Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3

While the new iPhone 17 and the ultra-slim iPhone Air captured much of the attention during Apple's recent hardware event, the updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods lineups introduce features that significantly impact daily health and connectivity. These updates represent a shift toward specialized sensors and more efficient wireless standards that benefit every part of the Apple ecosystem. For a look at the latest iPhones, you can read our summary of the iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air. Whether you are looking for a more affordable entry point into wearable tech or the most advanced noise cancellation available, the new hardware provides several distinct paths for an upgrade.

Stanton Mac Support is an Apple-focused tech support company based in Somerville, specializing in tutoring, troubleshooting, and problem-solving for Mac and Apple users across Greater Boston. If you have recently purchased new accessories and need help syncing them with your existing devices, our team can provide hands-on assistance through our on-site support services.

A Fully Refreshed Apple Watch Lineup

For the first time in several years, Apple refreshed all three tiers of its watch hardware simultaneously. The Apple Watch Series 11 now features 5G connectivity and a more durable glass composition, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has pushed battery life to 42 hours on a single charge.

Perhaps the most impactful update for the average user is found in the Apple Watch SE 3. Starting at 249 dollars, this entry-level model now includes an always-on display and the same S10 chipset found in the more expensive models. It also gains a wrist temperature sensor, which was previously reserved for higher-end versions. These hardware improvements are matched by new health features like hypertension notifications that analyze your heartbeat.

Advanced Audio and Health with AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 represent a major step forward for Apple’s audio engineering. The new earbuds feature what Apple describes as the best active noise cancellation in the world, claiming it is twice as effective as the previous generation. Beyond sound quality, the AirPods Pro 3 now include a built-in heart rate sensor. This allows the earbuds to track calories burned and heart rate data directly through the ear, which can be more accurate for certain types of high-intensity movement compared to wrist-based tracking.

One downside of the latest announcement - Apple is no longer including a USB-C charging cable in the box with the AirPods Pro 3. While this aligns with the company's environmental goals, it means users will need to rely on their existing cables or wireless chargers. If you are upgrading from an older Lightning-based iPhone, you may find yourself needing a new set of cables to accommodate the industry-wide shift to USB-C.

Smart Features and Improved Usability

The AirPods Pro 3 introduce a live translation feature that can translate conversations in real-time using on-device processing. This makes the earbuds as much a communication tool as they are a listening device. Similarly, the Apple Watch lineup now features an improved sleep score and smarter notifications that prioritize information based on your daily routine.

The combination of new sensors and faster processors can sometimes lead to setup challenges or confusion over which features are compatible with your specific devices. If you find that your new AirPods are not pairing correctly or you need help configuring the new health notifications on your watch, our experts can help. We offer specialized support to resolve hardware pairing issues and connectivity hurdles. To learn more about how we can help you stay productive and healthy with your new gear, get in touch to schedule a consultation.