Apple Watch Series 11 Sleep Score Update Shocks Older Watch Users
Apple extends Sleep Score to older watches with watchOS 26. Series 11 adds battery boost, 5G, and hypertension alerts. Check models & release date.
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Apple has expanded the Sleep Score feature, initially introduced with the new Apple Watch Series 11, to several older watch models. The update comes alongside the launch of Series 11, which emphasizes extended battery life, a slimmer design, and advanced health monitoring, including hypertension alerts.
The Apple Watch Series 11 debuted with a focus on health tracking, adding Sleep Score to provide users with detailed analysis of their nightly rest. While many expected this feature to remain exclusive to Series 11 and Ultra 3, Apple has confirmed that watches running watchOS 26, including older Series 6 models, SE (2nd generation), and all Ultra variants, will also support the upgrade. Users will need an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26 to access the feature.
Sleep Score evaluates sleep quality by reviewing total sleep duration, consistency in bedtime, number of times the user wakes, and time spent in deep, core, and REM sleep stages. After each night, the watch assigns a numerical score and breaks down areas that can be improved. The feature was developed using data from over five million nights of sleep collected through the Apple Heart and Movement Study, following guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, National Sleep Foundation, and World Sleep Society.
Series 11 introduces additional improvements beyond Sleep Score. The device offers up to 24 hours of battery life and features Ion-X glass that is twice as resistant to scratches. It also supports 5G cellular connectivity for faster data transfer. A new hypertension notification system can alert users to potential high blood pressure, a condition affecting over a billion people worldwide.
The Series 11 lineup includes aluminum and titanium finishes, fresh color choices, and updated wristbands. Pre-orders have begun, with availability scheduled for September 19, starting at $399.
By extending Sleep Score to older models, Apple allows a wider range of users to gain insights into their sleep patterns, reinforcing its positioning as a multifunctional health and fitness device, beyond a simple smartwatch.
