Last year, the Apple Watch Series 10 was introduced and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 received new software functions. The hardware remained the same. Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Ultra 3 this fall with a number of new features and capabilities.
It is expected that the Ultra will also have the energy-efficient Always-on LTPO3 Retina display OLED wide-angle display, where the screen is easier to read when you view it from an angle. Exclusive features will also be added such as satellite communication via Messages and hypertension detection (high blood pressure).
OLED wide-angle display
The Series 10 already has a wide-angle OLED screen and it is expected that the Ultra 3 will have the same screen. The OLED wide-angle display optimizes every pixel to emit more light at wider angles. As a result, the screen is up to 40 percent brighter than Series 9 when viewed from an angle, making it easier to read at a glance.
The wide-angle OLED screen is also more power efficient, allowing a faster refresh rate when the Apple Watch is in always-on mode, from once per minute to once per second. As a result, users can now see a ticking second hand without raising their wrist on select watch faces.
Satellite communications
Since iOS 18, it has been possible to use an iPhone 14 or newer in the US and Canada send messages via a satellite connection when you are in an emergency. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may get a similar feature that allows you to send a message via the Apple Watch when you are in need. It is not clear whether you also need to have an active MultiSIM subscription, but it is expected that all Apple Watch Ultra 3 wearers will be able to use the function if they are in need.
Hypertension detection (high blood pressure)
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may get detection for hypertension, high blood pressure. You cannot measure your blood pressure in real time, but in the background the Apple Watch does monitor your blood pressure for changes.
Hypertension detection is the process of identifying elevated blood pressure, usually defined as a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or greater. The expectation is that the Apple Watch will check whether there is any deviation by means of repeated measurements over a certain period. If this is the case, the user will receive a message with a warning.
If repeated notifications occur, the user can then contact a doctor for further steps. The intention is that the Apple Watch detects early that a person suffers from high blood pressure so that he or she can consult a doctor for treatment.
Only warning when blood pressure is too high is comparable to the sleep apnea function that was added last year. Here you cannot read exactly what the values ​​are, but it does provide a good insight into your health.
Other innovations
- Super fast charging, possible from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes
- S11 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor with 4-core Neural Engine
Availability
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected in the fall of 2025. The recommended retail price may remain €899. It is expected that the Apple Watch series 10 will not be updated, but will receive new functions with the help of a software update.