Apple Watch Ultra 3: the evolution of Apple’s most extreme watch

Less than a week remains before Apple’s "Awe Dropping" event on September 9, and all signs point to the Apple Watch Ultra getting an update. Last year, Apple only introduced a new color, with no new model, so an update is now more than necessary.

Several interesting new features are on the way, which we’ll review below.

Design and Display

There are no rumors of a redesign for the Apple Watch Ultra —it is still a recent model— but it does appear set to receive a display update.

• Larger display: The iOS 26 beta shows a possible resolution of 422 x 514 pixels, up from the Ultra 2’s 410 x 502.
• Thinner bezels: The larger display could be achieved without changing the case.
• LTPO3 OLED technology: As on the Apple Watch Series 10, with 40% more brightness when viewed at an angle and 1 nit of minimum brightness to improve the always-on display.

The Ultra 3 could have the largest display of any Apple Watch to date.

Processor

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to arrive with the new S11 chip, although performance would be similar to the S9 and S10, since they share the same technology foundation. In other words, those already using the current Ultra with the S9 chip may not notice a significant change.

• More compact design: It will free up internal space to improve battery life and add new components.

Satellite connectivity

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be Apple’s first watch with satellite connectivity, enabling Emergency SOS even when there is no cellular signal or Wi-Fi access available.

Since the Ultra is aimed at adventurers, this could be an especially appealing feature for those traveling to remote areas with no coverage.

If the Ultra 3’s satellite connectivity works like it does on the iPhone, users could also send text messages via satellite in non-emergency situations.

<img src="https://bdntcsemdarlzoenpnjc.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/posts/articles/awe-dropping-apple-watch-ultra-3/content/media-737139930.webp" alt="Hand holding an iPhone in a nighttime setting with the interface of "Emergencia SOS" abierta, mostrando un radar verde que guía para mantener la conexión satelital activa." data-credit="Apple" />

Blood pressure monitoring

Apple has been developing blood pressure measurement technology for some time, and all indications suggest it could be ready in Apple Watch 2025 models.

It is still not confirmed whether it will come to the Ultra 3 this year, but if it does, it would be in a more limited version than traditional blood pressure monitors.

• It will not measure exact values (systolic and diastolic), but it will allow users to share data with healthcare professionals.
• A preventive feature, useful for detecting hypertension before it causes serious harm.

Cellular connectivity

Apple plans to introduce 5G connectivity for the first time, thanks to MediaTek’s new 5G RedCap chips. Until now, Apple watches have only offered LTE support.

5G RedCap is designed specifically for wearable devices that do not need the speed or bandwidth of a standard 5G network, but it could bring improvements over LTE while maintaining a balance between performance and power efficiency.

Charging

The Apple Watch Series 10 uses a metal back case with a larger charging coil and an integrated antenna, replacing the previous ceramic design. All signs suggest these improvements will also come to the Ultra 3.

The updated charging coil could allow the Ultra 3 to charge much faster than before. For example, the Series 10 reaches 80% battery in just 30 minutes, about 15 minutes faster than the Series 9.

Release Date

• Announcement: September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
• Pre-orders: expected to open on Friday, September 12.
• In-store availability and shipments: starting Friday, September 19.