Apple fans, the wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is almost over. The next-generation smartwatch promises some exciting upgrades that might make the two-year gap worthwhile.
Set to be unveiled in September 2025, the Ultra 3 could be Apple’s most advanced and rugged wearable yet, aimed at outdoor adventurers, fitness enthusiasts, and tech lovers who want performance and durability packed into one bold device.
The Apple Watch Ultra line, first introduced in 2022, was a dramatic shift from the traditional Apple Watch design. It featured a 49mm titanium case, flat sapphire front crystal, brighter always-on Retina display, enhanced GPS accuracy, a new Action Button, dual speakers, and an extended battery life of up to 36 hours (60 in Low Power Mode). It was Apple’s first real foray into the “ultra-durable, high-performance smartwatch” market — think competitors like Garmin Fenix or Suunto.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, released in 2023, refined this formula by introducing an S9 SiP chip, Double Tap gesture, improved display brightness (up to 3,000 nits), on-device Siri processing, and a black titanium case option — a sleek new look but with only minor internal upgrades.
What to expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3
After skipping a 2024 refresh, Apple is reportedly preparing a much bigger leap with the Ultra 3. Here’s what to expect;
- 5G Support: This would be the first Apple Watch with 5G, replacing the LTE connection in Ultra 2. It could significantly boost data speeds, streaming quality, and app performance (Ideal for high-intensity outdoor activities)
- Satellite Connectivity: A game-changer for those who hike, sail, or explore remote areas. Ultra 3 may let users send and receive text messages even when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, similar to the satellite SOS feature on the iPhone 14 and 15 series.
- Wider-Angle OLED Display: Apple is rumored to improve the display’s viewing angles and brightness. It may also offer a higher refresh rate, making the always-on display even smoother.
- New S10 Chip (or Better): Expect faster performance and improved power efficiency — the S10 would be a notable upgrade from the S9 in Ultra 2, possibly unlocking new AI-driven health or fitness features.
- (Possible) Blood Pressure Monitoring: Long rumored and highly requested, this feature may or may not make it to the Ultra 3 due to reported development delays. But if it does, it would place Apple ahead of several smartwatch competitors in the health-tech space.
How Is It Different from Ultra 2?
While Ultra 2 gave us incremental changes, the Ultra 3 could deliver more connectivity independence, pushing the Apple Watch closer to becoming a true standalone device, useful even without your iPhone nearby. Satellite texting and 5G will be particularly appealing to adventurers and frequent travelers. The display improvements and new chip also suggest smoother day-to-day usage and better app responsiveness.
That said, some users are still calling for more customization options, particularly smaller sizes, as the 49mm case is too large for many wrists. Apple Watch Series models offer 41mm and 45mm options, and many feel it’s time the Ultra line did the same.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 looks like it will mark the biggest update to the Ultra line yet, moving beyond minor cosmetic changes to deliver serious upgrades in connectivity, performance, and possibly health tracking. If you skipped the Ultra 2, the Ultra 3 could be the right time to invest, especially if you value long battery life, rugged design, and cutting-edge tech in a wrist-worn device.
