Apple Watch Ultra 3: Bigger screen, satellite, health upgrades, price leaked
Ultra 3 brings satellite messaging, larger display, and blood pressure monitoring
A satellite messaging feature for emergencies has generated a buzz to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 leaks ahead of an expected September 2025 launch.
Most sources point incremental upgrades for the Ultra 3 over the Ultra 2, focusing on connectivity (5G, satellite), a larger display, and health monitoring (hypertension).
The design remains consistent, prioritising familiarity.
Current Ultra 2 owners may find the upgrades modest, but new buyers could value the enhanced off-grid capabilities and AI features.
Here's an overview of reported features of the Ultra 3, a side-by-side comparison with the Ultra 2, rounds up what we know so far based on leaks:
Mark Gurman (Bloomberg)
Gurman, a high-hitting Apple leaker, suggests the Ultra 3 will feature satellite messaging for emergency communications, allowing texts without cellular or Wi-Fi, a first for Apple Watches.
He also reports high blood pressure monitoring, detecting hypertension trends, delayed from 2024 due to testing issues.
The Ultra 3 is expected to retain the Ultra 2’s design with no major hardware upgrades, using the S10 chip from the Series 10 for improved efficiency.
Gurman notes the same housing as the Ultra 2, implying minimal aesthetic changes, and a September 2025 launch at $799.
MacRumors
MacRumors highlights a larger display for the Ultra 3, with a leaked iOS 26 beta image showing a 422 x 514 pixel resolution (up from 410 x 502 on Ultra 2), likely achieved by slimmer bezels without increasing case size.
They confirm the S10 chip, offering space for new components, and faster charging via a redesigned metal rear casing.
A shift to MediaTek’s 5G RedCap modem is expected, upgrading from 4G LTE. The site also mentions watchOS 12 with AI-driven features like Workout Buddy and smarter notifications.
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 3 (Leaked) | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 2.12-inch LTPO3 OLED, 422 x 514 pixels, slimmer bezels | 1.93-inch Retina OLED, 410 x 502 pixels |
| Chip | S10 (or S11), four-core neural engine for AI tasks | S9 |
| Connectivity | 5G RedCap (MediaTek modem), satellite messaging | 4G LTE, no satellite connectivity |
| Health Features | High blood pressure monitoring, existing sensors (ECG, SpO2, etc.) | ECG, SpO2 (US-disabled), heart rate, sleep apnea detection |
| Design | Titanium, same housing, possible metal rear casing | Titanium, standard rear casing |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours, faster charging via larger coil | Up to 36 hours, slower charging |
| Features | watchOS 12, AI Workout Buddy, Wrist Flick gesture, Notes app | watchOS 11, Action button, Oceanic+ dive app |
| Price | ~$799 | $799 |
| Release | September 2025 (expected) | September 2023 |
9to5Mac
9to5Mac corroborates the larger screen, citing the same iOS 26 beta leak, estimating a 2.12-inch display (up from 1.93 inches) for better readability.
They emphasise satellite connectivity and 5G support, enhancing off-grid capabilities.
The Ultra 3 is expected to address the Ultra 2’s lag behind the Series 10 in display tech, adopting a wide-angle LTPO3 OLED for improved viewing angles. Health features include potential hypertension detection, and the design remains similar to the Ultra 2’s titanium body.
Recent posts on X reflect excitement for the Ultra 3.
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