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, but there was 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 look like it will receive a display update.

• Larger display: The iOS 26 beta shows a possible resolution of 422 x 514 pixels, up from 410 x 502 on the Ultra 2.
• Thinner bezels: The larger display could be achieved without changing the case.
• LTPO3 OLED technology: As in 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 base. In other words, those already using the current Ultra with the S9 chip would not notice a significant change.

• More compact design: It will free up internal space to improve the battery 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 attractive feature for those traveling to remote areas where there is no coverage.

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

Blood pressure monitoring

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

It is still not confirmed whether it will arrive on 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 damage.

Cellular connectivity

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

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, maintaining a balance between performance and energy 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 point to these improvements also coming 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.