The latest generation of smartwatches is taking connectivity to new heights by incorporating satellite communications. The highly anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3 is poised to become the second mainstream smartwatch to offer this remarkable feature, following the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. This revolutionary connectivity option is just one of several exciting upgrades coming to the device.
In addition to satellite communication capabilities, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts the advanced S10 chip, a larger display, and a more powerful battery that lasts up to 42 hours. It also offers support for 5G connectivity, along with health features like hypertension monitoring and sleep scoring, which will also be available on the upcoming Series 11 and other older Apple Watch models. As I continue to evaluate the Series 11, I’m eager to share my experiences with the Ultra 3, particularly regarding its satellite communication functionality and how it compares to the Pixel Watch 4.
Using satellite communications on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is straightforward. Users can access this feature through the Control Center or by adding a complication to any watch face. Once activated, options to send messages, share your location, or contact emergency services become available. It’s important to note that sending messages and sharing your location require a paid cellular service plan for your smartwatch.
The device intelligently prompts users to connect to a satellite when offline, although I haven’t personally encountered such a scenario yet. The process for establishing a satellite connection is quite similar to that of the iPhone 14 and later models. For those unfamiliar with this feature, I’ll delve deeper into the steps involved shortly.
Another way to initiate satellite communication is through the phone dialer. Apple envisions that dialing your local emergency hotline, such as 911 in the US, would be the first step in an emergency situation. To avoid unnecessary strain on emergency services, I refrained from testing this feature myself; however, Apple representatives provided a demonstration. During this demo, a call was made to 911 that was routed to Apple’s own call centers.
The emergency SOS process via satellite differs from standard messaging or location services because users are likely to contact emergency services first. If that fails, the satellite communication interface will activate. Once you select the Emergency SOS option on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, guidelines will prompt you to be outside with a clear view of the sky, as satellite transmission times are longer than cellular networks.
Users will see a series of multiple-choice questions designed to inform rescue services about their condition and surroundings. Thanks to the Ultra 3’s larger screen, the interface is user-friendly, and options are easy to read from a distance. In our demo, we indicated that we were “lost or trapped,” alone, unharmed, and near steep terrain. The Apple representative also chose to notify emergency contacts set up on the watch.
Once the necessary information was submitted, the watch displayed a screen similar to the one found on iPhones, guiding the user to get a clear view of the sky. After establishing a satellite link, we experienced a brief wait of about a minute and a half for the message to go through. While this felt lengthy, Apple clarified that during the connection process, you only need to lift your wrist to establish a connection, not while the message is being sent.
Apart from emergency situations, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 allows users to send messages and share their location when out of cellular coverage. This functionality mirrors that of the iPhone and can be accessed through the Find My app. Users can share their location with previously added contacts at intervals of up to 15 minutes. The Messages app enables communication with recent contacts, adding convenience for users.
For optimal access, I found it beneficial to add the Satellite feature as a complication on my watch face. By tapping this button, users can access options to try a demo, send messages, share their location, or contact emergency services. The demo feature is particularly useful for familiarizing oneself with the satellite connection process, ensuring users are prepared for high-pressure situations.
While I spent most of my time with the Ultra 3 in areas with good cellular coverage, I plan to venture upstate soon to test the satellite messaging capabilities in more remote areas. Understanding why features like Messages and Find My via Satellite exist is essential; these tools provide peace of mind for loved ones while adventurers explore off-the-grid locations.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s satellite capabilities are somewhat comparable to Google’s Pixel Watch 4, which also offers a similar emergency SOS feature at no extra charge for two years. However, only the LTE models of the Pixel Watch support this feature, and it is currently limited to the contiguous United States. Google’s implementation utilizes Skylo’s Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) and incorporates haptic and audio cues similar to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
One notable difference is that the Pixel Watch 4 offers a check replies button to help users re-establish connections for updates from emergency services. Conversely, the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s Find My and emergency satellite features will be available in 18 countries at launch, including the US, UK, Japan, and Australia. However, the Messages via satellite feature is limited to Mexico, Canada, and the US for now.
As I continue to explore the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it’s important to note the significant enhancements over its predecessor. The device features a larger display made possible by slimmer bezels, and it utilizes an LTPO 3 panel for a faster refresh rate in Always On mode. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to interact with its 49mm screen.
While I typically wear snug long-sleeved shirts, which can make larger watches cumbersome, I appreciate the Ultra 3’s functionality. I also found it amusing that the Night mode activates when the watch is tucked under my sleeve, turning the dials and complications red. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes 5G support, hypertension notifications, and Sleep Score features, along with the latest watchOS 26 updates.
I will need a few more days with the Ultra 3 to fully assess its 42-hour battery estimate and determine if the new features provide substantial value. In the meantime, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is currently available for pre-order and is set to hit stores on September 19.
