Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date predictions and its pricing, features, and specs
Apple's latest flagship smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, did not show up for its grand debut on September 9, 2024 at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event.
Throughout 2024 there was virtually little to no information available about the alleged Apple Watch Ultra 3! The rumor mill was unusually quiet… and for a reason.
However, we're not giving up on the idea of the Ultra 3 – we're sure that a follow-up device will pop up sooner or later.
So what's the story? What's the Apple Watch Ultra 3 going to be like?
Reports suggest that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will introduce the new Apple S10 chip, though its overall hardware is expected to remain largely unchanged from the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
This was claimed by Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known analyst specializing in Apple's supply chain. In early May 2024, Kuo indicated that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 would feature "almost no" hardware upgrades from the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (pictured above).
If things remain unchanged, the Ultra 3 is expected to be a highly capable device, featuring a 1.92-inch OLED display with a brightness of 3,000 nits, a customizable Action Button, enhanced double-tap gesture functionality, along with a variety of sensors and high-end features. However, following the delay of its 2024 release, the Ultra 3 is now anticipated to launch in 2025 with significant improvements.
Prior to Kuo's claims, there was a wild rumor that said the Ultra 3 was actually going to be delayed until 2026. It's not so "wild" after all, right?
Earlier, there were rumors indicating that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be priced at $1,500, based on reports that it would include a MicroLED display, which was expected to offer notable enhancements in both battery life and display brightness. However, it appears that this rumor is no longer relevant.
Nonetheless, given Apple's history, a $1,500 smartwatch wouldn’t be surprising from the Cupertino tech giant.
Let's delve deeper!
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date
Since the Apple Watch Ultra 3 did not materialize alongside the iPhone 16 and the Apple Watch Series 10 on September 9, 2024, we're hoping for a 2025 unveiling, but it could also come in 2026.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra | September 7, 2022 | September 23, 2022 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | September 12, 2023 | September 22, 2023 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | 2025, or even 2026* | N/A |
*Expected dates
Apple Watch Ultra 3 price
Not to jinx it, but so far, the rumors about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 do not mention anything about the price going up in comparison to the starting price of its predecessor(s). This equates to $799 – not an easy sum to swallow (heck, there are flagship smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and amazing 6.7-inch displays that cost less than $799!), but you're getting a lot of smartwatch power for the price.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumor from months ago – the one that said a $1,500 with MicroLED is coming in 2025 – is at this point off the table.
| Apple Watch model | Price |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra | $799 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $799 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3* | $799* |
*Expected prices
Apple Watch Ultra 3 design
The Ultra 2, pictured here, will clone itself onto the Ultra 3, design-wise | Image credit - PhoneArena
At this point, there are no significant design changes expected for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, as the design of its predecessor is already seen as nearly flawless. It is likely to retain the same 49mm size, titanium body, and sapphire glass. The large digital crown and customizable Action Button are also expected to return, maintaining their ease of use, even when wearing gloves.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offered water resistance up to 100 meters (10ATM), making it suitable for recreational diving, and this feature is likely to continue with the Ultra 3. Like its predecessors, the third generation is expected to be available in just one size: 49mm, making it especially well-suited for those with larger wrists.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offered water resistance up to 100 meters (10ATM), making it suitable for recreational diving, and this feature is likely to continue with the Ultra 3. Like its predecessors, the third generation is expected to be available in just one size: 49mm, making it especially well-suited for those with larger wrists.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 display
The improved display introduced with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, capable of reaching up to 3,000 nits of brightness (compared to the 2,000 nits on the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra), is expected to carry over to the Ultra 3. This high brightness level ensures excellent screen visibility in all lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, making it easier to read the display outdoors.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery
If there aren't any battery upgrades, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is anticipated to retain the same 564mAh battery as its predecessor, the Ultra 2. This battery capacity is a slight upgrade from the 542mAh battery found in the original Apple Watch Ultra, ensuring continued impressive battery life.
With its battery, users can expect dependable performance, with the watch lasting up to three days on moderate usage. This includes tasks such as checking the time, receiving notifications, responding to messages, tracking sleep, and occasionally using the walkie-talkie feature.
Charging the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to follow a similar process to that of the Ultra 2. It will likely take around 90 minutes to fully charge, with an 80% charge reached in roughly an hour. This efficient charging system means users will only need to charge the watch every other day, offering convenience and peace of mind for those with busy lifestyles who prefer not to worry about frequent recharging.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 features and software
The Ultra 2 will not get obsolete all of a sudden! | Image credit - PhoneArena
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the perfect device to come with the new watchOS 11 that brings lots and lots of goodies to Apple's recent timepieces.
Key features of the watchOS 11 include:
- Training Load exertion ranking: Assesses effort based on heart rate, elevation, pace, and physical traits, providing a 10-point effort score to help athletes optimize their training.
- Vitals following app: Tracks health metrics like sleep and heart rate, offering weekly reports and alerts for abnormal data.
- New SmartStack predictions: Enhances app suggestions and user experience.
- Check-in feature for friends: Allows users to stay connected by sharing status updates.
- Dynamic Watch faces: Automatically selects watch faces from user photos.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 hardware
Although the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may keep much of the hardware from earlier models, it will stand out with the introduction of Apple's next-generation S10 chipset, which is currently exclusive to the new Series 10 watches.
While specific details about the S10's performance remain speculative, it is expected to deliver enhancements in both speed and energy efficiency compared to the S9 chip.
While specific details about the S10's performance remain speculative, it is expected to deliver enhancements in both speed and energy efficiency compared to the S9 chip.
The time piece is rumored to introduce satellite messaging, enabling users to send texts even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. This feature, already available on iPhones for emergencies and roadside assistance, would make the rugged smartwatch more appealing to adventurers seeking off-grid connectivity.
Additionally, the Ultra 3 may include long-awaited blood pressure monitoring, though this feature has reportedly faced delays due to reliability concerns.
Aside from the above, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to remain largely similar to its predecessor, based on the current available information.
Aside from the above, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to remain largely similar to its predecessor, based on the current available information.
Should I wait for Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Nothing is clear at the moment, but if the rumors turn out to be true and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a slightly better variant of the Ultra 2, then it's fair to say that if you already own the second Apple Watch Ultra, there's no need to upgrade to the third generation. While the new chipset could mean a slightly better overall experience, this doesn't make a compelling case for upgrading.
- You should wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you're after the next best thing, you've got money to spend and… large wrists.
- You should not wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you're on a tight(er) budget, or if you already own an Ultra from Apple – have fun with the money that you saved!
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