Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the most expensive Apple Watch, starting at $799. It is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable device with advanced features beyond the standard Apple Watch. With a refresh in September 2025, now is a good time to purchase, as the next update won't arrive until at least September 2026. Compared to the second-generation Ultra, the Ultra 3 boasts a larger and brighter display with slimmer bezels, 5G support, and satellite connectivity.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3
The third-generation Apple Watch Ultra succeeds the second-generation model from September 2023. It is aimed at sports enthusiasts and athletes who require longer battery life, better connectivity, and sport-specific performance. The watch is built for endurance, exploration, and adventure, maintaining its 49mm case size – the largest Apple Watch to date.
The device is equipped with an S10 chip, though it offers no performance improvement over the S9. It supports the new Wrist Flick gesture for dismissing notifications and calls, as well as Double Tap for one-handed interaction. Storage remains at 64GB.
Design and Display
The design remains unchanged from previous Ultra models, featuring an aerospace-grade titanium body, flat sapphire crystal face, a larger Digital Crown, and an orange Action button. The display has been updated with slimmer bezels, increasing the viewable area to 1,245 sq mm (up from 1,185 sq mm). It uses LTPO3 technology with up to 3,000 nits brightness and can dim to 1 nit for an always-on display with a ticking seconds hand.
Colors are Natural Titanium and Black Titanium (with a diamond-like carbon coating). The case is 3D printed from aerospace-grade titanium powder.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Apple Watch Ultra can withstand extreme temperatures from –4°F to 131°F and is certified to MIL-STD-810H. It has a flat sapphire crystal for impact protection. Water resistance is rated to 100 meters, suitable for kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and recreational scuba diving to 40 meters. It meets WR100 and EN13319 standards.
Performance and Gestures
The S10 chip includes a 64-bit dual-core processor and a four-core Neural Engine. Double Tap and Wrist Flick gestures are supported, enhancing one-handed control. The watch has 64GB of storage.
Health Features
The Ultra 3 includes a third-generation optical heart rate sensor, ECG, blood oxygen monitoring (limited in the U.S. due to patent issues), sleep apnea detection, sleep tracking, and a new Sleep Score. It offers hypertension alerts by analyzing heart rate data over 30 days. Temperature sensors enable retrospective ovulation estimates and improved period predictions. Fall detection and Crash Detection are also included.
Activity and Outdoor Features
The watch tracks workouts, steps, and calories. It has a Depth app for underwater use, a Tides app for tidal information, and a Compass app with waypoints and Backtrack. The Depth app works with the depth gauge and water temperature sensor. Apple's partnership with Huish Outdoors provides the Oceanic+ dive computer app.
Battery Life
The battery lasts up to 42 hours on a single charge, up from 36 hours in the Ultra 2. Low Power Mode extends battery life to 72 hours. Fast charging reaches 80% in 45 minutes; a 15-minute charge provides 12 hours of normal use.
Connectivity
All Ultra models have cellular connectivity. The Ultra 3 adds 5G support and satellite communications for emergency SOS, text messaging, and Find My when Wi-Fi and cellular are unavailable. It features a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding, and Bluetooth 5.3. The 86-decibel siren can be heard up to 600 feet away.
GPS and Navigation
Dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5) provides the most accurate positioning of any Apple Watch, ideal for precise distance, pace, and route tracking.
Microphone and Speakers
Three built-in microphones with adaptive beamforming improve call quality in noisy environments. Dual speakers offer louder audio for calls and Siri.
Depth Gauge and Seal Check
Apple offers a Depth and Water Seal Test to ensure the watch is ready for diving, especially after any damage.
Bands
The Ultra 3 comes with sport-focused bands: Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, Ocean Band, and a Milanese Loop. Bands designed for 44mm, 45mm, and 46mm Apple Watches are also compatible.
Apple Watch Series 11 and SE 3
The Ultra 3 is sold alongside the Series 11 (starting at $399) and SE 3 (starting at $249). The Series 11 lacks satellite connectivity and a siren, has shorter battery life, and is less rugged. The SE 3 has an older design and fewer health sensors.
What's Next
No major design changes are expected until 2028. watchOS 27 will bring new watch faces, including a Modular Ultra variant. The Ultra 4 might feature a full redesign and improved sensing functions, including more refined hypertension notifications. Noninvasive blood glucose monitoring is still years away.
Changelog
- June 2 – Added rumors about 2027 Apple Watch Ultra.
- May 20 – Updated with rumors about Apple Watch Ultra 4.
- May 12 – Added watchOS 27 info.
- April 2 – Updated Buyer's Guide information and next-gen Apple Watch rumors.
- November 17 – Added a rumor about next-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
- September 17 – Updated for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Source: MacRumors News