Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 Worth the Upgrade? These 3 Features Might Convince You
After a one-year gap since the release of the original Apple Watch Ultra , Apple is expected to unveil the Ultra 3 this September — alongside the iPhone 17 series , Apple Watch Series 11 , and a more affordable Plastic Apple Watch SE .
The new Ultra 3 will reportedly bring major upgrades to stay ahead of competition from the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Pixel Watch 3 . While faster performance and improved battery life are already anticipated, here are three standout features we’re most excited about:
1. 5G Connectivity with MediaTek Modem
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Ultra 3 will switch from Intel to MediaTek modems , bringing support for 5G RedCap — a lighter version of 5G optimized for wearables. Though not as fast as full 5G, it’s a clear step up from the current LTE speeds.
This upgrade is also expected to come to the Apple Watch Series 11 , making it a key shift in Apple’s wearable connectivity strategy.
2. Satellite Messaging Support
Since its debut on the iPhone 14 , satellite connectivity has been a highly requested feature for Apple Watch users. The Ultra 3 is now said to offer satellite messaging , using Globalstar satellites — the same network used by iPhones.
This means users will be able to send text messages from remote locations where cellular or Wi-Fi signals aren’t available.
3. Blood Pressure Detection (Coming Soon After)
While not launching with the watch, blood pressure detection is reportedly in development and could arrive via a software update later in 2025. Similar to Apple’s sleep apnea detection, this feature will alert users to potential hypertension rather than providing exact readings.
