Apple Watch Ultra 3: In summary
- The next premium wearable in the Apple Watch range
- Likely to be announced in September with the iPhone 17 range
- Blood pressure tracking and satellite messaging could be among the new features
It’s been two years of waiting but it looks like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is about to launch. In fact, it’s set to arrive at the iPhone 17 launch event this week.
Rumours have been doing the rounds suggesting we might see some impressive upgrades when the new model arrives.
So, here’s all we know so far about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 smartwatch based on leaks, rumours and our expert analysis.
When will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 be released?
In summary
- Official reveal should be on 9 September
- Anticipate a release date just a few weeks after
- Two other Apple Watches might arrive at the same time
At the time of writing, the official release date for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has yet to be announced, although we anticipate seeing confirmation on this front when Apple’s next big event takes place on 9 September.
While the highlight of this show will no doubt be the iPhone 17 range, and there might be a chance that the long-rumoured Apple Watch SE 3 finally appears, the involvement of the Watch Ultra 3 is all but a given. Apple is also likely to unveil the Apple Watch Series 11, too.
Based on previous launch cycles for Apple Watch Ultra models, don’t be too surprised if the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on store shelves just a few weeks after Apple unveils it to the world. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 was made available to buy on September 22nd 2023, just 10-days after it was originally shown off.
Even if there is a slight delay in the release so that Apple can stagger the various watches that it’s expected to launch, don’t expect anything later than early October.
Jim Martin / Foundry
How much will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 cost?
In summary
- No rumours that point towards a price increase
- Likely to stay at the same £799/$799 price as the Watch Ultra 2
- Ongoing tariffs might affect pricing in some markets
Most tech prices get leaked but there have been no rumours regarding any potential costs of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, so we look to the models that have been released so far to give us some guidance.
Here’s how the two previous generations have been priced:
- Apple Watch Ultra – $799/£849
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 – $799/£799
As you can see, Apple seems to have settled on a price point for its Ultras, with the UK even getting a price cut to bring it into line with the US figure.
However, while there have been no rumours to suggest a price hike, given the ongoing changes to tariffs in the US, there is always a chance that prices could change in some markets as a result.
Other companies within the tech world, such as Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony have had to increase prices this year, so the jury’s out until we get official confirmation.
Jim Martin / Foundry
What new features will we see in the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
In summary
- Leaks point towards a larger display with increased resolution
- Blood pressure tracking could be made available
- The Watch Ultra 3 might adopt satellite communication, similar to Emergency SOS on iPhone
Ahead of Apple’s September event, any concept of the features that might appear on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is entirely down to leaks and rumours.
Thankfully, there have been plenty of both to give us a fairly solid idea of what the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is likely to have in store.
A larger display?
At the tail-end of last year, the prevailing rumours surrounding the Watch Ultra 3’s display was that Apple would finally be moving over to a Micro LED panel but further information has now dissuaded us of that notion as it now appears that such a feature is earmarked for a future Apple Watch Ultra.
This was echoed by a rumour which stated that Apple plans to introduce microLED displays in the Apple Watch Ultra by 2026. Additionally, Apple is expected to use microLED panels in its AR glasses, which are also slated for mass production in 2026.
This suggests that 2026 could be a pivotal year for Apple’s microLED ambitions. The impact on LG, Apple’s previous display supplier, is still uncertain, particularly regarding any potential compensation for the cancelled project.
Garmin has now launched the first smartwatch with a microLED screen.
X
What has emerged in the time since that rumour came and went is an image of an upcoming Apple Watch Ultra that has been included in a beta version of iOS 26. The image indicates the Watch Ultra 3 as having a slightly larger display which, in turn, carries a higher resolution of 422 x 514 (up from 410 x 502 on the Watch Ultra 2).
Given that the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 1.92-inch display was already pretty hefty, especially when compared to smaller versions of the standard Apple Watch, it’s hard to imagine the display getting any bigger, but any additional screen space is always a boon for outdoor runners who was to see real time data clearly on their wrist.
Sources: GSMArena | MacRumors
New processor
A pretty nailed-on upgrade for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is in the engine room. The original Apple Watch Ultra was powered by the S8 SiP, and this was changed for the S9 SiP in the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
It should follow suit then that we see the latest S10 SiP in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, although Apple might want to skip the S10 in favour of a new S11 SiP if that chipset is also aimed for use on the Apple Watch Series 11 (it’s never a good look if the more affordable watch has a better processor).
If we see the same advances between generations, then expect double the transistors onboard, a neural engine that’s twice as fast, and general improvements across the board.
Jim Martin / Foundry
A new Digital Crown
One interesting innovation that’s been reported widely regards a patent granted to Apple that outlines a potential update to the Digital Crown.
The new design appears to limit the rotation of the crown, but instead has touch-sensitive elements that would allow Apple to minimise its physical movement, reducing the potential for failure.
US Patent Office
There are also light sensors outlined in the patent, which have people speculating that it could be some kind of new ambient light control, while also allowing a shorter stem for the crown, which in turn makes space for additional hardware in the body.
Source: Justia
Blood pressure monitoring
It’s thought, and by a reliable source that is Mark Gurman, that the Ultra 3 (and possibly the SE 3) will get blood pressure monitoring. It will use a new sensor array and operate in a similar fashion to Apple’s heart health alert notifications.
It might mean you can avoid trips to the doctor, or at least take measurements with a lot less hassle than a traditional blood pressure machine. Adding the feature would help Apple rival the likes of Samsung and Huawei, which already offer blood pressure monitoring.
Satellite notifications
In a move that would mirror the way some iPhones work, the Ultra 3 could get satellite-based communications, meaning you could send text messages in areas where there is no cellular coverage.
This comes via Gurman and would make sense for the rugged appeal of the Ultra series.
Jim Martin / Foundry
Source: Bloomberg
That’s all we’ve seen so far about the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Of course, we’ll keep updating this article as more details come to light, but there’s not long to wait for the official details now.
Until then, you can check out our selection of the best smartwatches to see where the current generation of Apple Watches rank and what the new ones will be up against.
