Apple is preparing the third generation of its rugged smartwatch - the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 - and if rumors are to be believed, we're in for a major evolutionary leap. With a larger screen, a better chip, and new health and connectivity features, the Ultra 3 is aimed at users who seek adventure but don't want to leave their health and signal at home.
Apple Watch Ultra was something more from the start – robust, huge and above all (at least on paper) ready for anything. From diving to hiking, from the cold Everest to the hot deserts – at least that’s how Apple likes to portray it in its ads. But… is it really that ultra? Users and critics had their doubts. Now comes the third generation, a new Apple Watch Ultra 3, and we're all wondering: will this finally be a watch that truly lives up to its name?
1. What we know so far: The September Spectacle
Reliable sources such as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, MacRumors, TechRadar and AppleInsider, they announce the arrival Apple Watch Series 3 for September 2025, as part of the traditional Apple event, which will also feature iPhone 17The watch was originally supposed to be released in 2024, but Apple pushed it back – apparently because “great things take time” (or because blood pressure is harder to measure than they thought).
2. Design: If it's not broken, it should stay titanium
The Ultra 3 is expected to retain its familiar design – a robust titanium case, orange Action Button, and quite iconic, if not slightly oversized Digital Crown with an orange ring. There is talk of larger screen (up to 2.12 inches) and thinner case, which means it might finally be easier to slip under the sleeve of a jacket. There would be no color surprises – they remain natural, black titanium. Or a special brownish silver may join.
What users praise:
- Premium materials and durability
- Extremely bright display
- Long battery life (by Apple standards)
What they scold:
- Size and weight – not for every wrist
- Limited functions outside the “outdoor” world
- Lack of a major jump between Ultra 1 and Ultra 2
3. Screen: Brighter, but not smarter?
Instead of the long-awaited microLED screen (which Apple apparently buried somewhere in the lab ideas), the Ultra 3 will probably get an upgrade to LTPO3 OLED, which is supposed to be up to 40 % brighter and more energy efficient. Enough for the Sahara sun, perhaps.
4. Brain: New S10 chip, artificial intelligence with limitations
The new watch is said to be powered by a chip S10, which brings faster performance and quad-core neural engine for machine learning. But… don't expect miracles: full Apple Intelligence (AI) experiences will not be possiblebecause the watch doesn't have enough RAM (less than 8 GB). Apple, if you're reading this - more memory, please.
5. Connectivity: Satellites, 5G, and freedom without a signal
The biggest upgrade is probably satellite connectivity. Yes, like the iPhone 14, the Ultra 3 will (probably) be able to send SOS messages and text messages without signal – so you won't have to climb a tree to text your mom anymore.
In addition, we expect 5G RedCap, a “lite” version of 5G that is said to improve calls, data transfer, and navigation without burning through the battery in 3 hours.
6. Health: Blood pressure is the star of the show
One of the most anticipated features is blood pressure measurement – not classic, but trendy monitoring. The watch won't replace you with a cardiologist, but it will warnings about possible hypertension, similar to how it now warns of heart rhythm irregularities.
Footnote: Blood oxygen measurement (SpO2) may not be available in the US, due to patent disputes. This is not supposed to be a problem in the EU.
What we are still waiting for (and will be for a long time):
- Non-invasive glucose measurement (expected in 3–7 years)
- Hydration measurement (Apple, this would be great for summer!)
7. Battery and charging: No revolution, but improvements
It remains 36 hours of autonomy (72 in power saving mode), but we expect a little more efficiency due to the new chip and screen. The watch may have larger charging coil, which means faster charging. So less waiting, more movement. Or sitting down with style.
8. watchOS 12 and Apple Intelligence: Smart, but not too smart
The clock will run on watchOS 12, which will likely be unveiled at WWDC 2025. Integration is also announced Apple Intelligence, but limited by hardware. However, if you still have an iPhone 17 or later, the watch will be able to act as an extension of the smart health assistant – AI “Doctor” in iOS 19.
9. Price and Market: Premium remains premium
The price should remain at 799 $unless they intervene in the meantime US customs lawsApple keeps the Ultra as premium product, so if you want one, get your wallet ready. For that money, you get robustness, features, and (at least the moral) feeling that you can survive the apocalypse.
10. But but but… what about the straps?
Rumors about a possible end of compatibility with old straps have caused panic among long-time users. But for now, it seems that Ultra 3 still supports existing bands...At least some stability in this crazy technological world.
Conclusion: The Ultra 3 isn't a revolution, but it's a smart step forward
Apple Watch Ultra 3 is everything we expect – and more. It won’t blow you away with a new design, but it will quietly and effectively upgrade the experience you already know. With a focus on health, connectivity and the little things that make a real-life difference.
If you already own an Ultra 2? Wait for the official tests. But if you are thinking about your first “serious” smartwatch – the Ultra 3 is a good choice. Only if you have a wide enough wrist.
Summary of features
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release date | September 2025 |
| The price | 799 $, raise possible |
| Design | Titanium, 2.12″ screen, thinner body |
| Screen | LTPO3 OLED, brighter |
| Processor | S10, neural engine, no full AI |
| Connectivity | Satellite, 5G RedCap |
| Health | Blood pressure (trends), improved sensors |
| Battery | 36 hours, faster charging |
| OS | watchOS 12 with limited Apple Intelligence |
| Straps | Compatible with previous models |
Conclusion: Apple Watch Ultra 3 – a watch that no longer just wants to measure your time, but your life
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn't official yet, but its future is already clear: it wants to become more than an hour. He wants to be yours. fitness trainer, doctor, weather forecaster and motivator – all in one device, on your wrist.
With a larger battery, potential measurement hydration, blood pressure, better connectivity and a new AI-powered Health system that can alert you if you're gaining weight, losing fitness or ignoring movement - the Ultra 3 is no longer just a passive tracker. It's an active warning system for your future. And maybe for the first time you will get technology that doesn't ask you, but rather convince, to go outside, move, drink water, breathe – you live.
The question is: are people really ready for the hour that knows us better than we know ourselves?
If the Ultra 3 can do that – then it will be a watch that will not only measure time. It will measure the quality of our livesAnd when this becomes a reality, it will be time to admit: technology no longer follows us – it leads us. I hope Apple took this author's dream seriously!
