Apple Watch Ultra 3: All We Know Ahead of Launch

The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s most ambitious smartwatch, built for durability, performance, and outdoor exploration. Since its debut, it has carved out a reputation as a premium device for athletes, adventurers, and tech enthusiasts. However, the line has not seen a meaningful upgrade since 2022. The Ultra 2 in 2023 was effectively the same model with only a new black titanium finish and an additional strap option, leaving fans waiting for a true refresh. Now, two years later, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is finally on the horizon, and the leaks suggest Apple is preparing its most significant update yet. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out.

Apple’s September Event Timeline

Apple’s fall keynote is the company’s biggest annual showcase, and according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be unveiled alongside the iPhone 16 lineup. The event is expected to take place during the week of September 8, most likely on Tuesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Pre-orders are anticipated to open that same Friday, September 12, with deliveries and in-store availability starting on September 19. This schedule mirrors Apple’s traditional release pattern and sets a clear launch window for the new Ultra model.

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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Price: No Surprises, Just Stability

The Apple Watch Ultra has always commanded a premium price, reflecting its larger display, rugged design, and advanced features. The Ultra 2 launched at $799 directly through Apple, and reports indicate the Ultra 3 will continue with the same entry price. This consistency will come as welcome news to buyers, particularly since the upcoming upgrades are expected to be substantial. While third-party retailers such as Amazon or Best Buy often discount Apple hardware weeks after launch, Apple’s pricing strategy on day one is unlikely to change.

Display: Bigger and Sharper Without a Larger Case

Perhaps the most visible change to the Ultra 3 will come from its screen. Leaks suggest Apple is working to reduce the bezel size significantly, giving the watch a more edge-to-edge look. The overall dimensions of the casing are expected to remain the same, but users will gain additional screen real estate, making interactions smoother and information easier to read.

Beyond aesthetics, Apple is reportedly introducing a wide-angle OLED display. This technology enhances visibility from extreme viewing angles, allowing the screen to stay clear and bright whether viewed directly, from the side, or at an upward or downward tilt. For athletes in motion or adventurers navigating challenging environments, this refinement could make a noticeable difference in everyday usability.

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Performance: The Power of the S11 Chip

At the core of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be Apple’s new S11 chip, which is also expected to power the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11. The S11 represents a step forward in efficiency rather than raw performance. While speed gains may be modest compared to the S10, Apple is prioritizing battery optimization, ensuring that the Ultra line maintains its edge in endurance. For a device built with long treks, climbs, and training sessions in mind, efficiency improvements are arguably more important than raw horsepower.

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Connectivity: 5G Finally Arrives

Another important upgrade comes with cellular connectivity. Previous Ultra models supported up to 4G LTE, but the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to introduce 5G compatibility. While smartwatches don’t require high-speed connections for most tasks, the upgrade is about future-proofing. With carriers worldwide phasing out older 3G networks and investing heavily in modern infrastructure, 5G ensures the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will remain reliable and compatible for years to come.

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Safety and Exploration: Satellite SOS

One of the standout features rumored for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is satellite-based SOS. This would allow users to contact emergency services even when far beyond the reach of cellular towers—whether hiking in remote mountains, crossing deserts, or exploring icy terrain. Apple introduced satellite SOS with the iPhone 14 in 2022, and its integration into the Ultra 3 makes perfect sense given the watch’s outdoor-focused positioning. This capability could be a lifesaving tool for adventurers, transforming the Ultra 3 into not just a fitness device but a genuine safety companion.

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Health Monitoring: Blood Pressure Sensor

Health tracking remains a central pillar of Apple Watch development, and this year the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to introduce a blood pressure sensor. This new feature would expand the device’s role in preventive healthcare, allowing users to track fluctuations in both high and low blood pressure. For athletes, this could provide insights into how their bodies respond to intense training sessions. For individuals with medical conditions, it offers continuous monitoring and timely alerts. Together with existing features such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, and blood oxygen measurement, the addition of blood pressure tracking strengthens Apple’s reputation as a leader in wearable health technology.

Why This Upgrade Matters

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 represents more than an incremental update. Taken together, its upgrades—edge-to-edge OLED, S11 efficiency, 5G compatibility, satellite SOS, and blood pressure monitoring—transform it into a far more versatile device. For outdoor enthusiasts, it becomes a true safety lifeline. For athletes, it becomes a more precise training tool. And for everyday users, it combines a premium smartwatch experience with advanced health monitoring in a familiar package.

Apple has clearly reserved its most meaningful updates for this generation, justifying the two-year wait since the Ultra 2. In an increasingly competitive smartwatch market, these changes reinforce Apple’s strategy of positioning the Ultra as the gold standard for rugged, high-performance wearables.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Release Date and Price (Expected)

The wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is nearly over. Apple’s September event is widely expected to take place on September 9, with pre-orders starting September 12 and deliveries from September 19. Pricing will remain at $799, the same entry point as the Ultra 2. With a refined design, stronger performance, 5G support, satellite safety features, and new health sensors, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is shaping up to be Apple’s most advanced smartwatch yet—without raising the cost. For those who skipped the Ultra 2, this is the upgrade worth waiting for.

Last update on 2026-01-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API