With the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple is taking its most robust and powerful smartwatch to a new level. The third generation combines satellite communication, 5G connectivity, improved display technology and new health functions for the first time. The Ultra 3 is therefore aimed not only at extreme athletes and adventurers, but also at anyone who wants a powerful everyday smartwatch that also works reliably away from the mobile network.
- New LTPO3 OLED display – the largest and brightest display in an Apple Watch
- Integrated satellite communication for SOS, messages and location
- Up to 42 hours of battery life, 72 hours in energy-saving mode
- New health features: High blood pressure notifications and detailed sleep score
New display and more endurance
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the largest display of any Apple Watch to date. This is made possible by the new LTPO3 technology with wide-angle OLEDs, which offers thinner display edges, a wider field of view and improved readability from different angles. At the same time, the energy-efficient display allows a permanent 1 Hz Always-On display, where users can even see the second hand in real time without lifting their wrist. New watch faces such as “Waypoint” make navigation easier with a live compass display and also show the satellite status if desired.
Thanks to a larger battery, efficient 5G modem and optimized display management, the Ultra 3 now achieves up to 42 hours of battery life in everyday use and up to 72 hours in energy-saving mode. Under full load – such as GPS tracking – the watch lasts up to 20 hours. With the quick-charge function, 15 minutes of charging is enough to allow 12 hours of use – a plus for outdoor use and traveling.
Security through satellite communication
Probably the most important innovation is the direct satellite connection. Users can now send text messages, share their location and make emergency calls even without a mobile network. In an emergency, the Ultra 3 automatically transmits location data and details to emergency services and emergency contacts. Find My via Satellite also allows a location update to be sent to selected contacts every 15 minutes. Communication includes not only SOS, but also encrypted messages including emojis and reactions. Apple offers this function free of charge for two years.
Technically, the antenna has been completely redeveloped so that it can reach satellites up to 1,200 kilometers above the ground. Together with a specialized global emergency network, the system should also work reliably in disaster scenarios.
New health features
The Ultra 3 significantly expands its range of health functions. In particular, the new notifications for hypertension (chronically high blood pressure) should provide great medical benefits. Using the optical heart sensor and a machine learning algorithm, the watch continuously analyzes data over 30-day periods and reports signs of high blood pressure. The function could therefore help millions of people who are unaware of the condition. The new sleep score also complements existing sleep tracking options. It evaluates sleep duration, rhythm and sleep stages and provides an easy-to-understand classification based on data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study.
As usual, all the familiar features remain integrated – from ECG app and blood oxygen measurement to cycle log, accident detection and fall sensor.
Fitness and adventure optimization with watchOS 26
watchOS 26 adds new tools for athletes: The “Workout Buddy” feature offers AI-supported training motivation in real time. There are also expanded views in the training app, sample routes, personalized workouts and the integration of streaming services for music and podcasts. Especially for runners, the Ultra 3 offers the most accurate GPS measurement among sports watches, while cyclists benefit from performance metrics such as Power Zones. Swimmers can track water and temperature values, hikers can use precise offline maps and divers can turn their watch into a dive computer with the Oceanic+ app.
Sustainability and design
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available in either natural-colored or black titanium. What is new is that the titanium case is created using an innovative 3D printing process that requires only half as much material as before. The recycled content is 40 percent, including 100 percent recycled titanium for the housing and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. In addition, the entire production process is powered by renewable energy. New strap options include a reflective Trail Loop, redesigned Ocean straps, Alpine straps and exclusive Hermès editions.
Prices and availability
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for pre-order now and will be available in stores on September 19. The starting price is 799 US dollars (899 euros) for the version in natural titanium or black titanium.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is more than just an update: with satellite communication, a record-breaking battery life, the most precise GPS data and new health functions, it is clearly becoming the most versatile Apple Watch of all time. It bridges the gap between sports watch, smartwatch and health monitor – making it one of the most exciting smartwatches on the market, not only for outdoor adventurers but also for everyday use.
