After a 2-year wait and a lot of speculation, the tech community is buzzing about the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Expected to launch in 2025, this new iteration of the Apple flagship rugged smartwatch will have subtle yet significant upgrades for adventurers, athletes, and health-conscious users.
Release Date and Expected Price
Apple’s product cycles are very predictable. Early signs point to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 debuting in September 2025—alongside the new iPhone and refreshed Apple Watch Series models. The lack of an Ultra 3 at the 2024 “It’s Glowtime” event has only fuelled the expectation for a 2025 release.
Earlier rumors of a $1,500 price tag have been debunked and the current consensus is that the new model will cost around $799 in the US. Apple’s strategy is to incrementally add features rather than increase the price drastically, making the new model a great upgrade for those who want the latest smartwatch technology.
Design: Familiar Yet Functional
Design-wise, expectations are low. Apple doesn’t do radical redesigns every generation and the Ultra 3 will likely retain the nearly perfect design of the Ultra 2. The new model will have the same 49mm titanium case, sapphire crystal or ceramic back, and a large digital crown with a customizable Action Button.
This means current users can expect the same level of durability and water resistance—up to 100 meters—for recreational diving and extreme activities. Rumors also suggest additional color options, perhaps a titanium black variant and more strap options for more personalization.
Display and Visuals
The display has always been a strong point of the Apple Watch. The Ultra 2 already has a 1.92-inch OLED panel that can reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness. Although early rumors suggested a microLED display for the Ultra 3, it now seems Apple will stick with a refined low-energy OLED panel.
By using LTPO technology, the new display could have a faster refresh rate and better energy efficiency. This could mean smoother animations, a live secondhand on select watch faces, and a more responsive UI—all without sacrificing battery life.
Health: Monitoring What Matters
One of the most interesting features of the Ultra 3 is its expanded health monitoring. Apple has always positioned the Watch as a health and fitness companion and the new model will take this further with blood pressure detection.
This won’t give exact systolic or diastolic readings; instead, it will alert users if their blood pressure is trending towards hypertension—just like the sleep apnea detection on current models. This could be a lifesaver, prompting users to go to the doctor before problems develop.
In addition to blood pressure monitoring, the Ultra 3 will continue to support atrial fibrillation detection, one-lead ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring (with some regional limitations). These features make the watch a full-health tool that fits into your daily life.
Enhanced Connectivity: Satellite Texting and 5G RedCap
Ultra 3’s main concern is connectivity. The feature that got much attention is the satellite messaging. You will get the possibility to send text messages without using mobile or Wi-Fi networks—so people who frequently lose a cell signal and are beyond the reach of the internet will love this invention.
By tapping into a satellite network, the Ultra 3 will provide reliable communication even in remote areas. This is a big deal for outdoor enthusiasts and could reduce the need to carry additional devices like a dedicated satellite messenger.
Along with satellite messaging, the device will also support 5G connectivity through a low-power 5G RedCap modem. Unlike standard 5G, RedCap is optimized for wearables so you get faster data speeds and better navigation without a huge battery hit. This will improve real-time navigation, streaming, and voice communication and make the watch even more appealing to those who value both safety and connectivity.
Under the Hood: A New Chip and Performance Improvements
Under the bonnet, the Ultra 3 may have some subtle but effective changes. The Ultra 2 already has a beefy chip but rumors suggest a new one will be inside—the S10 or even S11 chip.
This will improve performance, energy efficiency, and responsiveness. A more efficient chip will mean smoother day-to-day use and free up internal space for more batteries or sensors. Apple’s approach of iterating on existing tech rather than inventing new is reflected here.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is critical for any wearable, especially one designed for rugged use. The Ultra 2 lasts up to 36 hours on a charge under normal use. The Ultra 3 will likely see further optimizations. Whether through a bigger battery, a more efficient chip, or software tweaks, users want more battery life. Some in the tech community are speculating about up to 72 hours of battery life but that’s still unconfirmed. Whatever the case, Apple is working to make sure the Ultra 3 beats the performance of the Ultra 2—an essential for long outdoor adventures.
Software and Ecosystem
No new Apple Watch is complete without watchOS. The Ultra 3 will run the latest version of Apple’s smartwatch operating system, watchOS 12.
Users will get fitness tracking, smarter notifications, and an interface that takes full advantage of the new hardware. And rumors suggest improvements to Siri, making the voice assistant more responsive and able to handle complex requests—a big deal for a device where voice control is often preferred over touch.
These software updates work hand in hand with the hardware updates for a seamless experience. Apple’s ecosystem is one of its greatest strengths and the Ultra 3 will only further cement that.
The Bottom Line
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may not break new ground, but its upgrades—advanced health monitoring, satellite connectivity, a new processor, and potential battery life improvements—make it a good option for users looking for a rugged smartwatch.
For Ultra 2 owners, the decision to upgrade will depend on the value you place on these incremental updates, especially in health and connectivity. For newcomers or owners of older models, the Ultra 3 is a big step forward in wearable tech.
As we get closer to the 2025 launch window, more will be revealed. Whether through official announcements or more leaks, one thing is certain: the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is going to be big and will be the perfect blend of rugged and tech for the modern adventurer.
With connectivity, refined health features, and a focus on efficiency, the Ultra 3 will be a worthy successors in Apple’s line of premium watches. Whether you’re an avid hiker, fitness enthusiast, or tech geek, this next-gen device may be exactly what you need to stay connected and safe—no matter where your adventures take you.
