Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025)
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025), expected to be released in September 2025 (231.27 million units forecasted to be sold for 2026), is rumored to come in new colors like Midnight Blue and Forest Green, alongside the classic Titanium and Space Black finishes. The design is expected to be more rugged, with a larger, more durable display and enhanced water resistance. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is highly water-resistant, designed for extreme conditions and activities. It has a water-resistance rating of 100 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010 and is also EN13319-compliant, making it suitable for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters (about 130 feet) and high-speed water sports.
Compatibility and Charging
The Ultra 3 will be most compatible with the latest iPhone models, particularly those running iOS 18 and above. It will support wireless charging with a new, faster charging puck, and is expected to have improved battery life, lasting up to 72 hours on a single charge. Network connectivity will include 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, and enhanced GPS capabilities.
EXTRA ACCESSORY – The AURA Strap 2 (more information here) is a smart band for the Apple Watch that enhances its health and fitness tracking capabilities. Here are some highlights:
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- Body Composition Analysis: Measures body fat, muscle mass, and water levels.
- Hydration Tracking: Monitors your hydration levels.
- Compatibility: Works with Apple Watch Series 3 and newer.
- Battery Life: Uses a replaceable CR1632 coin battery, lasting up to six months.
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant up to 50 cm, but not suitable for high-pressure water activities.
It connects via Bluetooth and syncs data with the AURA app, providing detailed insights and personalized fitness recommendations.
Approximate Cost
The expected cost for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is around $999, making it a premium option in the smartwatch market.
- CPU: The S10 chip is likely to feature a dual-core processor with a clock speed of around 1.8 GHz.
- GPU: The integrated GPU to the S10 and is expected to have a clock speed of approximately 700 MHz.
- Process Node: The chip is expected to be manufactured using a 5nm process, which should enhance efficiency and performance.
- Neural Engine: A 4-core Neural Engine is anticipated, providing improved machine learning (ML) capabilities.
- RAM: The S10 chip is expected to include 1.5 GB of LPDDR4X RAM.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Ultra 2 & Series 10 & 11
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025) is expected to be a significant upgrade in the Apple Watch lineup, featuring advanced health tracking, rugged durability, and enhanced connectivity. Here’s a detailed comparison with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10, and the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11.
Design and Durability
- Ultra 3: Rugged design with enhanced water resistance, new color options like Midnight Blue and Forest Green, and a larger, more durable display.
- Ultra 2: Similar rugged design, available in Titanium and Space Black, with slightly less water resistance.
- Series 10: Sleek and thin design, available in polished aluminum and titanium finishes, with a focus on everyday wear.
- Series 11: Expected to have minimal design changes from Series 10, with a possible MicroLED display for better brightness and energy efficiency.
Health and Fitness Tracking
- Ultra 3: Advanced health tracking with non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, hydration tracking, improved heart rate, ECG, and blood oxygen sensors.
- Ultra 2: Comprehensive health tracking including ECG, blood oxygen, and heart rate monitoring, but lacks the new sensors of the Ultra 3.
- Series 10: Excellent health tracking with new sleep apnea notifications, depth and water temperature sensors, and advanced sleep tracking.
- Series 11: Expected to include new health sensors, possibly for blood pressure and improved sleep tracking.
Battery Life and Charging
- Ultra 3: Up to 72 hours of battery life with faster wireless charging.
- Ultra 2: Up to 60 hours of battery life with standard wireless charging.
- Series 10: Up to 18 hours of battery life with the fastest charging in the lineup, reaching 80% in about 30 minutes.
- Series 11: Expected to have improved battery life and faster charging, but specific details are not yet confirmed.
Connectivity and Navigation
- Ultra 3: Supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, enhanced GPS, and satellite connectivity for emergency communication.
- Ultra 2: Supports 4G, Wi-Fi 6, and reliable GPS capabilities.
- Series 10: Supports 4G, Wi-Fi 6, and standard GPS, with new features like on-wrist translations and improved noise suppression for phone calls.
- Series 11: Expected to support 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, with enhanced connectivity features.
Unique Features
- Ultra 3:
- Satellite Connectivity: For emergency communication in remote areas.
- Customizable Buttons: Programmable for quick access to frequently used features.
- Environmental Sensors: Monitors air quality, UV index, and pollen levels.
- Ultra 2:
- Action Button: Customizable for various functions.
