still, one day is the limit." The test summary clearly highlights the unchanged issue of operating time being limited to "one day" as a negative point.COMPUTER BILD

This "one-day issue" implies more than just battery life.

• Wearing it all day at work → Want to track sleep at night → When to charge?

• Want to record workouts → Can't afford it to die midway → Need a charging plan

While Series 11 is indeed making progress, those accustomed to "multi-day" devices like Garmin may find this a sticking point.

8. Unchanged dissatisfaction: iPhone dependency and "No WhatsApp"

Computer Bild concludes that it "remains the best companion for the iPhone."COMPUTER BILD
This essentially means it is a product optimized foriPhone users. For those who primarily use Android, it's hard to even consider it an option (this is an "unchanging premise" every year).

Additionally, the magazine clearly writes about the dissatisfaction with the lack ofan official WhatsApp app on the Apple Watch. It also points out the weakness of "no standalone app" for messenger systems.COMPUTER BILD
Even in Japan, the number of WhatsApp users is increasing, but it can be a painful point for those who frequently communicate with people overseas.

9. Price: European and Japanese benchmarks and the reality of choosing

Computer Bild lists the European price asstarting from 449 euros for the 42mm GPS, with cellular models priced higher and titanium models significantly more expensive.COMPUTER BILD

As a guideline for Japanese prices, domestic reports indicatethe GPS model starts at 64,800 yen, and the cellular model starts at 80,800 yen##