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This week marks the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, which launched on April 24, 2015. Yesterday, we recapped features rumored for the Apple Watch Series 11, but since 2015, the Apple Watch has also branched out into the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch SE, so we thought we'd take a look at what's next for those product lines, too.

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2025 Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple didn't update the Apple Watch Ultra in 2024, opting only to introduce a new color, so it's due for a refresh. There are some exclusive features that are rumored for the Apple Watch Ultra that will further distinguish it from the standard Apple Watch lineup.

5G and Satellite Connectivity

Like the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra is likely to get a new MediaTek modem that will enable 5G connectivity for the first time, but it is also rumored to be getting satellite connectivity.

Right now, satellite connectivity is limited to the iPhone 14 and later, but by adding it to the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple will be able to better compete with companies like Garmin that offer dedicated satellite hardware for off-grid emergency use. The Apple Watch Ultra is aimed at hikers, scuba divers, and others who often partake in activities in remote areas, so a backup connection would definitely increase its appeal with the device's target audience.

With satellite integration, the Apple Watch Ultra would be able to connect to available Globalstar satellites to send texts and location information when cellular networks and Wi-Fi aren't available. It could either be limited to emergency situations, or available for texting like satellite connectivity on the iPhone.

Satellite connectivity is expected to be a feature exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra, and it's not something we expect to see added to the Apple Watch Series 11.

Design and Display

With the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple introduced an LTPO3 OLED display that's bigger and brighter than the Apple Watch Ultra display, with faster refresh rates that enable a live ticking seconds hand on some watch faces.

This year, Apple could bring those same display improvements to the Apple Watch Ultra, so it's possible the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature the same wide-angle OLED that's up to 40 percent brighter at certain viewing angles, and the faster refresh rate for the seconds hand.

Similarly, Apple redesigned the back of the Apple Watch Series 10, and it's now made of metal instead of ceramic. It's also got a larger charging coil and integrated antenna, and we could see all of these changes come to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Health Features

Apple is working on a blood pressure monitoring feature, and there is a chance that it could launch in the 2025 Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, but it's not guaranteed because there have been some development problems that could delay it.

If we do get blood pressure monitoring, it won't provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements, instead monitoring for hypertension and providing an alert if the condition is detected over time.

After receiving a hypertension alert, an Apple Watch user could provide that information to a medical professional for additional testing, similar to how the existing atrial fibrillation features work in the Apple Watch.

watchOS 12

watchOS 12, set to launch in September, is expected to have some design changes that will be applicable to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. We could get visionOS-like design changes that will match the changes coming in iOS 19, but there's not going to be a complete overhaul.

We could see new interface elements that are inspired by visionOS, with an emphasis on translucency, glass-like finishes, rounded buttons, and subtle lighting effects.

Apple could also introduce a new set of features "powered" by Apple Intelligence. These capabilities won't run directly on the Apple Watch because it does not have enough RAM or storage space to support it, but a connected iPhone will be able to supply enough power for Apple Watch Apple Intelligence features.

There are also rumors that Apple is working on a new version of the Health app that has personalized health recommendations to help users lead a healthier lifestyle, and that functionality would likely have an Apple Watch component.

2025 Apple Watch SE

Apple doesn't update the Apple Watch SE very often, and it's actually been three years since we last got a refresh. It's overdue for an update, and 2025 is expected to be the year.

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The Apple Watch SE hasn't had an update since 2022, so a new model will have an updated chip that's faster and more capable, and there's a possibility that there could be design changes.

Design

There were rumors that Apple was working on a colorful, hard plastic casing for the next Apple Watch SE, but it may have been scrapped. Apple's design team didn't like the look of the plastic watch and the casing is not cheaper than aluminum to make, so Apple might have nixed it.

If that's the case, the next Apple Watch SE could continue to use aluminum and it will look similar to the current model, but it is probably going to get a larger display and slimmed down bezels. The current Apple Watch SE is available in 40mm and 44mm size options and it was modeled after the Apple Watch Series 6, but Apple has made two sizing updates since then. The Apple Watch SE will either get the 41mm and 45mm size options introduced with the Apple Watch Series 7, or the 42mm and 46mm size options Apple added with the Series 10. The 41mm/45mm size option is most probable because it distinguishes the Apple Watch SE from the Series 11 without making the third-generation SE look too outdated.

Display

Larger display sizes are a possibility as mentioned above, and so is always-on display technology. This is an Apple Watch staple that hasn't ever been introduced for the Apple Watch SE line, but it's now been around so long that it's probably affordable enough for Apple to add.

Faster Chip

The current Apple Watch SE has an S8 chip that's based on the A13 Bionic chip, but the Apple Watch Series 10 uses an S10 chip. The Series 11 could get an even faster chip, and Apple coul... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: What's Next for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3
It is extremely unlikely that it will get satellite connectivity. Apple Watches, by definition, can't step into iPhone territory too much.

Besides that, none of those features will make me upgrade from the Ultra 2. Nice to have, yes, but just incremental.

What I need is better battery life. Eventually, glucose monitoring, but I know that's not ready yet.
 
solar power. Nuf said. Everything else? I'm crawling the mountains here (Salzburg, Austria) since 30 years +, I still came back yet, with or without a "watch". >>>knocking on wood<<<

I love the ultra because it just works without much fuzz (music still sucks though, but that's not the watch but eff... apple music subscription policy).
 
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If the Ultra 3 doesn’t have longer battery life I’ll be very disappointed. It’s one of the very few things that I’m unhappy with my Ultra 1. The battery its fine but it could be better. I should be able to go on a multi day hike with tracking and not need to charge. It’s an ULTRA watch so make the battery ULTRA too. I couldn’t care less about 5G or a ticking seconds hand.
 
