The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s most ambitious smartwatch yet—designed for endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who wants the most rugged, feature-packed wearable Apple has ever built. With satellite communication capabilities, a 42-hour battery life, and a 49mm LTPO OLED display, this smartwatch pushes Apple’s wearable line further into territory dominated by Garmin, Suunto, and Polar.
But the big question remains: is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth buying? Let’s dive into its design, new features, performance, and how it stacks up against competitors.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 3 Specs |
|---|---|
| Case size | 49mm x 44mm x 12mm |
| Weight | 61.6 grams |
| Display | LTPO3 wide-angle OLED, always-on |
| Chipset | Apple S10 |
| Battery life | Up to 42 hours (can exceed in low-power mode) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Satellite SOS |
| Water resistance | 100 meters |
| Health sensors | Blood pressure monitoring, heart rate, SpO2, sleep tracking |
| Price | From 19,999 MXN (approx. $1,199 USD) |
Design and Build: Apple’s Biggest Smartwatch
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 maintains the same 49mm titanium case introduced in the first Ultra, making it the largest Apple Watch ever. At 12mm thick, it’s chunkier than a standard Apple Watch Series 10, but that bulk allows for a bigger battery, a louder speaker, and more durable protection.
Despite its rugged design, the Ultra 3 weighs only 61.6 grams, thanks to titanium construction. The build feels premium yet tough enough to withstand hiking trails, ocean dives, and endurance races. Apple also introduced new Hermès strap options and refreshed sport bands for both everyday wear and extreme conditions.
A Brighter, Smarter Display
One of the most notable upgrades is the LTPO3 OLED display. Apple widened the viewing angles, increased brightness, and improved power efficiency. This makes the Ultra 3’s screen easier to read in harsh sunlight, heavy rain, or underwater.
The always-on feature now keeps the second hand visible, a small detail that adds a sense of classic watch realism. For those who care about aesthetics, watch faces like Reflections and the Waypoint compass dial blend functionality with style.
Battery Life: A Real Endurance Boost
Battery life has always been a weak spot for Apple Watches compared to Garmin and Suunto devices. The Ultra line was Apple’s answer to that criticism, and the Ultra 3 pushes endurance further with up to 42 hours of battery life—and even more in low-power mode.
In real-world use, two charges lasted nearly five days with mixed activities including GPS runs, notifications, and health tracking. This is still shorter than some Garmin models (which last up to two weeks), but for an Apple Watch, it’s a huge step forward.
Satellite Connectivity: Safety Beyond Cellular
The headline feature of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is satellite SOS connectivity. When you’re outside cellular range, you can send emergency messages and share your location with contacts or rescuers. This feature has been available on iPhones since 2022, but it’s now built directly into the watch—making it a lifesaver for hikers, mountaineers, and backcountry explorers.
Even better: Apple includes two years of free satellite service with every Ultra 3. After that, it’s expected to become a paid subscription, though Apple hasn’t confirmed pricing.
Health and Fitness Features
Apple continues to build on its reputation as a health-focused wearable leader. The Ultra 3 includes all the usual tracking features—heart rate, SpO2, VO2 max estimates, ECG—but adds blood pressure monitoring and sleep quality scoring.
- Blood pressure monitoring: Requires 30 days of data collection and aims to detect undiagnosed hypertension, potentially identifying millions of users at risk.
- Sleep quality score: Analyzes not just hours slept, but the style of your sleep (restless vs. deep recovery).
For endurance athletes, the Ultra 3’s dual-frequency GPS remains among the most accurate in the industry, rivaling Garmin watches for precision in dense urban environments and remote trails.
Smartwatch Features: The Apple Edge
Where Garmin excels in raw endurance, Apple wins in smartwatch functionality. The Ultra 3 offers:
- 5G connectivity for calls, texts, and streaming without your iPhone.
- watchOS 26 apps including maps, messaging, and fitness tools.
- Seamless integration with iOS and Mac for continuity features.
- Apple Pay, Siri, and third-party app support.
For those who want a watch that’s not only a fitness tool but also a daily digital assistant, the Ultra 3 has no equal.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Competitors
Here’s how the Ultra 3 stacks up against popular rugged smartwatches:
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Garmin Fenix 7 | Suunto Vertical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 42+ hours | Up to 14 days | Up to 60 days (solar) |
| Display | 49mm LTPO OLED | 1.3″ transflective LCD | 1.4″ transflective |
| GPS accuracy | Dual-frequency | Multi-band GNSS | Dual-band GNSS |
| Smartwatch functions | Best in class (iOS apps) | Limited | Limited |
| Health sensors | BP, HR, SpO2, ECG, Sleep | HR, SpO2, VO2 Max | HR, SpO2, VO2 Max |
| Price | ~$1,199 | ~$899 | ~$999 |
Verdict: If you want maximum endurance, Garmin and Suunto are still better for weeks-long adventures. If you want a luxury smartwatch that balances fitness with everyday smart features, the Ultra 3 is unmatched.
Pros and Cons of Apple Watch Ultra 3
Pros:
- Stunning LTPO3 OLED display with wide angles
- Satellite SOS and 5G connectivity
- 42-hour battery life (longest of any Apple Watch)
- Accurate dual-frequency GPS
- Premium titanium build and strap options
- Seamless iOS integration
Cons:
- Expensive (starting at ~$1,199 USD)
- Still shorter battery life than Garmin/Suunto
- Large and bulky for smaller wrists
- Satellite service may become a subscription after 2 years
Price and Availability
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available now through Apple.com and Apple retail stores. Pricing starts at 19,999 MXN in Mexico (around $1,199 USD), with Hermès editions and strap upgrades costing more.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 Worth It?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 doesn’t reinvent Apple’s rugged smartwatch, but it refines it beautifully. Between the sharper OLED display, extended battery life, and game-changing satellite SOS, it’s the most capable Apple Watch ever made.
It’s not cheap, and hardcore explorers may still prefer Garmin’s multi-week endurance. But for anyone who wants a luxury smartwatch that can handle real adventure while still being a daily companion, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is worth every peso.
FAQs About Apple Watch Ultra 3
1. How long does the Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery last?
Up to 42 hours, with the potential to stretch further in low-power mode.
2. Can the Apple Watch Ultra 3 be used without an iPhone?
Yes. With cellular or 5G connectivity, you can make calls, send texts, and use apps independently.
3. Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 waterproof?
Yes. It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and diving.
4. How does satellite SOS work?
When out of cellular range, the Ultra 3 lets you send emergency messages and location data via satellite.
5. Who should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Endurance athletes, hikers, outdoor explorers, and anyone who wants the best Apple smartwatch available.
