Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date predictions and its pricing, features, and specs
When is Apple's next flagship smartwatch – the Apple Watch Ultra 3 – coming soon?
As you know, it did not materialize on September 9, 2024, at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event. Many smartwatch aficionados were expecting it back then, but in vain.
In 2024, almost no information surfaced about the rumored Apple Watch Ultra 3 and in 2025, things are no different. The usual leaks and speculation were surprisingly absent – and there was a reason for it.
Nevertheless, we're not ruling out the possibility of the Ultra 3 appearing at a point in time – we're confident that a successor will appear sooner or later.
So, what's the deal? What can we expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
So, what's the deal? What can we expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Reports indicate that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature the new Apple S10 chip, although its overall hardware is expected to stay largely the same as 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 the hardware stays the same, the Ultra 3 is expected to remain 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, and a range of sensors and premium features. However, after the delay of its 2024 release, the Ultra 3 is now expected to launch in 2025 with 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?
Previously, there were rumors suggesting that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be priced at $1,500, based on reports that it would feature a MicroLED display, promising significant improvements in both battery life and display brightness. However, it seems this rumor is no longer valid.
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 show up 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 surrounding the Apple Watch Ultra 3 don't indicate any price increase compared to the starting price of its predecessors. 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 rumor from months ago about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 being priced at $1,500 with a MicroLED display in 2025 is now 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
As of now, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not expected to feature any significant design changes, since the previous model's design is widely seen as nearly perfect. It will likely keep its 49mm size, titanium casing, and sapphire crystal display. The prominent digital crown and customizable Action Button are also expected to return, maintaining usability even when wearing gloves.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to maintain the same 100-meter (10ATM) water resistance rating introduced with the Ultra 2, keeping it suitable for activities like recreational diving. As with previous models, it's likely to be offered in a single 49mm size, which tends to appeal most to users with larger wrists.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 display
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to retain the upgraded display introduced with the Ultra 2, capable of reaching up to 3,000 nits of brightness – an increase from the 2,000 nits on the original Ultra model. This enhancement ensures excellent screen visibility in all conditions, including direct sunlight, making it easier to read content while outdoors.
However, users won't be able to manually set the display to its full 3,000-nit brightness. Instead, the watch will rely on automatic brightness adjustments, activating peak brightness only in environments with intense lighting. This system functions independently of the user's manual brightness settings and mirrors the adaptive brightness approach used in the Ultra 2, providing a seamless viewing experience in varying light conditions.
However, users won't be able to manually set the display to its full 3,000-nit brightness. Instead, the watch will rely on automatic brightness adjustments, activating peak brightness only in environments with intense lighting. This system functions independently of the user's manual brightness settings and mirrors the adaptive brightness approach used in the Ultra 2, providing a seamless viewing experience in varying light conditions.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery
If there are no battery upgrades, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to keep the same 564mAh battery as the Ultra 2. This is a slight increase from the 542mAh battery in the original Apple Watch Ultra, ensuring continued impressive battery life.
With this battery, users can expect reliable 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 likely to follow a similar process to the Ultra 2. It will probably take around 90 minutes to fully charge, with an 80% charge reached in about an hour. This efficient charging system means users will likely 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.
With this battery, users can expect reliable 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 likely to follow a similar process to the Ultra 2. It will probably take around 90 minutes to fully charge, with an 80% charge reached in about an hour. This efficient charging system means users will likely 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 retain 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 are still speculative, it is expected to offer improvements 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 prove true and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is just a slightly improved version of the Ultra 2, then it's safe to say that if you already own the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, there’s no immediate need to upgrade to the third generation. While the new chipset may offer a slightly better overall experience, it doesn’t provide a compelling reason for most users to make the switch.
However, if you're looking to upgrade from an older Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be an excellent introduction to the top-tier Apple Watch lineup.
- 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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