Apple unveils Apple Watch Ultra 3 with satellite connectivity and largest display yet

Apple has announced the Apple Watch Ultra 3, describing it as its most advanced smartwatch to date.

The rugged wearable introduces built-in satellite communications, hypertension notifications, and the largest display ever on an Apple Watch.

The new screen uses Apple’s latest LTPO3 display technology and wide-angle OLEDs. Borders are 24% thinner, making the active display area the biggest of any Apple Watch without changing the case size.

The always-on display now refreshes every second instead of once a minute, so users can see a ticking seconds hand without raising their wrist.

Apple says the Ultra 3 delivers up to 42 hours of battery life in normal use, and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Fast charging adds 12 hours of use from just 15 minutes.

For the first time, Apple Watch Ultra includes built-in, two-way satellite connectivity.

Users can text emergency services, message friends and family, and share their location while off the grid.

Emergency SOS via satellite is included for two years, even without a cellular plan. With a plan, users can also send Messages and Find My updates via satellite.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduces hypertension notifications, alerting users to signs of chronic high blood pressure detected over time. Apple says the feature was developed using data from more than 100,000 people and validated in clinical trials.

A new Sleep Score helps wearers track the quality of their rest, alongside existing tools for sleep apnea, heart rate, and blood oxygen monitoring.

watchOS 26 brings Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence, which provides personalised, spoken motivation based on a user’s fitness data.

The Workout app has been redesigned to make it easier to build custom routines, while music and podcasts can be set to start automatically with workouts.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes in natural or black titanium. New band options include a reflective Trail Loop, fresh colours for the Ocean Band and Alpine Loop, and a new Hermès diving strap.

Apple says the watch is made with 40% recycled materials, including 100% recycled cobalt in the battery and titanium in the case. Packaging is fully fibre-based.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available to pre-order today, with in-store availability starting Friday, September 19.