I’m ordering the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to get this big upgrade

Apple has given its rugged smartwatch a major update for 2025 and beyond. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may look almost identical to the Ultra 2, but there are some massive new upgrades hiding inside.

Shrinking the bezels by a significant 42% has let Apple fit an even bigger screen: the Watch Ultra 3 now has a huge 2.12in panel, up from 1.93in before. Resolution has also climbed to 514×422. It’s the largest display on any Apple Watch, including the new Series 11.

• Read more: watchOS 26 finally brings Apple Intelligence to the Apple Watch… for better or worse

There’s a new S10 chipset under the hood, with a dedicated neural engine for handling Apple Intelligence and personalised fitness coaching. It gets 5G connectivity for the first time, and the GPS system has also been improved. Apple reckons it’s the most accurate in any sports watch.

The third-gen Watch Ultra is now rated for 42 hours of battery life, or closer to 20 hours with GPS and heart rate monitoring when used for long workouts like marathons and endurance races. Low power mode get squeeze out 72 hours of battery life. With fast charging improvements, you can get 12 hours of battery from 15 minutes of juice.

Brand new is support support for emergency satellite messaging – just like your iPhone. You get two years of this included, and can use messages over satellite with a compatible cellular plan. If you’re halfway up a mountain with no signal, you can call for help if you get into trouble.

This year’s big new health tracking feature is blood pressure monitoring. Like the Whoop MG, this isn’t full-on cuff-style readings, but a more general alert after 30 days of monitoring trends. You’ll need to be over 22 years old to use it, and Apple is currently waiting for FDA approval. SpO2, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, Workout Buddy, and all the other sensors are still here. And in case you missed it, Blood Oxygen readings are available once again in the US.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available in Black Titanium or Natural Titanium colours, with prices starting from $799/£749.

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a former Stuff contributor. He has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA, and been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Connor is also involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home