Unveiled today, this device introduces satellite communication, a larger and brighter display, and health tools like hypertension notifications and sleep scoring, positioning it as a versatile companion for those who demand more from their wearable technology.
Satellite Connectivity for Off-Grid Adventures
For those who venture beyond cell towers—whether skiing in remote backcountry or camping in the wilderness—the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers a game-changing feature: two-way satellite communication. This allows users to send emergency SOS messages, share their location via Find My, or text friends and family without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The system is designed for simplicity, with onscreen prompts guiding users to align the watch with satellites orbiting 800 miles above Earth. Emergency SOS via satellite can automatically activate after a detected car crash or hard fall, sending critical information to first responders when the user is unresponsive. This feature, free for two years with the watch, underscores Apple’s focus on safety in extreme environments.
The satellite functionality required a reengineered radio and antenna to handle high-frequency signals in a compact form. This innovation ensures reliable connections even in challenging conditions, a boon for adventurers who prioritize staying connected no matter where their pursuits take them.
A Display Built for Clarity and Efficiency
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts the largest screen in the device’s lineup, thanks to LTPO3 and wide-angle OLED technology. The display is 24 percent thinner at the borders, expanding the active screen area without increasing the watch’s size. This makes it easier to read notifications or navigate maps at a glance, especially at odd angles during outdoor activities. The always-on display now refreshes at 1Hz, showing a ticking seconds hand without needing to raise the wrist—a subtle but practical upgrade for timing workouts or races.
Power efficiency is another highlight. The LTPO3 display, paired with a larger battery and a 5G modem, delivers up to 42 hours of battery life for daily use and 72 hours in Low Power Mode. For continuous outdoor workouts, it supports 20 hours of tracking with full GPS and heart rate monitoring. Fast charging provides 12 hours of use from just 15 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime for active users.
Health Monitoring Takes a Leap Forward
Health features remain a cornerstone of the Apple Watch, and the Ultra 3 introduces two significant additions: hypertension notifications and sleep scoring. The hypertension feature uses the watch’s optical heart sensor to passively analyze blood vessel responses over 30-day periods, alerting users to potential chronic high blood pressure. This condition, affecting roughly 1.3 billion adults globally, often goes undiagnosed due to its lack of symptoms. Apple’s algorithm, validated in a study with over 2,000 participants, aims to notify over 1 million users of undiagnosed hypertension within its first year. Users receiving alerts are advised to track their blood pressure with a cuff and consult a doctor, aligning with American Heart Association guidelines.
The sleep score feature, available with watchOS 26, provides a clear metric for sleep quality based on duration, consistency, wake-ups, and sleep stages. Displayed in the Sleep app or as a watch face complication, it helps users prioritize rest by highlighting actionable improvements. This builds on existing health tools like irregular rhythm notifications, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring, making the Ultra 3 a comprehensive health companion.
Fitness Features for Every Athlete
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 doubles down on its reputation as a premier sports watch. The Workout app has been revamped with a new layout, offering customizable views, Pacer, and Race Route features for runners, cyclists, and swimmers. A standout is Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence, which delivers real-time, spoken motivation based on metrics like heart rate and pace. Available in English with Bluetooth headphones and an iPhone nearby, it adds a personal touch to training sessions.
Runners benefit from the most accurate GPS in a sports watch, alongside metrics like vertical oscillation and stride length. Cyclists can connect Bluetooth power meters for detailed data, while swimmers get automatic stroke detection and water temperature readings. Hikers gain offline maps with turn-by-turn directions, and divers can use the Oceanic+ app for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters. Golfers, too, find value in third-party apps leveraging the bright display and long battery life.
Design and Sustainability
Available in natural or black titanium, the Ultra 3 combines durability with style. New band options, like a reflective Trail Loop and a rubber Scub’H Diving band from Hermès, cater to both practicality and aesthetics. Apple’s commitment to sustainability shines through, with the watch featuring 40 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and titanium in the case. Manufactured with renewable energy and packaged in recyclable, fiber-based materials, the device aligns with Apple’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.
A Watch for All Seasons
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 seamlessly blends rugged utility with everyday functionality. Its 5G cellular support ensures faster downloads and better reception, while watchOS 26 introduces features like Live Translation in Messages and a one-handed wrist flick to dismiss notifications. Whether navigating a trail, monitoring health, or staying connected in the city, this watch is built to keep up with demanding lifestyles.
Starting at $799, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for pre-order now, with in-store availability beginning September 19. It’s a device that doesn’t just keep time—it empowers users to make the most of it, wherever they are.
