Wired has published its updated 2026 buying guide to the Apple Watch lineup, now covering three current models with distinct strengths, alongside the recent return of the blood oxygen sensor after prior legal disputes had forced its removal. The guide aims to help buyers navigate Apple's expanding smartwatch range, which now includes advanced health monitoring, satellite messaging and hypertension alerts introduced over the past year, running on the latest watchOS 27.

– Apple Watch Series 11 (£399/$399) — best overall, with 24-hour battery life, full health tracking (blood oxygen, ECG, hypertension notifications), 5G connectivity and a 2,000-nit display, though it lacks satellite connectivity
– Apple Watch SE 3 (£249/$249) — best value, using the S10 chip to add sleep apnoea alerts and skin temperature sensing, previously missing from the SE 2
– Apple Watch Ultra 3 (£799/$799) — best for outdoor use, aimed at rugged, adventure-focused users
– The guide also includes comparison tables, honourable mentions, and advice on which older models to avoid