Apple Watch Ultra 3

All about Apple Watch Ultra 3

The 2025 Apple Watch lineup was revealed during the awe dropping Apple event. It includes the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Apple's Ultra line continues to get iterative updates

The large and rugged Ultra Apple Watch line was originally announced as a device ready to endure any extreme environment. Anything from a scorching desert to an icy tundra wouldn't be enough to defeat this wearable.

Fast forward a few years and Apple Watch Ultra has proven to be a successful line, but like other "rugged" watches, it became an aspirational purchase, or a practical one. The larger display is easier to read and navigate, the battery is days long on a single charge, and there are additional sensors and buttons built in.

The standard Apple Watch reached its design and feature limits after a few iterations, and it has been tough for Apple to squeeze anything else in. The larger case of the Ultra provided some space for more, but even that was quickly maxed out with tech.

Rumors haven't begun about the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which may not debut until 2027.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 design and features

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 didn't change much externally, but it does have a slightly larger display that didn't expand the case size. It is now the largest display in an Apple Watch, barely edging out the Apple Watch Series 10.

Connect to a satellite when cellular isn't available

Apple's headlining feature for this edition is satellite connectivity. Just like with iPhone, Apple Watch Ultra 3 can contact a satellite to send messages when no signal is available.

The cellular connection is now 5G, which is a significant step up from the previous 4G offering. Ultra models have cellular built-in automatically, but they do need an active plan.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 also benefits from the reengineered battery. Users can get up to 42 hours of regular use or 14 hours of continuous workout tracking with GPS and heart rate.

Apple did reaveal two new health features, but they are coming to other Apple Watches. Any Apple Watch with the S10 processor can alert the user if they show signs of hypertension caused by high blood pressure.

Every Apple Watch that can track the user's sleep can now provide a sleep score. It's a metric that can help a user find ways to improve their sleep and their overall health.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 price

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available in black or natural titanium for $799.

Everything below this point was written before the iPhone 17 event held in September 2025. It has been preserved to show how accurate rumors were leading into the event.

The Apple Watch Ultra range has always been a premium offering in Apple's wearables range, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 should carry on that tradition. Arriving after the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it will be the replacement top-specification timepiece in Apple's product catalog.

A new processor is certain for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, plus new premium Ultra-only features on top. It will likely be heavily influenced by features included in the Apple Watch Series 10 and the 2025 Apple Watch Series 11.

As an unreleased product, there are very few rumors spreading about what the latest model will offer. Apple won't announce it until September 9, 2025 during the "awe dropping" event.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: familiar but upgraded

Much like other products in Apple's catalog, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will probably stick close to the design and specifications of its predecessor for most elements. Some areas will see an update, but it remains to be seen how much different the third-gen model can be over the second.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to keep the same design

It's probably safe to say that, without rumors saying otherwise, the usual expectations can be a Titanium enclosure, an Action button, an orange-ringed Digital Crown, and a protruding Side button. 

High levels of brightness protected by sapphire glass, a 36-hour battery life, and support for high altitudes and deep diving are also probable inclusions to the spec list.

Satellite connectivity is rumored for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which would enable features like SOS via Satellite. Apple's work on a custom modem called the C1 may help improve efficiency enough that the feature won't quickly drain the watch battery.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: new chip, no Apple Intelligence

The addition of a new chip to power the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is anticipated, with it probably offering power efficiencies and some performance improvements. 

However, while the iPhone, iPad, and Mac lines will enjoy the benefits of Apple Intelligence, it seems unlikely that the Apple Watch Ultra 3's chip will be powerful enough to use it. While users who link their Apple Watch to their iPhone may see some use of Apple Intelligence, it's going to entirely depend on the iPhone's on-device processing, not the Apple Watch.

There's always a chance that Apple could branch off its AI into smaller, more specific models like one that could run locally on Apple Watch. However, the current features need at least 8GB of RAM, which isn't going to be placed in a wearable.

One rumor suggested that Apple may bring features like Genmoji and Notification Summaries to Apple Watch Ultra first, then the standard models later. However, current models ship with 1GB of RAM, so either more RAM is needed, or smaller models.

Apple Watch bands

There is some concern that Apple may finally abandon its classic Apple Watch band design in future models. It isn't yet clear if that would happen with an Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2025 or later.

When Apple Watch first debuted, it offered a novel concept of easily swapped bands that was quickly copied by competitors. The connector hasn't changed through a decade of watches, even the Ultra models.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: display

From April 2023, a report from an analyst claimed Apple will use a MicroLED display in an Apple Watch that will be released in late 2025. The analyst didn't say which model, but it's plausible to mean the Apple Watch Ultra. 

MicroLED offers benefits similar to the OLED, including localized dimming and contrast. However it also stands to offer higher resolutions and brighter images. 

Despite the prospect of MicroLED displays, there have also been reports in 2024 claiming suppliers have received cancellation notices, endangering the prospect of a display upgrade. 

Apple Watch Ultra 3: new health sensors

Apple is always looking for new health sensors to pack into the Apple Watch lineup. However, the limited space doesn't offer much opportunity for new technology.

Apple could include new health sensors or make the existing stack a little smaller

Rumors suggest Apple could introduce blood pressure sensing or other metrics with upgraded sensors. As is usual with Apple's health tracking, the data wouldn't be used for diagnosis, but to warn the user if they need to contact a doctor.

The moonshot goal for Apple Watch Ultra 3 or a future generation would be non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Such a sensor would be very expensive, but an incredible boon to anyone that wants to avoid the painful pricks.

Blood oxygen sensor returns

The Federal Trade Commission in the United States sided with Masimo in a patent infringement case that required Apple to deactivate the blood oxygen sensor on all newly sold devices.

Apple was able to re-enable the feature thanks to finding a way around the patent dispute via software. As of watchOS 11.6.1, released on August 14, 2025, the feature is back, but Apple didn't explain exactly how it got around the import ban or how the feature might have been impacted.

That means Apple Watch Ultra 3 will ship with the sensor activated.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date and price

After adding only a new black color to Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2024, it is likely Apple Watch Ultra 3 won't be revealed until September 2025. Apple was expected to maintain the same price structure starting at $799.

However, if the current tariffs enacted by the United States against nearly every other country in the world are still in place, there's a good chance Apple Watch Ultra 3 could go up in price significantly. There's a lot in the air and still time before September, so things may change.