Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date predictions and its pricing, features, and specs
Apple's next flagship smartwatch – the Apple Watch Ultra 3 – could be around the corner.
It could be the case that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be announced in September 9, 2025, alongside the iPhone 17 family.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to introduce the new Apple S11 chip, while the rest of its hardware will likely remain very similar to that of the 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 most of the hardware remains unchanged, the Ultra 3 is still expected to deliver strong performance with its bright 3,000-nit OLED display, customizable Action Button, enhanced double-tap gesture functionality, and a wide range of advanced sensors and premium features.
There are rumors about satellite connectivity and 5G arriving on the watch, which could be a selling point – especially if there's a higher price tag this time around.
Let's delve deeper!
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be officially announced on Tuesday, September 9 or Wednesday, September 10. Apple is already handing out invites for the even.
That's when the iPhone 17 family is expected as well.
| 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 | September 9, 2025* | September 19, 2025* |
*Expected dates
Apple Watch Ultra 3 price
The next Apple flagship smartwatch might cost $799.
Current reports suggest the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will launch at the same \$799 starting price as earlier models. While it remains a steep cost for a smartwatch, it is expected to deliver extensive capability for the money.
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 most likely 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 49 mm 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 49 mm size, which tends to appeal most to users with larger wrists.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 display
Fresh details from the iOS 26 beta code suggest the Apple Watch Ultra 3could feature a slightly larger display, with a resolution of 422 x 514 pixels compared to the Ultra 2's 410 x 502. The watch itself isn't expected to grow in size, meaning Apple may have slimmed down the bezels to expand the screen. If accurate, this would make the Ultra 3 the largest Apple Watch display to date.
The LTPO3 upgrade allows for a faster refresh rate in always-on mode, enabling watch faces to show a smoothly ticking seconds hand even when the display isn't fully active.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery
If there are no battery upgrades, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to keep the same 564 mAh battery as the Ultra 2. This is a slight increase from the 542 mAh battery in the original Apple Watch Ultra, ensuring continued cool 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.
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 S11 chipset, which is currently exclusive to the new Series 10 watches.
While specific details about the S11's performance are still speculative, it is expected to offer improvements in both speed and energy efficiency compared to the S9 chip.
While specific details about the S11'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.
- 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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