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Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apr 20, 2026 Twila Rosenbaum 7 views

Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is positioned as Apple's premium smartwatch, starting at $799. It caters to outdoor enthusiasts requiring enhanced durability and a feature set that surpasses that of the standard Apple Watch models.

Launched in September 2025, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an attractive purchase option as the next update isn't anticipated until at least September 2026. The refresh cycle for the Ultra series has not been consistent, leaving potential buyers with this model for some time.

In comparison to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts a larger, brighter display, reduced bezels, and new connectivity features including 5G and satellite connectivity. It offers superior water resistance, a rugged design, and extended battery life compared to the Apple Watch Series 11.

Measuring at 49mm, the Apple Watch Ultra is the biggest model yet, which may not suit those with smaller wrists. Users seeking a more compact option might want to consider the Apple Watch Series 11.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 continues the legacy of its predecessors by targeting sports enthusiasts and athletes who demand longer battery life, better connectivity, and performance tailored for sports activities. Apple emphasizes that the Ultra series is built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.

Equipped with the S10 chip, the Ultra 3 introduces new gesture capabilities like the Wrist Flick and Double Tap, enhancing user interaction with the device. However, the S10 chip does not significantly improve performance over the previous generation.

Maintaining the design of the prior models, the Ultra 3 features a lightweight aerospace-grade titanium body, a flat sapphire crystal face, and a unique Action button that can be customized for various functions.

While the external design remains unchanged, the display has been enhanced with slimmer bezels, increasing the viewable area to 1,245 sq mm while retaining an impressive brightness of up to 3,000 nits.

Battery Life

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers exceptional battery life, lasting up to 42 hours on a single charge, which is a notable improvement over its predecessor. With the Low Power Mode, it can extend battery life up to 72 hours, making it ideal for multi-day adventures.

Health Features

The device includes various health monitoring features such as heart rate tracking, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring. The new hypertension alerts utilize heart rate data to identify potential issues over a 30-day period.

In addition to these features, the Ultra 3 can detect signs of sleep apnea and offers comprehensive sleep tracking, providing insights into the user’s sleep patterns.

Connectivity

With built-in 5G and satellite connectivity, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 allows users to stay connected even in remote areas. This includes features like Emergency SOS via satellite and satellite text messaging, enhancing safety during outdoor activities.

Activity Features

The Apple Watch Ultra tracks various activities and integrates specific apps like the Depth app and Tides app, making it suitable for water sports and diving. The watch supports advanced navigation features, including a built-in compass and waypoint marking.

How to Buy

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for purchase through Apple and other retailers, having launched on September 19, 2025.

Design

Maintaining a rugged aesthetic, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is crafted from aerospace-grade titanium and features a flat sapphire crystal display. It is available in Natural Titanium and Black Titanium finishes.

Exclusive Watch Faces

The watch offers unique watch faces, such as the Wayfinder face which incorporates a compass and allows for multiple complications. Additionally, the Ultra 3 introduces new complications for satellite communications.

What's Next for the Apple Watch Ultra

Looking ahead, significant design changes for future Apple Watch models are not expected until at least 2028. Apple is reportedly working on advanced health monitoring features, including noninvasive blood glucose monitoring.