With Apple’s subsequent massive launch occasion simply days away and WatchOS 26 almost finalized in its developer and public betas, we’re beginning to get a clearer image of what could possibly be in retailer for Apple Watches this fall. If you are holding out for the following Apple Watch (probably the Series 11, with new Ultra 3 and SE variations within the combine) the massive query is not simply how Apple will construct on final 12 months’s Series 10, however what it could actually add to remain forward as rivals just like the Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 8 are pushing more durable than ever.Some of those add requests are grounded in rumors, whereas others are mere wishful considering. Here’s all the things I hope Apple brings to its subsequent smartwatch.1. Smarter SiriAfter utilizing Gemini AI on the Galaxy Watch 8, it is painfully clear simply how far Siri is lagging. Gemini is not simply extra conversational; it is really helpful on the wrist. It handles complicated prompts in a single go, summarizes aloud and spares you from dead-end outcomes or clunky app handoffs. On a smartwatch, the place time and display screen house are restricted, that makes an enormous distinction.If Apple desires to compete, it must deliver extra “intelligence” to the Apple Watch. Right now, the few AI options which are out there on the watch within the beta of WatchOS 26 (stay translations in textual content messages and Workout Buddy) require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone to do the heavy lifting. Siri wants a critical improve throughout the board, together with extra standalone processing energy on the watch. Apple’s Siri wants and overhaul throughout the board to maintain up with the competitors. CNET2. More highly effective processorThis brings us to the chip that runs all the things. The Ultra 2 and Series 10 already made strides by enabling on-device Siri for duties like beginning or stopping exercises without having a cellphone close by. For the smarter Siri Apple envisions, the Series 11 will want extra on-watch processing. The rumored S11 chip must deliver actual features in velocity and effectivity to help options like Workout Buddy immediately on the watch, with out leaning on the iPhone.3. Two-day battery lifeFor me, battery life is without doubt one of the greatest deterrents to utilizing the Apple Watch to its full potential. I get about 26 hours on the smaller Series 10 — barely sufficient to make it by means of a full day and night time — which suggests continually selecting between sleep monitoring and beginning my day with a full cost.Most days, as a result of I’m dashing out the door, I choose a full day over sleep monitoring. That creates gaps in my Vitals app, throwing off the outlier alerts that might assist flag onset sickness, or the retroactive ovulation predictions that require in a single day temperature monitoring. And once I do handle a fast top-up, I usually run out of juice noon (often earlier than my exercise) so I do not get the satisfaction of closing my rings. The Ultra line has already proven what’s doable, pushing as much as two days of battery life at full throttle (or 72 hours in low energy mode). And whereas this can be far-fetched, I want the common Series would catch up. Apple hasn’t talked about any effectivity features in WatchOS 26, and thus far, battery life rumors for the Series 11 are scarce. But if Apple can get us to a dependable 48 hours (even in low energy mode), it might remove a serious ache level for anybody critical about sleep monitoring. The Series 10 costs quicker than earlier Apple Watches however battery life nonetheless stays a problem. Celso Bulgatti/CNET4. A shock well being/health metricBlood strain monitoring may be essentially the most requested well being characteristic I see (based mostly on my very unscientific remark part information). Apple is reportedly testing it, however it might nonetheless be a 12 months or extra away. Noninvasive glucose monitoring is one other wishlist merchandise however that is even additional out.Still, there’s room for a novel characteristic that hasn’t leaked but. Samsung’s Antioxidant Index was a pleasing shock: a first-of-its-kind pores and skin evaluation that detects carotenoids. The characteristic hasn’t acquired FDA approval so it is largely categorized as a “wellness” instrument and it is questionable whether or not it’s going to show useful long-term. But it units the watch aside — and actually, it was simply enjoyable to be stunned for as soon as. It’s additionally been a neat little add-on that is helped me keep extra aware of what I eat and the way I handle stress by giving me one thing measurable to work on. Apple is rumored to be engaged on a blood strain characteristic for future Apple Watch fashions past 2025. CNET5. Clearer indicators whenever you’re getting sickThe Apple Watch Vitals app already alerts you when a number of metrics are off but it surely would not join the dots for you. I’d like to see a characteristic just like the Oura Ring’s Symptom Radar, which interprets these shifts and gently nudges you to take it simple, letting you pause your exercise targets till your numbers are again to regular. Apple does allow you to pause exercise rings manually however whenever you’re dazed and sniffling, you are in all probability not interested by toggling settings. It ought to try this heavy lifting for you.6. Circular design or rotatingThis is veering deep into the realm of deranged wishful considering but when Apple ever launched a round model of the Apple Watch — or higher but, added a rotating bezel like Samsung’s Classic collection — I might be first in line. The rectangular design is iconic, however round watches will all the time maintain a particular aesthetic place in my coronary heart. And the beze l… that tactile cherry on high of a really elegant, albeit far-fetched, sundae. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic shines with its round show and rotating bezel. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET7. UV publicity alertsAs somebody who loves being open air, I by no means even thought-about I’d have points getting sufficient Vitamin D in my day till I wore the Ultrahuman sensible ring and realized my marathon workplace classes have been taking their toll. And I think about this rings true for lots of us. The ring would alert me once I hadn’t met my every day UV minimal — a surprisingly useful nudge that made me rethink how a lot time I spend indoors.The Apple Watch does have a UV Index complication possibility on a few of its watchfaces but it surely’s passive and straightforward to disregard. I’d love proactive alerts that monitor your cumulative publicity and warn you whenever you’ve had an excessive amount of — or not sufficient.8. Dual frequency GPS, normalThe Ultra already consists of precision dual-frequency GPS, however the common Series 10 nonetheless would not. Apple ought to make this normal throughout the board, similar to Samsung did with its Galaxy Watch 8 lineup. It’s a characteristic you do not notice you are lacking till you expertise it, because it considerably improves location accuracy, particularly in dense city areas.9. More app functionalityNow we’re crossing into software program wishlist territory however I’d like to see full-fledged apps like WhatsApp on the watch with full name and message capabilities. The Notes app is lastly arriving in WatchOS 26 (higher late than by no means) and it is a good reminder that there is nonetheless lots of untapped potential in bringing extra on a regular basis cellphone instruments to the wrist. You can customise gestures on the Apple Watch to dismiss notifications. Nelson Aguilar/CNET10. More gesture customization Apple launched the double-tap gesture in 2023 and WatchOS 26 provides a flick gesture for fast controls. But gestures nonetheless really feel underused (no less than by this reviewer), primarily as a result of you’ll be able to’t customise them a lot past the restricted record that Apple supplies.The default actions like silencing alarms or calls are fantastic however I’d like to assign gestures to issues like pinging my cellphone or launching particular apps. Also, a small on-screen reminder flagging gesture shortcuts might go a great distance in retraining that muscle reminiscence.Bottom line Apple would not must reinvent the wheel with the Series 11 (though a rotating bezel could be good) however with Gemini AI pushing Android ahead, it does must make some strikes. Smarter Siri, extra contextual well being insights and a battery that may really sustain … that is the Apple Watch I’m ready for.
