Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple's top-tier smartwatch, priced at $799. It targets outdoor enthusiasts who need durability and advanced features beyond the standard Apple Watch. With a September 2025 launch, now is a good time to buy, as no major update is expected until at least September 2026. The Ultra line does not follow a strict yearly refresh cycle, so the Ultra 3 will remain current for the foreseeable future.
Compared to the second-generation model, the Ultra 3 offers a larger and brighter display, slimmer bezels, 5G support, and satellite connectivity. Against the Series 11, it boasts superior water resistance, a more rugged titanium case, and significantly longer battery life. However, the 49mm case may be too large for some wrists; those who prefer a smaller size should consider the Series 11.
Design and Build
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 retains the same rugged design as its predecessor, featuring an aerospace-grade titanium case available in Natural Titanium or Black Titanium. The black finish uses a diamond-like carbon coating for enhanced scratch resistance. The case is 49mm, making it the largest Apple Watch, with a flat sapphire crystal display and a raised Digital Crown with deep grooves for glove use. The side button and an orange Action button on the left add functionality for quick access to workouts, waypoints, and more.
Durability is a key selling point: the Ultra 3 is certified to MIL-STD-810H and operates in temperatures from -4°F to 131°F. It is water-resistant to 100 meters and EN13319 certified for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters. The display is protected by a flat sapphire crystal, and the case is designed to resist impact and corrosion.
Always-On Display
The Ultra 3 features an LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display that is 24% brighter when viewed from an angle compared to the Ultra 2. Bezels are 24% thinner, increasing the active screen area to 1,245 sq mm—the largest of any Apple Watch. The resolution is 422x512 pixels, and brightness peaks at 3,000 nits. The always-on mode now includes a ticking seconds hand, thanks to a faster refresh rate.
S10 Chip and Gestures
Powered by the S10 chip (the same as in the Series 11), the Ultra 3 offers no performance gains over the previous S9 but supports new gestures. Double Tap lets users interact with the watch by tapping index finger and thumb together, useful for stopping timers, answering calls, and more. Wrist Flick, introduced in watchOS 26, dismisses notifications or declines calls with a simple wrist movement. Storage remains 64GB.
Health Features
The Ultra 3 includes a third-generation optical heart rate sensor, an electrical heart sensor for ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring (with readings limited to the Health app in the U.S. due to patent issues). It introduces Hypertension Notifications, which analyze heart rate data over 30 days to detect possible high blood pressure. Sleep Apnea Detection uses the accelerometer to sense breathing interruptions. The watch also supports sleep tracking with a Sleep Score, fall detection, Crash Detection, and temperature sensing for cycle tracking.
Hypertension Alerts
After 30 days of heart rate data, the watch can alert users to signs of hypertension. If an alert is triggered, users can provide seven days of blood pressure readings from a cuff for more context. This feature is also available on older models with watchOS 26.
Blood Oxygen
Blood oxygen monitoring uses red, green, and infrared LEDs to measure saturation between 70% and 100%. In the U.S., results are only viewable in the Health app; internationally, they appear on the watch.
Sleep Apnea Detection and Sleep Score
The watch analyzes 30 days of sleep data for signs of sleep apnea. The Sleep Score metric (available in watchOS 26) provides a numerical quality rating based on duration, consistency, and interruptions.
Activity and Sports Features
The Ultra 3 includes a Depth app for underwater use, displaying depth, water temperature, and dive time. The Oceanic+ app (partnered with Huish Outdoors) turns the watch into a dive computer. The Tides app shows tidal information, and the Compass app supports Waypoints and Backtrack for navigation. Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) provides the most accurate positioning of any Apple Watch.
Battery Life
Battery life has improved to 42 hours on a single charge, up from 36 hours on the Ultra 2. With Low Power Mode, it lasts up to 72 hours. Fast charging reaches 80% in 45 minutes; a 15-minute charge provides 12 hours of use.
Connectivity and Satellite
All Ultra 3 models include cellular with 5G support. Satellite connectivity enables Emergency SOS, messaging, and Find My when off the grid. The watch also features a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding, Bluetooth 5.3, and an 86-decibel siren audible up to 600 feet.
Bands and Pricing
Apple offers three sport-specific bands: Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band. The Ultra 3 also fits most 44mm, 45mm, and 46mm bands. Pricing starts at $799, with variations for band and finish. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available from Apple and other retailers starting September 19, 2025.
Source: MacRumors News