Apple’s rugged smartwatch line is getting a serious upgrade this year. If leaks and hints from the iOS 26 beta are anything to go by, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be Apple’s most powerful and versatile wearable yet.
Expected to launch alongside the iPhone 17 series and Apple Watch Series 11, the Ultra 3 is rumored to include several firsts for the Apple Watch lineup—including satellite connectivity, a larger and brighter display, and groundbreaking health tracking tools.
Let’s dive into everything we know so far about Apple’s most advanced smartwatch coming in Fall 2025.
📆 Apple Watch Ultra 3 Release Date
If Apple sticks to its usual schedule, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will likely be announced at the Apple September Event 2025, which usually falls in the first or second week of September.
Last year, the Ultra 2 launched in tandem with the iPhone 15 lineup, and we’re expecting a similar strategy this year with the iPhone 17 family.
🖥️ Display Upgrade: Slimmer Bezels, More Immersive View
The first big change coming to the Ultra 3 is a larger and sharper display. The iOS 26 beta leaked an Apple Watch image with a new resolution that doesn’t match any existing model—hinting at a redesigned screen.
- Expected display size: 1.98 inches
- Likely resolution: 422 x 514 pixels
- Same case size: 49mm, with thinner bezels
- Likely screen tech: LTPO OLED, up to 3000 nits brightness
This makes it Apple’s brightest and largest watch display yet, perfect for visibility in harsh outdoor environments, especially for hikers, athletes, and adventurers.
🌐 Satellite and 5G Connectivity: True Off-Grid Communication
One of the most exciting rumored features of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is satellite connectivity.
This would allow users to:
- Send emergency SOS texts when outside of cellular range
- Stay connected off-grid during outdoor treks or remote travel
- Possibly access limited satellite messaging functions like weather alerts or location sharing
In addition to satellite tech, some reports suggest the watch may also support a low-power version of 5G, known as RedCap 5G—an energy-efficient way to access faster network speeds while preserving battery life.
⚙️ New S-Series Chip: Power Meets Efficiency
Every new Apple Watch typically comes with a new generation of Apple Silicon, and the Ultra 3 is no exception.
- Expected chip: S10 or newer
- Benefits: Faster app performance, better battery efficiency, smoother watchOS 26 animations, and more AI processing power for on-device features
With Apple’s focus on AI and local processing, this new chip may enable features that work offline, helping preserve privacy and battery life while adding smarter functionality.
❤️ Health and Wellness Tracking Gets a Boost
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not just for athletes—it’s also rumored to come with enhanced health tracking features, including:
🩸 Blood Pressure Monitoring (Early Warning System)
While not offering medical-grade numbers just yet, the Ultra 3 could detect trends in blood pressure, notifying users when there’s a significant change in baseline.
😴 Advanced Sleep Tracking
Expect more granular sleep data with new AI-powered sleep pattern analysis, possibly detecting sleep disorders or irregularities with better accuracy.
🧠 Stress & Mental Health Tracking
Rumors suggest watchOS 26 will introduce features to monitor heart rate variability, breathing rate, and skin temperature—combining them into a new “mental health score”.
🔋 Battery Life & Efficiency
Battery performance is expected to match or slightly improve on the already excellent 36-hour+ battery life of the Ultra 2.
Thanks to:
- Efficient new S-series chip
- LTPO display with variable refresh rate
- Improved power management algorithms
Users could stretch up to 72 hours using Low Power Mode.
🧭 Design & Durability: Rugged Elegance
Apple is not expected to change the exterior of the Ultra 3 drastically. However, some subtle refinements are rumored:
- Titanium case continues for the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio
- Slimmer screen bezels improve overall appearance
- Updated rear design may allow for better thermal management and enhanced charging
The rugged build, IP6X dust resistance, and WR100 water resistance are all expected to return, making this the ideal smartwatch for extreme environments.
💵 Apple Watch Ultra 3 Price (Expected)
Apple is likely to keep the Ultra 3 in the same pricing tier as its predecessor:
- Expected price: $799 (USD)
- One size (49mm), one premium build (Titanium)
- Cellular version only (no GPS-only option)
While this positions it at the high end of the smartwatch market, its durability, features, and future-proof specs justify the price tag for many outdoor athletes, professionals, and Apple loyalists.
🛒 Should You Wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
If you’re considering buying an Apple Watch and you’re into:
- Outdoor adventures
- Fitness & sports tracking
- Health data and wellness features
- All-day battery life
- Off-grid or emergency communication
…then the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is worth waiting for.
With real-time satellite connectivity, upgraded health tools, and a massive new display, it’s more than just a refresh—it’s a complete evolution of Apple’s wearable strategy.
📌 Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is shaping up to be Apple’s most advanced smartwatch ever, with standout upgrades in connectivity, display, and health intelligence.
With a potential launch just weeks away, now is the time to prepare. Whether you’re upgrading from an older Apple Watch or switching from a competitor, the Ultra 3 could be the smartwatch that redefines the category.
