Apple Unveils Apple Watch Ultra 3: Bigger Display, Satellite SOS, and Advanced Health Insights

Apple today pulled back the curtain on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, its most capable and advanced smartwatch yet. Designed for extreme athletes and adventurers, this latest iteration boasts a significantly larger display, enhanced satellite connectivity for off-grid safety, and groundbreaking new health monitoring features, all powered by a more efficient chip and extended battery life.

A More Immersive and Capable Experience

The most striking upgrade on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is its display, now the largest ever featured on an Apple Watch. Leveraging advanced LTPO3 technology and wide-angle OLEDs, the display offers thinner bezels, increasing the active screen area without altering the overall case size. This means more information is visible at a glance, a welcome change for users who rely on their watch for critical data during demanding activities. The display also features a 1Hz always-on refresh rate, allowing for a ticking seconds hand without significantly impacting battery life.

Speaking of battery life, the Ultra 3 promises up to 42 hours of standard usage, with an impressive 72 hours available in Low Power Mode. For those pushing their limits in the outdoors, continuous workout tracking in Low Power Mode with full GPS and heart rate readings will now yield 20 hours of battery. Fast charging has also seen an improvement, offering up to 12 hours of battery life from just 15 minutes of charging.

Staying Connected, Even Off the Grid

A major new feature for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is its built-in, two-way satellite communication capabilities. This allows users to text emergency services, message friends and family, and share their location even when they're far from cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Apple has re-engineered the device's radio and antenna to achieve this, enabling communication with satellites up to 800 miles away. The company is also offering these satellite features for free for the first two years with the purchase of an Apple Watch Ultra 3. This is a significant step forward for safety, particularly for those who venture into remote areas.

Furthermore, the Ultra 3 now includes 5G cellular capabilities for enhanced on-grid performance, promising faster downloads for music, podcasts, and apps. An advanced algorithm is also in place to boost reception in areas with weak coverage by simultaneously engaging both system antennas when needed.

Groundbreaking Health and Fitness Advancements

Design, Bands, and Environmental Commitment

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 maintains its rugged, durable design, available in natural and black titanium finishes. New band options include a Trail Loop with reflective yarn and updated colors for the popular Ocean Band and Alpine Loop. The Hermès collection also sees new additions, including new colors for the En Mer band and a specialized Scub’H Diving band.

Reflecting Apple's ongoing commitment to the environment, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is constructed with 40 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and recycled titanium in the case. The manufacturing process also utilizes innovative 3D printing, reducing raw material usage by half compared to previous generations. The device is manufactured using 100 percent renewable electricity, aligning with Apple's broader "Apple 2030" goal for carbon neutrality.

Pricing and Availability

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799 (U.S.) and is available for pre-order starting today, September 9, 2025, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 19. The watchOS 26 software update, which unlocks many of these new features, will be available for compatible Apple Watch models on September 15, 2025.