Apple's 2025 Watch Lineup is Here: What You Need to Know (And Will Your Bands Fit?)
Apple's "Awe Dropping" September event has wrapped, and as expected, it delivered a powerful refresh to the Apple Watch family. This year, we didn't just get one new model; we got a complete top-to-bottom update with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3.
Each new device is tailored for a different user, from the mainstream health-conscious individual to the extreme off-grid adventurer. But with new models comes the question every seasoned Apple Watch owner asks: will my collection of watch bands still fit?
Let's break down the exciting new features of each watch and then answer that all-important question of band compatibility.
A Quick Look at the New Apple Watch Lineup
Apple has clearly segmented its watch strategy, creating three distinct devices with unique purposes.
Apple Watch Series 11: Your Proactive Health Guardian
The Series 11 marks a major shift toward preventative health. The headline feature is a new hypertension notification system, which passively monitors your heart rate data over time to detect signs of chronic high blood pressure. This is paired with a native Sleep Score to provide deeper insights into your rest and even sleep apnea detection. To make all-night wear more practical, Apple has boosted the battery life to a claimed 24 hours and made the display's glass twice as scratch-resistant.
Australian pricing for the Series 11 starts at $679.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Ultimate Adventure Tool
For the explorers and athletes, the Ultra 3 is a game-changer. Its biggest upgrade is two-way satellite communications, allowing you to send and receive texts with emergency services or loved ones even when you're completely off the grid. It features the largest display ever on an Apple Watch without increasing the case size, thanks to thinner bezels and new display technology. Battery life gets another significant boost to 42 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Model.Apple Watch SE 3: A Massive Leap for the Entry-Level
The most affordable Apple Watch just became the best value yet. The SE 3 finally gets an Always-On display, a feature that fundamentally improves its usability as a timepiece. It also inherits key health features like wrist temperature sensing for enhanced ovulation tracking and sleep apnea notifications. With an upgraded S10 chip and the addition of fast charging, the SE 3 delivers a flagship-level experience at an entry-level price.The Big Question: Will Your Existing Bands Fit the New Models?
Now for the news you've been waiting for. If you've built up a collection of bands, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Yes, your existing Apple Watch bands will be compatible with the new 2025 models, provided you stick within the same size category.
Apple has maintained its two-tier sizing system for bands, ensuring cross-compatibility even as the watch case dimensions have evolved over the years. Here’s how it breaks down for the new lineup:
For the Apple Watch Series 11 (New sizes: 42mm and 46mm):
- If you buy the new 42mm Series 11, your bands from older 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm models will fit perfectly.
- If you opt for the new 46mm Series 11, your bands from older 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm models are fully compatible.
For the Apple Watch Ultra 3 (49mm):
- The Apple Watch Ultra 3 continues to use the larger band size. This means bands designed for 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, and the new 46mm cases will all fit the Ultra 3.
For the Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm and 44mm):
- Since the SE 3 retains the same case sizes as the previous generation, there are no changes to compatibility. Bands for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases fit the 40mm SE, and bands for 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm cases fit the 44mm SE.
This commitment to compatibility is great news for all Apple Watch owners. It means you can upgrade to the latest technology without having to replace your favorite bands. A new watch is always exciting, and being able to pair it with your collection of styles from day one makes it even better.
