Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple's most expensive watch, starting at $799. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers greater durability and a wider feature set than the standard Apple Watch. Since it was refreshed in September 2025, now is a good time to buy — a next update is unlikely before September 2026.
Compared to the Ultra 2, the Ultra 3 has a larger, brighter display with slimmer bezels, 5G support, and satellite connectivity. Against the Series 11, it provides better water resistance, a rugged enclosure, and longer battery life. However, at 49mm, it may not fit smaller wrists. Those who don't need the extreme features should consider the Series 11.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3
The third-generation Apple Watch Ultra follows the 2023 model. It competes with high-end fitness watches from Garmin, targeting sports enthusiasts and athletes who need more battery, connectivity, and sport-specific performance. Built for endurance, exploration, and adventure, it remains Apple's largest watch at 49mm.
The Ultra 3 is equipped with the S10 chip, which powers new gestures like Double Tap and Wrist Flick (dismisses notifications with a wrist movement). While performance matches the S9, the chip enables new features in watchOS 26. Storage remains 64GB.
Design carries over from the original: aerospace-grade titanium body, flat sapphire crystal, a larger Digital Crown, and an orange Action button. The display gains smaller bezels (1,245 sq mm) and LTPO3 technology with 3,000 nits peak brightness, a ticking seconds hand always on, and improved viewing angles.
Audio upgrades include three microphones with beamforming and an 86-decibel siren with two SOS patterns. The battery lasts up to 42 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode) and charges 0–80% in 45 minutes. Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) provides the most accurate positioning on any Apple Watch.
The watch withstands a wide temperature range (−20°C to 55°C) and is certified MIL-STD-810H. For water sports, it's WR100 and EN13319 certified, supporting recreational scuba diving to 40 meters. The Depth app displays time, temperature, and depth, while the Oceanic+ dive computer app is available.
Health features include a third-generation optical heart rate sensor, ECG, blood oxygen monitoring (limited in the US due to a patent dispute), sleep apnea detection, and temperature sensing for ovulation estimates. A new hypertension alert analyzes 30 days of heart rate data to detect possible high blood pressure. Sleep Score provides a nightly quality metric. All standard Apple Watch Series 11 features are present, including Crash Detection and Fall Detection.
Connectivity is a major upgrade: the Ultra 3 has a 5G chip and satellite communications. Emergency SOS, text messaging, and Find My work via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi are unavailable. A second-generation UWB chip enables Precision Finding for a misplaced iPhone. Bluetooth 5.3 is included.
The Action button can launch workouts, mark segments, set compass waypoints, and more. The Wayfinder and Modular Ultra watch faces are exclusive, with a night mode that turns red. The watch uses a fast-charging puck with a braided cable.
Three sport-focused bands are available: Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band. The Ultra 3 comes in Natural Titanium or Black Titanium. Prices start at $779 for some configurations, with MSRP at $799.
Apple is not expected to make major design changes until 2028. Future versions may include noninvasive blood glucose monitoring and possibly Touch ID. The Ultra 3 will be sold alongside the Series 11 ($399) and SE 3 ($249).
Source: MacRumors News