Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple's premium smartwatch, starting at $799. Built for outdoor adventurers, it offers enhanced durability and a broader feature set compared to standard models.
Refreshed in September 2025, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a strong purchase option now, with no anticipated updates until at least September 2026. Previous patterns suggest that Apple does not always release new models annually, adding to the uncertainty of future updates.
When comparing it to the second-gen Ultra model, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts a larger, brighter display with reduced bezels, 5G capabilities, and satellite connectivity. It also surpasses the Series 11 in water resistance, ruggedness, and battery longevity.
With a case size of 49mm, the Ultra 3 is the largest Apple Watch available, which may not suit users with smaller wrists. Those seeking a more compact option might consider the Apple Watch Series 11.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 follows the Ultra 2 released in September 2023, aiming to compete with high-end fitness watches from competitors like Garmin. It is designed for sports enthusiasts and athletes requiring extended battery life, superior connectivity, and specialized performance.
Apple states the Ultra 3 is crafted for endurance and adventure, maintaining its status as the largest Apple Watch at 49mm.
Equipped with the S10 chip, the Ultra 3 doesn't improve performance from the S9 but introduces new gestures like the Wrist Flick to dismiss notifications and the Double Tap gesture for one-handed interactions.
While design remains consistent with previous models, it features an aerospace-grade titanium body, a flat sapphire crystal face, and a larger Digital Crown for ease of use, even with gloves. The customizable Action button is highlighted in international orange for visibility.
Improvements include a display with smaller bezels, enhancing the viewable area to 1,245 sq mm, and utilizing LTPO3 technology for up to 3,000 nits brightness. This display also supports an always-on second hand.
The Ultra 3 has three microphones for improved call quality, an 86-decibel siren for emergencies, and an enhanced battery life that lasts up to 42 hours on a single charge, extendable to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
It incorporates dual-frequency GPS with L1 and L5 frequencies, making it the most accurate GPS-equipped Apple Watch ever, suitable for precise distance and pace tracking.
Designed for extreme conditions, the Ultra 3 operates in temperatures ranging from –4ºF to 131ºF and meets MIL-STD-810H certification for ruggedness. It is suitable for kitesurfing and scuba diving, with certifications for WR100 and EN 13319.
The watch includes a unique Wayfinder watch face with a compass and customizable complications, supporting features like Compass Waypoints and Backtrack for navigation.
Health monitoring features include hypertension alerts, blood oxygen levels, sleep apnea detection, ECG capabilities, and sleep tracking. The Ultra 3 supports cellular connectivity and introduces 5G and satellite communications for emergency situations.
There are also motion sensors for Crash Detection, alerting emergency services if a severe car crash occurs.
Three sport-focused bands are available, including the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band, catering to various activity needs.
How to Buy
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for order directly from Apple and other retailers, having launched on September 19, 2025.
Design
The Ultra 3 retains the design elements of its predecessors but features a display with slimmer bezels for more screen real estate. The shape remains the same, but the build is rugged.
The case edges extend to the flat front crystal, with the Digital Crown and side button positioned for easy access, even when wearing gloves. The Ultra 3 measures 49mm by 44mm by 12mm and weighs 61.6 grams.
Colors and Materials
Constructed from aerospace-grade titanium, the Ultra 3 is available in Natural Titanium and Black Titanium, both with a satin finish. The black variant features a diamond-like carbon coating for added durability.
Exclusive Watch Faces
The Ultra 3 introduces the Waypoint watch face for navigation, along with a Modular Ultra face that utilizes the display's outer edge for real-time data presentation.
Durability
Built for adventure, the Ultra 3 withstands extreme temperatures and meets military standards for durability.
Water Resistance
It is designed for extreme water sports, certified for use up to 100m depth.
Battery Life
The Ultra 3 offers improved battery longevity, lasting up to 42 hours, with fast charging capabilities to reach 80% in just 45 minutes.
Connectivity
It features 5G and satellite connectivity for enhanced communication capabilities, making it suitable for off-grid adventures.
Siren
An emergency siren can be activated to signal for help, audible from significant distances.
Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3
The Ultra 3 is sold alongside the Series 11 and SE 3, with the Series 11 starting at $399 and lacking satellite connectivity. The SE 3 is a budget option starting at $249, missing some health sensors.
What's Next for the Apple Watch Ultra
Future models are expected to see minimal design changes, with significant updates anticipated in 2028, and potential features like noninvasive blood glucose monitoring and Touch ID.
Source: MacRumors News