With less than two weeks remaining until Apple's highly anticipated September 9 event, excitement is building for the unveiling of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Last year, Apple introduced a new color for the Apple Watch Ultra, but there was no new model. This year, however, a significant refresh is expected, complete with a host of new features aimed at enhancing user experience.
While there are no rumors of a complete redesign for the Apple Watch Ultra, an upgraded display is on the horizon. Recent code discoveries in the iOS 26 beta suggest that the Ultra 3 will feature a 422 x 514 pixel display, a notable increase from the 410 x 502 resolution found in the Ultra 2. Although the case size is not expected to change, the larger display may result from a reduced bezel size. This would mean that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could boast the largest display of any Apple Watch to date.
Last year’s Apple Watch Series 10 adopted the advanced LTPO3 OLED technology, which is likely to be integrated into the Apple Watch Ultra 3 as well. This technology allows for a display that is up to 40 percent brighter when viewed at an angle, and it also features a minimum brightness of just 1 nit. This enhancement significantly benefits the always-on display, allowing for a second hand that updates even when the wrist is down, provided the user has compatible watch faces.
The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to be powered by the new S11 chip. However, it’s important to note that while the S11 will be smaller, it will deliver performance similar to its predecessors, the S9 and S10, due to shared underlying technology. The reduced size of the S11 chip may allow for increased internal space, which could be allocated to a larger battery and additional components, enhancing overall functionality.
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be its satellite connectivity. This groundbreaking feature will enable an Emergency SOS function, allowing users to reach out for help even when cellular or Wi-Fi connections are unavailable. This is particularly appealing for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who frequently travel to remote locations. If the satellite connectivity mirrors that of the latest iPhone models, users may even be able to send non-emergency texts via satellite.
Apple has been developing blood pressure monitoring technology, which may debut with the 2025 models. While it’s uncertain if this feature will be included in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it’s anticipated that it will not provide precise systolic and diastolic readings. Instead, the watch would track blood pressure trends and alert users to potential hypertension, enabling proactive health management. Early detection can significantly mitigate serious health risks associated with hypertension.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is set to incorporate 5G RedCap chips from MediaTek, marking the first instance of 5G connectivity in an Apple Watch. While current models are limited to LTE, the 5G RedCap technology is tailored for wearable devices, offering more efficient speeds without the full bandwidth of standard 5G. This enhancement could lead to a noticeable improvement in connectivity and data transfer speeds.
In terms of charging, the Apple Watch Series 10 introduced a metal rear casing with a larger charging coil and an integrated antenna, which may also be adopted by the Ultra 3. The updated charging coil could facilitate much quicker charging times. For instance, the Series 10 can reach 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes, which is 15 minutes faster than the Series 9. This means users can spend less time charging and more time enjoying their devices.
The official unveiling of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is scheduled for September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Following the announcement, pre-orders may begin on September 12, with a potential launch date set for September 19. Apple enthusiasts and potential buyers are eagerly anticipating these updates and the innovative features that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 promises to bring.
