Apple Watch Ultra 3 Is Finally Coming and It’s the Upgrade Ultra Fans Have Been Waiting For

After over a year of near silence, Apple Watch Ultra is back in the spotlight. And this time, it’s not just a new coat of paint.

Last year, many expected Apple to release a full Ultra 3 model. Instead, we got a darker titanium finish for the Ultra 2, and not much else. That pause sparked questions: Was Apple slowing down the Ultra line? Would a true third-gen model even arrive in 2025?

Now, with the fall event weeks away, everything points to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 finally launching, and bringing much bigger upgrades than we’ve seen before.

Apple Skipped a Year. Now It Has to Deliver

When the first Ultra landed in 2022, it was a statement: a rugged, battery-focused, no-compromises Apple Watch for serious adventurers. The second-gen model followed a year later, offering only minor improvements. And then… nothing.

Skipping a 2024 Ultra wasn’t random. According to supply chain chatter and Apple’s internal timeline, the company may have held off to let new components and display tech mature.

But that delay sets up the Ultra 3 to carry higher expectations, and if the leaks are right, Apple is ready to meet them head-on.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Rumored Features So Far

Here’s what’s likely coming when Ultra 3 is announced, possibly alongside the iPhone 17 lineup next month:

Larger display with a new 422 x 514 resolution
Wider OLED panel, possibly with better viewing angles
LTPO3 display tech for always-on refresh rates every second
S11 SiP (System in Package) for faster performance and efficiency
Satellite connectivity for emergency messaging
5G cellular support
High blood pressure detection

While some of these features, like LTPO3 and the wide OLED panel, are expected to trickle in from the Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 3 is getting standout upgrades first, like satellite messaging and 5G.

And yes, that new display resolution was just spotted in iOS 26 beta code, adding even more weight to the leaks.

Bigger Display Could Mean Bigger Battery, Too

There’s a good chance Apple will increase the watch’s case size slightly to accommodate the new display. That extra room could house a larger battery, giving the Ultra 3 even more stamina than its already long-lasting predecessors.

With the iPhone 17 Pro Max also tipped for battery gains this fall, Apple may be looking to push the limits on endurance across its Pro-tier hardware lineup.

The Ultra is already Apple’s battery king, adding a few extra hours (or days) would only widen the gap.

A Bigger Leap Than Ultra 2

Looking back, Apple Watch Ultra 2 was more of a refinement than a revolution. It added a brighter display and the S9 chip, but the changes felt incremental, especially coming just a year after the original.

This time, the Ultra 3 looks like a proper generational leap.

More than a bigger screen or faster chip, the combination of health tracking, rugged design, upgraded connectivity, and new display tech makes this the most complete Apple Watch package yet.

If you’ve been holding off for a major update, or skipped the Ultra 2 altogether, this is the model to watch.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn’t chasing headlines with flashy redesigns. It’s refining what already made the Ultra line special, durability, power, and all-day endurance, while pushing forward with real, meaningful upgrades. After a year-long wait, it’s shaping up to be one of Apple’s most exciting wearables in years.

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Eric Sandler

Chief Writer at WiFi Planet

Eric Sandler is a veteran US tech writer with over 25 years of experience covering the latest advancements in the world of technology. From groundbreaking innovations to in-depth reviews, Eric has built a reputation for delivering insightful, reliable content. His work spans across a variety of tech topics, including smartphones, gadgets, AI, and more, making him a trusted voice in the industry.