- The Apple Watch Ultra 3, a premium smartwatch, significantly enhances safety and resilience with the debut of satellite connectivity for emergency communication.
- The device also brings major improvements to performance and health monitoring, featuring up to 72 hours in low-power mode, a new Sleep Score metric, and sophisticated detection systems for irregular heart rhythms and sleep apnea.
(hightechPRIME.com) – Alongside the launch of the Apple Watch Series 11 and SE 3, Apple unveiled its third-generation Ultra smartwatch, the Ultra 3—an advanced wearable that continues to merge cutting-edge technological innovation with robust design tailored for demanding environments. Engineered for users who seek both resilience and refined functionality, the Ultra 3 introduces satellite connectivity, enhanced processing power, extended battery performance, and a suite of sophisticated health monitoring features, all while maintaining seamless compatibility with the broader Apple ecosystem.
Among its most significant advancements, the Ultra 3 debuts satellite connectivity, a first for Apple Watches. This feature enables users to communicate in emergency situations even when cellular networks are unavailable. Whether manually initiating SOS signals or relying on automatic alerts triggered by fall or crash detection, the Ultra 3 ensures users remain connected in critical moments. A demo mode allows users to test satellite functionality within cellular range, while an integrated safety siren—audible up to 600 feet—adds another layer of protection, helping guide emergency responders to the user’s location.
Battery performance has seen a notable improvement. Apple claims the Ultra 3 delivers up to 42 hours of standard usage and up to 72 hours in low-power mode. Independent testing, which included GPS-enabled workouts and sleep tracking, yielded results ranging from 45 to 49 hours. The device also supports ultra-fast charging: a full charge in approximately one hour, 12 hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging, and sufficient power for overnight sleep tracking during a brief evening routine.
Health monitoring capabilities have been expanded with the introduction of Sleep Score—a metric that evaluates sleep quality on a scale from 0 to 100 based on duration, consistency, and interruptions. Additional features include passive detection of irregular heart rhythms, sleep apnea alerts, and a new hypertension notification system. These tools operate unobtrusively in the background and benefit from the Ultra 3’s improved battery and charging efficiency, which support more consistent data collection.
The Ultra 3 retains its signature 49mm titanium casing, now manufactured using 50% recycled material through advanced 3D printing techniques. Despite its substantial 61.6g weight, the watch remains comfortable for continuous wear, including during sleep. The LTPO3 OLED display delivers a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and adapts fluidly to varying lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visibility whether under dense tree cover or direct sunlight.
WatchOS 26, preloaded on the Ultra 3, introduces a refined user interface with smoother animations, translucent overlays, and several practical enhancements. These include a native Notes app, a redesigned Workout interface capable of syncing media, and intuitive wrist-flick gestures for silencing alarms or calls. The new Workout Buddy feature offers real-time feedback during physical activity, laying the groundwork for future AI-driven fitness coaching.
Positioned as Apple’s most capable smartwatch to date, the Ultra 3 is ideally suited for individuals who prioritize safety, health insights, and battery longevity, while benefiting from the convenience and integration of Apple’s broader digital ecosystem. With its rugged build and intelligent features, the Ultra 3 stands as a compelling choice for both adventure seekers and everyday users alike.
