Apple Watch Ultra 3 Announced With Largest Ever Display, 5G, Satellite Connectivity, and More

[msackey]

I know some are disappointed, but I’m liking this update/upgrade. I particularly like that it has even better battery life. It’s nice that they include a version of blood pressure monitoring. I don’t care for the 5G connectivity nor the satellite connection. What will a 5G connectivity actually do, practically, for the Watch? Not sure what the cost is yet…doesn’t seem like it has been announced?

I’m on the Ultra 1 and I don’t plan to upgrade. When my Ultra 1 needs a new battery, I’ll probably have the battery replaced. When that battery needs replacement is when I’ll consider an upgrade. At that point, I expect the Ultra will be around Ultra 6 or so.

 

[switz]

The original blood oxygen system works on my Ultra 2. It does not need an iPhone to work or display.

I think the cludge of Ultra 3 plus an iPhone for display is a deal breaker even though satellite access is tempting.

 

[MallardDuck]

and the worst color selection for alpine loop bands ever.

 

[svish]

Overall some useful improvements. Good to see the improved screen with better brightness. Not sure how many will be updating from Ultra 2.

 

[Mayco]

I'm curious if the hypertension detection is only available on the new watches or not. The way they announced it sounds like it's ML processing the data from the sensors, not a new sensor.

Available from Ultra 2/Series 9 and up:

Hypertension notifications are currently under FDA review and expected to be cleared this month, with availability on Apple Watch Series 9 and later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later. The feature is not intended for use by people under 22 years old, those who have been previously diagnosed with hypertension, or during pregnancy.

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/introducing-apple-watch-ultra-3/ (footnote 8)

 

[TechnoMonk]

I can finally upgrade from my S6 in next few months. Battery life alone is worth upgrading for me. Other health features are a nice bonus.

 

[TravelsInBlue]

People use their Ultra for active stuff??

Gross, I don’t want to get mine all sweaty, I use a Series 10 for my workouts.

 

[darthbane2k]

https://www.apple.com/uk/watch/compare/?modelList=watch-series-10,watch-ultra-2,watch-ultra-3 Hypertension alerts coming to Ultra 2! Awesome no upgrade required from me!

 

[Runaway Train]

Still love my AWU 1. AWU III ok a « bit » better. Not enough for me to upgrade. Staying put.

 

[Howard2k]

Why does Apple keep re-releasing the same watch over and over and simply renaming it?



/s

 

[scottSE]

According to Apple’s comparison chart, the Ultra 2 does not get the wrist flick gesture.

So the Ultra 3 is a slightly larger display area, 5G, Satellite, and wrist flick

 

[SaxPlayer]

I have a Series 4 (yes, a Series 4) and I'm ready for an update! I keep flip flopping between the AW11 and an AWU3. I'd go Titanium for the AW11 so the price is exactly the same as an Ultra 3 (£749). So it's really down to which one I want. I'm interested in sleep tracking but hated wearing a watch in bed (and that was my much smaller Series 4). I shudder to think how annoying an Ultra will be to wear in bed. But the other stuff it has I like the sound of. Hmmmmmmm?!

 

[richard371]

Do you still have to point it at the sky and wait for a satellite to pass by?

 

[Howard2k]

Do you still have to point it at the sky and wait for a satellite to pass by?

No, a little satellite launches from the side of the watch, then relays the signal.

 

[Will Co]

Hypertension is the killer feature for me. I'll strongly consider upgrading to AWU3 if the AWU2 doesn't get this feature, and I feel fairly certain that even though it probably can do it (same chip) they will lock the feature to the new hardware. Happy days if not.

 

[Housh]

Ordered one to replace my series 5 titanium.

 

[Outdoordude01]

Hypertension is the killer feature for me. I'll strongly consider upgrading to AWU3 if the AWU2 doesn't get this feature, and I feel fairly certain that even though it probably can do it (same chip) they will lock the feature to the new hardware. Happy days if not.

UW 2 will get the hypertension feature.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Slowly getting better on the battery life ..

Maybe by AWU 5 or 6

 

[magnusc]

Very underwhelming.
Are the cases exactly the same as Ultra 2?
The keynote said Ultra 3 are 3d printed. Are Ultra 2 also 3d printed? The silver color looks almost yellow tinted on some of the pictures on apple.com

 

[richard371]

No, a little satellite launches from the side of the watch, then relays the signal.

You do realize there is satellite tech that works without pointing and following a satellite when outside? I read somewhere if you get into an accident, it will use the satellite SOS to contact emergency service, but it might be hard to try and locate a satellite if your hurt or unconscious.

 

[Will Co]

UW 2 will get the hypertension feature.

Excellent news. Thanks so much for confirming.

 

[jonh229]

Ordered UW3 to replace my S8. The only thing I’m gonna miss is the O2 directly on my watch.

 

[ebika]

People use their Ultra for active stuff??

Gross, I don’t want to get mine all sweaty, I use a Series 10 for my workouts.

Wait, say more? Why would a Series 10 work better than the Ultra to get sweaty?

 

[Godspeed8230]

Does the hypertension feature work without sleep tracking?

 

[joefrank64k]

I was waffling between buy/not buy (I have a 2023 AWU2). But the battery life and satellite won me over.

On my semi-rural property, I sometimes go out of cell coverage. And I sometimes leave my iPhone in the cart/car, but I always have my AWU2 on me.

So, I bought a natural Ti AWU3 with Ocean Band in Anchor Blue. Delivery on 09/19.