Apple has unveiled its latest marvel, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, a sleek yet powerful sports smartwatch designed to cater to both adventurers and tech enthusiasts. Priced from £749 (€899/$799/A$1,399), this third-generation device promises enhanced features and improved functionality while maintaining the rugged charm of its predecessor. With a larger display, longer battery life, and new satellite messaging capabilities, the Ultra 3 is ready for action.
A Bold Design with Enhanced Display
At first glance, the Ultra 3 appears strikingly similar to the previous model, but don’t be fooled. This iteration boasts a larger screen with thinner bezels, making it the most spacious display in Apple Watch history. Available in both natural and black titanium finishes, the watch retains its robust build yet looks more polished than ever.
One of the standout features of the Ultra 3 is its brilliant display. It offers enhanced brightness and visibility from various angles, making it easier to read information at a glance. The always-on feature now displays a ticking seconds hand, reminiscent of the Series 10 and 11, enhancing its functionality. Covered with durable sapphire glass, the screen stands out as one of the best on the market.
Superior Performance and Connectivity
Under the hood, the Ultra 3 is powered by the same S10 chip found in the Series 11, ensuring smooth performance and seamless operation. Touch-free gestures add a layer of convenience; you can effortlessly tap or scroll with a simple double-tap of your fingers or flick your wrist to dismiss notifications.
Battery life has seen a welcome improvement, now lasting over three days with regular use and sleep tracking. Although it still lags behind some dedicated adventure watches, it surpasses all previous Apple Watch models, requiring charging every third night. The Ultra 3 fully charges in about two hours, meaning you won’t be waiting around for long.
Innovative Features for the Adventurous
One of the most exciting updates is the inclusion of 5G support and Apple’s satellite SOS messaging feature. The watch enables you to send emergency texts via satellite, ensuring you can stay connected even in remote areas without cellular signal. This feature can be a lifesaver for those who venture far into the wilderness. It also supports Find My location tracking, although messaging capabilities are currently limited to users in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Running on the latest watchOS 26, the Ultra 3 introduces new watch faces, including the innovative Waypoint face that incorporates a live compass. This is particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts, as it displays points of interest around you, making navigation a breeze.
Comprehensive Health and Fitness Tracking
When it comes to health and fitness tracking, the Ultra 3 excels. It retains the extensive heart health monitoring features of its predecessors, including ECG readings, blood oxygen tracking, and new hypertension alerts. The watch also boasts Apple’s latest sleep score metric, allowing you to better understand your sleep patterns.
The addition of dual-band GPS significantly enhances tracking accuracy, particularly in challenging environments like dense urban areas. Whether you’re running, cycling, swimming, or even diving up to 40 metres, the Ultra 3 offers precise metrics to help you optimise your workouts. Plus, the handy extra action button enables rapid workout initiation and precise GPS locking, making it a reliable training partner.
Why it Matters
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation within the smartwatch space. While it may not represent a giant leap from its predecessor, the incremental improvements—especially in battery life, display clarity, and emergency communication—make it a valuable companion for both casual users and serious athletes. As outdoor adventures become increasingly popular, the Ultra 3 equips users with the necessary tools to stay connected and safe, all while delivering top-notch performance. In a world where technology and outdoor pursuits meet, the Ultra 3 is poised to lead the charge.