They better reposition the Ultra line because last year the Series 10 felt somehow better than the Ultra 2, at least to me.

According to Apple's comparison page, the Series 10 has :
  • Better screen overall (except for brightness)
  • Better processor
  • Faster charging
  • A lighter body
  • And... it's cheaper!
I ended up buying one and I have no regrets.
 
A thinner Ultra would be great — but the battery life is not something they should mess with.

I reckon any form of Blood Pressure reading is still a ways off. And at the end of the day treating high BP is a gradual and rather long process. So what would the watch tell you that would be meaningful.

I see some folk are angling for a camera in the watch. It would be a changing room / privacy nightmare.
 
as an original U2 owner, so for ~ 18 months, I would love to upgrade to the U3 in black one, but:
. needs blood oxygen capability
. needs new health sensor (eg blood pressure)
. needs to stay clear of "Apple Intelligence" capabilities
. watchOS 12/ios18 need to offer better analysis/display and recommendation for health data (eg sleep data).

But as usual, I will wait for the actual announcement and then make decisions based on facts/specs
I read nothing on battery life - like that's the "ok I will get one - or not" point for me. BOxy is second on my requirements. At present I use a gonzo watch. The charge lasts two weeks. Blood oxygen works. I can get twelve of them for one Apple Watch.
 
Unfortunately, many (now most?) people find that when they bring their Apple Watch (Series 9 or Ultra 2) with a working O2 sensor to Apple for service, including battery replacements, even if on AppleCare, Apple just gives you a new or refurbished same-model watch on which the O2 sensor has been disabled.
I just had my S6 replaced under AppleCare+ and it came with SPo2 enabled just like the watch I gave them.. The only time you will receive a watch with SPo2 disabled is if it is not covered by warranty.
 
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Sorta off topic, but can someone tell me which watch face is this from the article?
Screenshot 2025-04-26 at 8.36.38 AM.png
 
So when are they bringing back O2 sensing? My Ultra 2 has it but I won't be buying another Apple Watch until it comes back.
 
HW wishlist for Ultra (no expectations for these all to be in Ultra 3, but as soon as possible, please):
  • Blood sugar sensor
  • Blood pressure sensor
  • (again) Blood oxygen sensor
  • 8GB RAM (needed for AI and robustness and reliable multitasking)
  • Reliable network connection without iPhone — if that needs 5G support, so be it
  • Satellite messaging
  • Increased power efficiency (for longer battery life)
  • Larger battery capacity (maybe a better chemistry needed)
  • Exact same dimensions/design — it is perfect
Most development needs are on the software side; these should be implemented 5 years ago:
  • Offline maps full country/continent/planet at time (never need to manually remember to download maps), like Garmin
  • Offline routing for hiking, like Garmin
  • Well working hiking navigation, like Garmin
  • Import/export GPX offline, like Garmin
  • Lower power mode that can reliably work for multi day hikes without a phone, like Garmin
  • Running coaching that actually works (can be in Apple Fitness+), like Garmin
  • Body battery or similar metric, like Garmin
You see the trend there... Just copy from Garmin.
 
I read nothing on battery life - like that's the "ok I will get one - or not" point for me.
Because battery life has never been an issue for me.
I’ve owned S0/3/4/7/U/U2, never ran out of charge and pre-Ultra always charged over night, so for me, battery life is just fine. I understand that some people want more.
 
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It’s entirely subjective and utterly unimportant, but I’d love to see a change in the accent color. Never been a fan of the orange.
 
If the AW3 has better battery life, it might be a real world challenger for the overpriced Fenix 8, but if you’re at all outdoorsy I’d say think about how you want to use a smartwatch and consider grabbing a Garmin instead, especially if you can find a comparable price deal on the brilliant Fenix 8. I’m an Apple guy going back 30 or so years but looked at an AW Ultra 2 in the shop and bought a Garmin Epix Pro 2 on sale for 50% less than the AWU2. Epix is an amazing watch that does everything I need - 51mm oled, practically indestructible titanium and sapphire case, 1 month battery life. Software has been faultless so far and built in support for sports is brilliant (golf in particular is best in class). I don’t really want intrusive txts or phone calls from an iOS mini me watch when I’m working out or at work on the tools. Garmin’s health, sleep tracking, etc are right on the money. Importantly it’s comfortable and I don’t notice it on the wrist. The only potential downside on the Epix line and older Fenix’ models was the button waterproofing design - I surf a lot and decided not to use my smartwatch in the ocean for this reason, though a ton of people have used Garmin’s in saltwater for years with no issues - but I realise both AWU and Fenix 8 have nailed it with waterproofing.
 

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To keep up with the iPhone trend, the watches will get larger.
And hopefully ... thinner. The other trend. :)
I would love to see a sleeker design, as per some of the awesome renders that some of the prominent YouTubers have been showing.
 
I just had my S6 replaced under AppleCare+ and it came with SPo2 enabled just like the watch I gave them.. The only time you will receive a watch with SPo2 disabled is if it is not covered by warranty.
As I pointed out, the watches on which Apple is often disabling the SPo2 sensor, when someone brings them in for service, whether or not the watch is still on warranty or AppleCare, are the Series 9 and Ultra 2, the models that had their SPo2 sensors enabled prior to the requirement that Apple turn them off.
 
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Hold on, didn't the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra get sstellite connectivity when launched in 2022, alongside the iPhones 14? I thought they got it too?
 
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