New Apple Watch Ultra 3 Rumors Point to an Overdue Upgrade

CNET

2 days ago

With September inching closer and Apple's next event likely just weeks away, rumors are heating up about the company's fall lineup, which this year could include the Apple Watch Ultra 3 alongside a flagship Apple Watch Series 11 and iPhone 17.
In a turnaround from the busy rumor mill, the clearest signal yet for an Ultra 3 release comes from the secretive company itself. Imagery found in the public beta of iOS 26 (first uncovered by MacRumors) reveals new screen specs that don't match any of the current Apple Watch models on the market.
While Apple has yet to confirm anything (as usual), the Ultra 3's absence at last year's launch and its two-year upgrade cadence make 2025 a prime candidate for its debut. Here's what else we've heard and what we can expect based on the latest reports, leaks and Apple's usual upgrade patterns.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 design and display
If the leaked iOS 26 imagery holds true, the Ultra 3 will feature a slightly larger screen with a 422x514-pixel resolution (up from the Ultra 2's 410x502 pixels). Ideally, this would come with slimmer bezels to accommodate the larger, sharper display -- keeping with Apple's tradition of maximizing screen real estate without adding bulk to the already giant Ultra.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 debuted in September, 2023.
Apple/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET
Apple Watch Ultra 3 performance
The Ultra is due for a performance bump to at least keep up with the S10 chip on the current Series 10 (the Ultra 2 runs on the S9 chip). The more likely scenario is that both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 get a new S11 chip that would typically bring faster performance and greater efficiency. The bump up in processing power could support new features such as enhanced GPS tracking, satellite connectivity, more advanced health monitoring and potentially some additional Apple Intelligence integrations like Workout Buddy which Apple announced in WatchOS 26 (and which I've started to think might be a bigger deal that it first appeared).
Apple Watch Ultra 3 satellite connectivity
One of the more intriguing Ultra 3 rumors comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has reported that Apple is exploring satellite connectivity for the next Apple Watch Ultra model. This would enable emergency messaging and location sharing even in areas without cellular coverage.
If implemented, it could build on the Apple Watch's existing lineup of potentially life-saving features like emergency SOS, fall detection and car crash detection to outdoor enthusiasts going off the grid or even people who live in remote areas.
Gurman's report also suggests the Ultra may gain 5G connectivity, a step up from its current LTE-only support.
The Apple Watch has a new AI powered "Workout Buddy" that uses your personal metrics to give you live insights as you go.
Apple Screenshot
Apple Watch Ultra 3 health and fitness
Several rumored health upgrades for the Series 11 could also make their way to the Ultra 3, the most anticipated being blood pressure tracking. According to Gurman, Apple is already testing the feature, though accuracy challenges could delay a public release this year.
Blood glucose monitoring is another long-rumored addition, but it's expected to be even further out than blood pressure tracking, making it highly unlikely for 2025.
In another Bloomberg report, Gurman says Apple is developing a broader AI health initiative, code-named "Project Mulberry," aimed at bringing personalized health and fitness insights to the Apple Watch. This would build on Apple's recently announced AI powered Workout Buddy which delivers personalized motivation for certain workouts with Watch OS 26. The Ultra's durability and long battery life could make it an ideal platform for round-the-clock training guidance, though based on current rumors, the rollout may be better aligned with a 2026 release.
The Ultra line is due for a charging boost to match the faster speeds of the Series 10.
Celso Bulgatti/CNET
Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery life
The Ultra already boasts the longest battery life of any Apple device (save for the Airtag of course), with up to two full days or 72 hours in low-power mode. While there are no concrete leaks about changes in battery capacity, pairing an S11 chip with a more efficient display could result in significant gains -- potentially approaching three days or up to four days in low-power mode. The faster charging Apple introduced with the Series 10 could also make its way to the Ultra line, reducing the amount of time the watch spends off your wrist.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 price and release date
Barring unexpected price hikes from tariffs or component costs, the Ultra 3 is expected to keep the same $799 starting price as the Ultra 2.
Apple typically unveils its new watches at the same event as the iPhone, which this year is expected in early September (date not yet announced). If the pattern holds, preorders should begin a few days after the keynote and arrive in stores (or at your doorstep) one to two weeks after that.