Smartwatch upgrades in 2025 include new Apple, Samsung and Google features
As with the new year’s automobiles, the latest smartwatch models sometimes sport major new features and capabilities. And sometimes, the cupholders are a little bigger.
And now that all three major new smartwatches are available — the Google Pixel Watch 4 just hit store shelves October 9 — it’s clear that this fall is emerging as more of a cupholder crop.
Don’t despair, gadget freaks: there are enough design improvements and new features in the Apple Watch Series 11, Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Pixel Watch 4 to entice you to at least kick the tires. As well, the year-to-year stability should help assure first-time shoppers that their new purchases won’t depreciate the second they drive off the proverbial lot.
Better battery life
All three smartwatches boast better battery life, which is something I’ve never been able to say before. That’s because Apple has held battery life at 18 hours since the very first Apple Watch. Now, with Series 11, Apple says to expect a full 24 hours between charges.
Samsung and Google improved their battery life as well and are still better. But at least now, all three are across that critical 24-hour threshold. So you can charge any watch in the morning and still have juice to spare when you wake up the next morning.
I’ve been testing the new watches for weeks – months, in the case of the Galaxy Watch 8 – and they’re all fine smartwatches. They do many of the same things: they keep an eye on your health, identify an eclectic set of emergencies and signal for help, deliver smartphone alerts and offer fill-in communication options to allow you to leave your phone behind.
But there are also enough differences in both style and substance that it’s worth taking a closer look.
Remember, if you’re not shopping for both a new phone and a new smartwatch, chances are you won’t consider all three of these popular models. Apple Watches only work with iPhones. And even though the other two work with all Android phones, you’ll notice extra touches – like a snooze button on your watch to silence early-morning smartphone alarms – when Google’s paired with Google and Samsung with Samsung.
There are workarounds to coax some same-brand features to work with other Android phones. But many are cumbersome. And life is short.
With that, the new smartwatches:
The series 11 Apple watch sits on display at the Apple Store in New York City, U.S., September 19, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
Apple Watch Series 11
iOS, starting at $399 for 42mm
Arguably the most consequential new feature is a hypertension indicator alert. Roughly half of US adults have hypertension – and many don’t know.
The hypertension indicator works in much the same way as sleep apnea and irregular heart rhythm alerts: it tells you that you should probably talk to your doctor.
Apple also added a 5G modem to cellular versions (starting at $499) – a first – as well as a sleep score to gauge your time in bed. Apple has lagged the industry in advanced sleep metrics, which was to be expected for a line of watches that needed to be placed on the charger come bedtime.
Apple didn’t start tracking sleep stages until three years ago, long after others added the feature. (Sleep stage tracking logs REM and deep sleep, critical stages for mental and physical recovery, as well as light sleep and awake time.)
To compare sleep tracking technology, I typically wear two smartwatches – one on each wrist – along with an Oura Ring Gen 4 for consistency. Yes, I look a little silly with two watches.
In practice, I’ve found Apple’s new sleep score tracks reasonably well with the group. That said, Series 11 seems a little less likely to recognize a particularly poor night’s sleep.
Apple also introduced a new entry-level device, the Apple Watch SE 3 (starting at $249) and the high-end adventure-oriented Apple Watch Ultra 3 (starting at $799).
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Starting at $380 for 40mm with LTE
Samsung undertook a big redesign last year with the Watch7. The electronics maker dramatically improved biometric accuracy and added new sensors to help track new biometrics. This year, improvements were much more modest.
The Galaxy Watch8 and the Watch8 Classic are skinnier than the 7-series devices – and they also offer better battery life.
Samsung also took advantage of the year-old sensor complex to add vascular load monitoring for heart health and antioxidant index, a broader new nutrition health monitor.
A person presents Google Pixel Watch 4 during the 'Made by Google' event in Brooklyn, New York, U.S., August 20, 2025. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
Google Pixel Watch 4
Starting at $349 for 41mm with LTE
Google doubled down on its unique, dome-shaped glass by adding curve to the display underneath. The update makes the viewing area seem markedly larger than the PW3’s screen. It also makes the display more viewable from the side.
It’s attractive, as is Google’s new user interface. The UI helps the Pixel Watch line close the gap between the more established players.
But the price may be what first draws attention. In addition to cellular, the PW4 includes emergency satellite communications. Google was the first to announce the capability, followed a month later by Apple. But the only device Apple offers with the last-ditch SOS channel is the pricey Ultra 3.
Finally, a quick shout out for Google’s new Pixel Watch Quick Charge Dock. The magnetic, upright charger is a refreshing, easy-to-use alternative to the nickel-sized pucks that’s shipped with every other smartwatch ever. And it delivers a full charge in just 30 minutes.
The Quick Charge Dock is hardly a purchasing consideration, mind you. But it does catch your eye at a point where you don’t expect. Sort of like spotting a really big cupholder in a new car.
USA TODAY columnist Mike Feibus is president and principal analyst of FeibusTech, a Scottsdale, Arizona, market research and consulting firm. Reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @MikeFeibus.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
