2025 Apple Watch Ultra to Support 5G and Satellite Texting

[Howard2k]

Can Apple Watch emit Hotspot? Or think this next one would be able to emit 5G hotspot?

It can't act as a wifi hotspot. It seems unlikely that they would add this given the battery implications.

 

[Howard2k]

Nothing wrong with buying/wanting to buy a new iDevice every year, but (to me) it lessons the "But but but hardly anything changed?!?" whine. If you're cool with little/no siginifcant new software/hardware features and have the income to support that purchase, more power to you. Just don't come in here and say "The UW3 didn't really offer me things I wanted vs my 2024 UW2".

Anecdotally, I still have a 12PM because I haven't found anything to me worth paying for, while my wife is on the 16PM because she likes camera updates. I haven't seen anything that makes me watch to crack open the wallet for the UW3 yet, but October is still ~6 months away.

I'm using an Ultra 1. I think this would make the Ultra 3 a buy for me. As long as they keep the natural titanium.

 

[Veinticinco]

Satellite texting on a tiny watch screen? Would be more useful if you could make an emergency satellite phone call.

It's location sharing you'd imagine. Sending a pin via text. Along with maybe SOS or "need EMT" at most.

 

[Ctrlos]

Is there? In 3 years, I went from a 12 Pro to a 15 Pro Max, and aside from the size (availability more than preference), a camera upgrade and of course much improved battery health (a major reason to retire the 12) I wasn’t exactly overwhelmed.

In contrast, the upgrade from my iPhone 6 in 2014 to the iPhone X in 2017 definitely lived up to my expectations.

Obviously things are subjective. I did the same and gained a phone with USB-C, Thunderbolt video-out, SSD video support and the ability to play PS4 games. The 5x camera is how I shoot everything now.

 

[Grayburn]

Satellite texting on a tiny watch screen? Would be more useful if you could make an emergency satellite phone call.

Why would you want to do that when you can use your voice to compose the message instead.

Maybe Satelite calling will be enabled too.

 

[Ctrlos]

Says who? I'm 'supposed' to buy a new device whenever I like, and I often do upgrade some of my devices on an annual basis.


Upgrading devices every year doesn't indicate a lack of sense, it indicates the means and ability to do so--and, it creates a secondary market for used/cheaper devices for those that want/need them so I'm not sure I'd call out this crowd like that.

There’s nothing to stop you doing that but I always found doing so lead to diminished returns. As a kid I was crawling up the wall waiting for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to come out. In hindsight it isn’t really that different to number 2 but as a kid the wait time made me want it more. As an adult I buy whatever games I like and they’ve lost all lustre. Nothing is exciting because I can play everything.

There is a lot to be said for the lost art of longing for something.

 

[Howard2k]

Obviously things are subjective. I did the same and gained a phone with USB-C, Thunderbolt video-out, SSD video support and the ability to play PS4 games. The 5x camera is how I shoot everything now.

How do you play PS4 games on it?

 

[LlamaLarry]

I'm using an Ultra 1. I think this would make the Ultra 3 a buy for me. As long as they keep the natural titanium.

My 2023 UW2 is pretty sweet, and I have been on the fence about an UW3 with the self serving "I can hand down my watch to someone", same with my wife's S9. I want to want a new shiny this fall, but with prices certain to go up and feature growth slow in the AW space it's hard to turn this into a "need" for me yet.

 

[ZipZilla]

I am one of those people who hopes they bring back the Oxygen sensor functionality so I can upgrade from my AW6. I use it all the time with breathing issues

 

[co.ag.2005]

Designed for adventurers, divers, and hikers, the Ultra will gain a new safety edge with off-grid communication capabilities.

This is gonna be very handy in the office, which is the place for most Ultras.

hey now, I resemble this comment!

 

[Ctrlos]

How do you play PS4 games on it?

Either games ported directly from PS4 (Resi 2, Death Stranding) or streamed via the PS app 👍

 

[Howard2k]

Either games ported directly from PS4 (Resi 2, Death Stranding) or streamed via the PS app 👍

Makes sense, thanks!

 

[0049190]

Why would you want to do that when you can use your voice to compose the message instead.

Maybe Satelite calling will be enabled too.

Why would anyone want to text someone in an emergency? Surely a phone call would be a much better option.

 

[MallardDuck]

I'd upgrade if it has the blood oxygen sensor back.

 

[0049190]

It's location sharing you'd imagine. Sending a pin via text. Along with maybe SOS or "need EMT" at most.

I hope it works better than my iPhone which thinks I’m 200 miles away from where I really am.

 

[Adelphos33]

AWU1 was one of Apple's best recent products. If this update just has satellite texting with no new health sensors, then no reason to upgrade (though the hiking without GPS signal does seem like it is a useful thing for those that hike). I feel like mine will last for another few years.

 

[baconcat_8964]

There is something called 5G RedCap (5G NR-Light) that has reduced power consumption versus regular 5G.

So, 5G RedCap and 5G NR are totally different technologies, requires different hardware, mobile mast. But they both called 5G.

 

[huanbrother]

Instead of focusing on improving the base Apple Watch—like enhancing its connectivity or battery life—Apple seems more interested in stuffing seemingly unnecessary features into the flagship Apple Watch Ultra. Why? So that people who don’t do extreme sports will look at it and think, “Oh wow, isn’t this the best Apple Watch for me?” It’s got durability, longer battery life, premium looks, and now even 5G—everything to show off, even if you’re just using it for morning coffee runs.

 

[Howard2k]

So, 5G RedCap and 5G NR are totally different technologies, requires different hardware, mobile mast. But they both called 5G.

It depends.

As long as the providers are running full 5G, they likely don't need separate masts and h/w. Client side, for sure, different hardware design.

So best case is one service provider network but differing h/w on the client side.

 

[svish]

Good to hear about this. But satellite texting will be limited to few countries only. As for faster 5G speeds, it is good to have but not going to notice any improvement on the watch. The current LTE or 4G speeds are good enough for me on the watch.

 

[LlamaLarry]

Why would anyone want to text someone in an emergency? Surely a phone call would be a much better option.

Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

 

[Jaisah]

I don't use cellular at all. I want longer battery life. That's all I want. I have an Ultra 1 and it still does everything I need. If Apple don't extend the battery life then I will stick with my Ultra 1 for another year.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Typing on an Ultra screen is pure torture.

 

[4sallypat]

Here's what features are expected on the upcoming U3:

• Larger display
• S11 SiP
• Satellite connectivity for messaging
• High blood pressure detection
• 5G cellular
• Always-on refreshes every second due to LTPO3
• Wide-angle OLED

I am looking forward to upgrading from cellular AW9 to UW3 for the: 5G, BP and satellite features....

 

[jaymc]

Here's what features are expected on the upcoming U3:

• Larger display
• S11 SiP
• Satellite connectivity for messaging
• High blood pressure detection
• 5G cellular
• Always-on refreshes every second due to LTPO3
• Wide-angle OLED

I am looking forward to upgrading from cellular AW9 to UW3 for the: 5G, BP and satellite features....

So no O2 sensor ... will pass.