- Depth Gauge and Water Temperature Sensor: Useful for divers.
- Series 10:
- Wide-Angle OLED Display: Brighter and more readable from different angles.
- Sleep Apnea Notifications: Detects signs of sleep apnea.
- Series 11:
- MicroLED Display: Potentially offering higher pixel density and brighter images.
- Advanced Health Sensors: Possibly including blood pressure monitoring.
Price
- Ultra 3: Expected around $999.
- Ultra 2: Slightly cheaper than the Ultra 3.
- Series 10: Priced between $399 and $459 depending on the model size.
- Series 11: Expected to maintain a similar price structure to Series 10.
Reasons to Buy
- Advanced Health Tracking: Enhanced sensors for more accurate health metrics.
- Durability: Improved materials and design for extreme conditions.
- Battery Life: Extended battery life compared to previous models.
- Connectivity: 5G and Wi-Fi 6E support for faster data transfer.
- Design: Sleek, rugged design with new color options.
- Display: Larger, brighter display for better visibility.
- Water Resistance: Enhanced water resistance for underwater activities.
- Performance: Faster processor for smoother operation.
- Compatibility: Seamless integration with the latest iPhones.
- Customization: More band options and watch faces.
Reasons Not to Buy
- Size: Larger size may not be comfortable for all users.
- Battery Life: While improved, still may not meet everyone’s needs.
- Compatibility: Best features require the latest iPhone.
- Learning Curve: New features may take time to master.
Competitor Comparison
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Enduro 4
Design and Durability
- Garmin Enduro 4: Features a rugged design with a titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens. It’s built to withstand extreme conditions and is lightweight for comfortable long-term wear. The UltraFit nylon band is breathable and suitable for all-weather conditions.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Also rugged, with enhanced water resistance and a durable display. It comes in new color options like Midnight Blue and Forest Green, adding a fresh look. The design is slightly bulkier but built to handle extreme sports and outdoor adventures.
Battery Life
- Garmin Enduro 4: Offers up to 45 days in smartwatch mode and up to 150 hours in GPS mode with solar charging. This makes it ideal for long expeditions and endurance events.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Provides up to 72 hours of battery life with normal use and faster wireless charging. While impressive, it doesn’t match the extended battery life of the Enduro 4.
Health and Fitness Tracking
- Garmin Enduro 4: Includes advanced metrics such as VO2 max, training load, heat and altitude acclimation, trail run VO2 max, grade-adjusted pace, and NextFork Map Guides. It also offers targeted strength training plans and sport-specific workouts.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Introduces advanced health tracking features like non-invasive blood glucose monitoring and hydration tracking, along with improved heart rate, ECG, and blood oxygen sensors. It provides comprehensive health insights but focuses more on general health rather than extreme sports metrics.
Connectivity and Navigation
- Garmin Enduro 4: Supports multi-band GNSS, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, for precise tracking in challenging environments. It offers preloaded TopoActive maps, dynamic round-trip routing, and turn-by-turn directions. The built-in LED flashlight with variable intensities and a red light mode is a handy feature for night use.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and enhanced GPS capabilities. It relies on third-party apps for offline maps but includes satellite connectivity for emergency communication in remote areas.
Unique Features
- Garmin Enduro 4:
- Solar Charging: Extends battery life during outdoor activities.
- Advanced Training Metrics: Features like trail run VO2 max and ClimbPro ascent planner.
- Offline Maps: Preloaded topographic maps for navigation without a phone.
- ECG App: FDA-cleared ECG app to record heart rhythm and check for signs of atrial fibrillation.
- Garmin Messenger: Allows two-way text messaging via the Garmin Messenger app.
- Garmin Pay: Supports contactless payments.
- Music Storage: Download songs from Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music for phone-free listening.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3:
- Satellite Connectivity: For emergency communication in remote areas.
- Customizable Buttons: Programmable for quick access to frequently used features.
- Environmental Sensors: Monitors air quality and UV index.
- Advanced Health Sensors: Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring and hydration tracking.
Price
- Garmin Enduro 4: Priced at $999.99, reflecting its extensive features and durability.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Expected to be around $999
Bottom Line
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is set to be a top-tier smartwatch with advanced health tracking, rugged design, and improved connectivity. While its high price and larger size may not suit everyone, its comprehensive features and durability make it an excellent choice for those seeking a premium, high-performance smartwatch.
