Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review Roundup: 'A Proper Upgrade' With Satellite, 42-Hour Battery, More [Video]

Apple's most rugged and capable smartwatch is back with its first true upgrade, and early reviews for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 suggest the new features are as significant as its substantial frame. While the design looks familiar, reviewers are highlighting satellite connectivity, an even longer battery life, and a bigger, brighter, easier-to-read display as key reasons to consider the new flagship wearable.

The headline feature is two-way satellite communication, a first for the Apple Watch. The system allows users to message emergency services, contact friends and family, and share their location via Find My when they're off the grid. As CNET puts it, "this is absolutely crucial because this is made as a watch that you want to use on the go, and really get off the grid." A couple of important details from reviewers: Emergency SOS via satellite is included for two years in supported regions, while Messages and Find My via satellite require an active cellular plan and are rolling out with more limited regional support at launch (Engadget).




Battery life, a main selling point for the Ultra line, also gets a real boost. Apple now rates the Ultra 3 for up to 42 hours of normal use (and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode). In testing, Wired called it "a weekend watch now," fulfilling the original Ultra's promise. Reviewers attribute the longer runtime to a larger battery, more efficient radios (including 5G RedCap), and LTPO3 display efficiencies; fast charging has also improved, with Apple citing 80% in about 45 minutes (CNET).

While the rugged 49mm titanium case looks nearly identical, Apple made meaningful refinements. The Ultra 3 keeps the same footprint but uses 100% recycled titanium made with a new 3D-printing process, and it fits a slightly larger display thanks to ~24% slimmer bezels. The panel itself is now LTPO3 wide-angle OLED with 3,000-nit peak brightness and better off-angle visibility — "easier to see at odd angles," notes TechRadar. Resolution bumps to 422×514 (up from 410×502 on Ultra 2), and the Action Button, dual-frequency GPS, 100m water resistance, and the siren all carry over.

Like the Series 11, the Ultra 3 runs watchOS 26 and gains Hypertension Notifications (FDA-cleared) and a new Sleep Score. Reviewers underscore that these are software-based features and also arrive on select older models; Workout Buddy (Apple's new AI-powered coaching voice) is included too, though it requires an Apple-Intelligence-compatible iPhone nearby (Tom's Guide). Another notable continuity win: the Blood Oxygen app works again in the US, restoring a popular sensor combo for outdoor and health-minded users (CNET).

Ultimately, the early consensus is that the Ultra 3 is a compelling upgrade — especially for owners of the first-gen Ultra or anyone who needs its adventure-focused capabilities. As The Verge frames the lineup decision, if fitness/outdoors is your top priority, the Ultra's brighter, bigger screen, dual-frequency GPS, and rugged durability make the most sense. Reviewers do still flag bulk as the trade-off for all that capability (Tom's Guide; The Sun).


The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available to pre-order now from Amazon starting at $799, alongside the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3.