Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date predictions and its pricing, features, and specs
Apple's latest flagship smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, did not show up for its grand debut on September 9 at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event.
So, that's why in the last months there was virtually little to no information available about the alleged Apple Watch Ultra 3! The rumor mill was unusually quiet… and for a reason.
However, we're not giving up on the idea of the Ultra 3 – we're sure that a follow-up device will pop-up sooner or later.
So what's the story? What's the Apple Watch Ultra 3 going to be like?
According to reports, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to feature the new Apple S10 chip, while much of its hardware will remain similar to the Apple Watch 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).
So, if everything stays the same, the Ultra 3 is anticipated to be a powerful device, boasting a 1.92-inch OLED touchscreen with 3,000 nits of brightness, a customizable Action Button, advanced double-tap gesture functionality, and a range of sensors and premium features. However, now that the 2024 premiere was postponed, the Ultra 3 should come in 2025 with a bunch of real upgrades.
Prior to Kuo's claims, there was a wild rumor that said the Ultra 3 was actually going to be delayed until 2026. It's not so "wild" after all, right?
Additionally, a previous rumor suggested a $1,500 price tag for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, based on claims that it would feature a MicroLED display – promising significant improvements in battery life and display brightness. However, that rumor seems to be off the table for now. Still, considering it's Apple, a $1,500 smartwatch wouldn’t be an unexpected move for the Cupertino tech giant.
Let's delve deeper!
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 release date
Since the Apple Watch Ultra 3 did not materialize alongside the iPhone 16 and the Apple Watch Series 10 on September 9, we're hoping for a real late 2024 unveiling, but it's probably coming in 2025.
| 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 | Q4 2024... or 2025* | N/A |
*Expected dates
Apple Watch Ultra 3 price
Not to jinx it, but so far, the rumors about the Apple Watch Ultra 3 do not mention anything about the price going up in comparison to the starting price of its predecessor(s). This equates to $799 – not an easy sum to swallow (heck, there are flagship smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and amazing 6.7-inch displays that cost less than $799!), but you're getting a lot of smartwatch power for the price.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumor from months ago – the one that said a $1,500 with MicroLED is coming in 2025 – is at this point 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 clone itself onto the Ultra 3, design-wise | Image credit - PhoneArena
For now, no major design changes are signaled for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, as the design of its predecessor is already regarded as nearly perfect. It could easily retain its 49mm size, titanium casing, and sapphire glass, just like its predecessor. The large digital crown and customizable Action Button will also return, remaining easy to use even with gloves.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 featured water resistance up to 100 meters (10ATM), making it ideal for recreational diving, a feature likely to continue in the Ultra 3. As with previous models, the third generation is expected to come in only one size: 49mm, making it particularly suitable for individuals with larger wrists.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 featured water resistance up to 100 meters (10ATM), making it ideal for recreational diving, a feature likely to continue in the Ultra 3. As with previous models, the third generation is expected to come in only one size: 49mm, making it particularly suitable for individuals with larger wrists.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 display
The improved display introduced with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, capable of reaching up to 3,000 nits of brightness (compared to the 2,000 nits on the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra), is expected to carry over to the Ultra 3. This high brightness level ensures excellent screen visibility in all lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, making it easier to read the display outdoors.
However, users cannot manually set the display to its maximum brightness of 3,000 nits. Instead, this feature is automatically triggered in bright environments, where the watch adjusts its brightness to enhance visibility based on the ambient light. This adjustment happens regardless of the brightness settings the user has selected. This automatic brightness control system is the same as what’s found on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, offering a seamless experience for users in various lighting conditions.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery
If there aren't any battery upgrades, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is anticipated to retain the same 564mAh battery as its predecessor, the Ultra 2. This battery capacity is a slight upgrade from the 542mAh battery found in the original Apple Watch Ultra, ensuring continued impressive battery life.
With this battery, users can expect reliable performance, with the watch capable of lasting up to three days with moderate use. This includes activities 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 will likely follow a similar pattern to the Ultra 2. It is expected to take around 90 minutes to reach a full charge, with an 80% charge achievable in approximately an hour. This efficient charging process means users will only need to charge the watch every other day, providing convenience and peace of mind for those with busy schedules who prefer not to worry about frequent recharging.
With this battery, users can expect reliable performance, with the watch capable of lasting up to three days with moderate use. This includes activities 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 will likely follow a similar pattern to the Ultra 2. It is expected to take around 90 minutes to reach a full charge, with an 80% charge achievable in approximately an hour. This efficient charging process means users will only need to charge the watch every other day, providing convenience and peace of mind for those with busy schedules 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
While the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could retain much of the hardware from previous models, it will distinguish itself with the inclusion of Apple's next-generation S10 chipset, which is currently only found on the new Series 10 watches.
Although super specific details about the S10's performance are still speculative, it is anticipated to offer improvements in speed and energy efficiency compared to the S9 chip.
Aside from this new chipset, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to remain largely similar to its predecessor, based on the current available information.
Although super specific details about the S10's performance are still speculative, it is anticipated to offer improvements in speed and energy efficiency compared to the S9 chip.
Aside from this new chipset, 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 turn out to be true and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a slightly better variant of the Ultra 2, then it's fair to say that if you already own the second Apple Watch Ultra, there's no need to upgrade to the third generation. While the new chipset could mean a slightly better overall experience, this doesn't make a compelling case for upgrading.
- 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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