Expected to launch Apple Watch Ultra 3 Later this year, two years after the previous model was released, with a number of significant improvements. Expectations are that there will be no significant changes to the exterior design, as Apple usually prefers to keep the same design for three generations before making a radical change, but there are several internal updates expected. With the Apple Watch Ultra 3 announced in September, it will have been two years since the previous model, which should be enough time for several additions and improvements. Here are the most important new features expected.
High blood pressure detection
It is very likely that Apple will add a blood pressure monitoring feature, which will be the main feature and focal point of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, but it will not show the exact values of systolic and diastolic pressure. Instead, it will track the trend of blood pressure rising and send an alert if it detects a significant increase. This way, the user can share this information with a doctor for further examination. This feature is very important, as high blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it can cause serious health problems without showing any obvious symptoms.
This feature will come alongside existing features like atrial fibrillation detection, ECG measurement, and blood oxygen measurement, though they are currently disabled in US models due to patent issues.
Brighter screen with faster refresh rate
As a result of the Apple Watch Ultra not being updated in 2024, the Apple Watch Series 10 is ahead in terms of display technology. Apple will likely seek to deliver the same improvements in the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
The Apple Watch Series 10 features an LTPO3 OLED Retina display with an always-on display, compared to the LTPO2 technology currently used in the Apple Watch Ultra. LTPO3 technology provides a faster refresh rate in the always-on display mode, allowing the second hand to be displayed live on some faces. The Apple Watch Series 10 also has a wide viewing angle, increasing its brightness by up to 40% when viewed from certain angles. The Apple Watch Series 3 is expected to have all of these improvements and perhaps more.
New processor
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is likely to feature a new processor. The current Ultra is powered by the S9 processor, while the S10 was introduced in the Apple Watch Series 10. While the S10 isn’t as powerful as the S9, it is smaller, freeing up more internal space to use for other components like a bigger battery. If Apple adopts the S11 processor, it could be more powerful or come with new built-in features.
Satellite communication
Mark Gurman reported last year that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will get satellite connectivity, a feature exclusive to the iPhone. This feature will allow Apple Watch Ultra users to connect to a satellite network to send text messages in places where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi network.
Initially, the feature was only for sending emergency messages on iPhone, but with the release of iOS 18 it expanded to allow sending messages to anyone.
This feature will help Apple compete with companies like Garmin, which offers satellite communications devices for emergencies outside of areas covered by cell networks. The Apple Watch Ultra is aimed at lovers of hiking, diving, and adventures, and this feature adds an extra layer of security when away from cell towers.
It's worth noting that Apple currently doesn't charge for satellite service, with every iPhone getting two years of free service, and that's likely to apply to the Apple Watch Ultra as well.
5G connection
Reports from Gurman and The Information's Wayne Ma suggest that Apple intends to replace the Qualcomm modem currently in use.
Instead of relying on the C1 modem or another custom chip, Apple will switch to using modules from MediaTek, one of the few companies capable of designing 5G modems.
MediaTek's modem adds support for 5G RedCap, a service designed for wearables that don't need the traditional high speeds of 5G. Currently, the cellular models of the Apple Watch rely on 4G LTE, though Apple has offered 5G service on the iPhone since 2020.
New back design and faster charging
The Apple Watch Series 10 introduced an all-new metal back design, complete with a larger charging coil and integrated antenna. The current Apple Watch Ultra features a ceramic and sapphire crystal back instead of metal. The Apple Watch Series 3 Ultra will likely get a similar back design to the Apple Watch Series 10, which in turn will improve cellular performance and speed up charging.
For example, the metal design of the Apple Watch Series 10 allows it to charge to 80% in 30 minutes, which is 15 minutes faster than the Apple Watch Series 9, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 needs 60 minutes to reach the same percentage.
These features combine advancements in health and technology capabilities, making the Apple Watch Ultra 3 an attractive option for those looking for a smart device that enhances security and provides improved performance indoors and outdoors.
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