Apple Watch Ultra 3 Just Weeks Away: Eight Reasons It Might Be Worth the Upgrade

Apple’s annual September event is fast approaching. If the rumors are right, it’s set for September 9, bringing not only the new iPhone 17 lineup but also the first update to the Apple Watch Ultra since 2023. That means the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is only weeks away. And for anyone still wearing the first-generation Ultra, the changes could feel substantial. Here are eight features expected to make the jump.

Hints in the iOS 26 beta point to a new resolution: 422 x 514 pixels, compared to the Ultra 2’s 410 x 502. The case size isn’t expected to change, so Apple may be shrinking the bezels instead.

If true, the Ultra 3 will offer the largest Apple Watch display yet—useful for outdoor readability and for apps that benefit from more screen space.

The Ultra 2 runs on the S9 chip. Last year’s Series 10 got the S10, which didn’t boost speed but freed up space inside the case thanks to a thinner design. That extra space could mean a larger battery or new sensors.

For 2025, there’s talk of an S11 chip. It may not deliver major performance gains either, but Apple could refine efficiency and internal layout again. The real leap might come with the S12, expected in 2026.

Skipping a refresh in 2024 left the Ultra behind the Series 10, which introduced an LTPO3 OLED display. That panel allows smoother always-on animations—like a seconds hand that ticks continuously.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is almost certain to catch up here. Expect a screen that feels more fluid in daily use.

The Series 10 also debuted a wide-angle OLED, delivering up to 40% more brightness off-axis. That means the watch face stays visible even when you glance at it from the side.

It’s a natural fit for the Ultra line, which is designed for harsh outdoor conditions.

Perhaps the most dramatic change: satellite support. Like iPhone 14 and later, the Ultra 3 may connect to satellites when Wi-Fi or cellular isn’t available.

On iPhone, the service started with emergency SOS but later expanded to regular text messaging. If Apple follows the same path, the Ultra 3 could allow off-grid communication. Two years of service are free on iPhone, and the same deal is likely here.

The Ultra 2’s charging feels slow compared to the Series 10. Apple’s newer watch charges to 80% in about 30 minutes, while the Ultra 2 takes closer to an hour.

Why? The Series 10 has a redesigned metal back with a larger coil and improved antenna. The Ultra 3 is expected to adopt that design, which means faster top-ups and better cellular performance at the same time.

Current Apple Watches still rely on 4G LTE, even though iPhones switched to 5G years ago. That’s about to change.

Reports suggest the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will use a MediaTek modem designed for wearables. It supports 5G RedCap, a lighter version of 5G that balances speed with power efficiency—ideal for a smartwatch.

Apple has been testing blood pressure features for years. The Ultra 3 could be the model where it finally arrives.

It won’t replace a medical cuff. Instead, the watch would track trends and alert you if your readings show signs of hypertension. That’s enough to nudge users toward early treatment.

If accurate, this could be the most impactful health feature since ECG or blood oxygen monitoring.

The Ultra 3 isn’t shaping up to be a revolution, but the upgrades add up. A larger display, faster charging, and satellite messaging are meaningful. Add the possibility of blood pressure monitoring, and the Ultra 3 becomes more than just an incremental bump.

For first-gen Ultra owners, the jump looks especially appealing. For Ultra 2 users, the decision might depend on how much you value health tracking, connectivity, and charging speed.

Either way, Apple seems ready to remind people why the Ultra exists in the first place: as the most capable—and most adventurous—watch it makes.