Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: Satellite, Bigger Battery, Brighter Screen — The Adventure Watch Gets Its First True Upgrade

Apple’s most rugged smartwatch has just received its biggest refresh yet. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 doesn’t look radically different from the outside, but don’t let the familiar design fool you. Early reviews are calling this a “proper upgrade” thanks to two-way satellite connectivity, a brighter and bigger display, and a seriously impressive boost in battery life.

If you’re a hiker, adventurer, or just someone who doesn’t want to worry about your watch dying mid-trip, this is the Apple Watch to keep your eye on.

The Headline Feature: Satellite Connectivity

This is the one everyone’s talking about. For the first time, the Apple Watch can now connect directly to satellites — even if you’re way off the grid with no cell service.

• Emergency SOS via satellite is included for two years in supported regions.

• You can also use Messages and Find My over satellite, but those features require an active cellular plan and are rolling out region by region.

As CNET put 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.”

For adventurers, travelers, or even just peace of mind, this feature alone makes the Ultra 3 a major step forward.

Battery Life: Finally a “Weekend Watch”

Battery life has always been a selling point for the Ultra line, and Apple just raised the bar again.

• 42 hours of regular use (up from 36 on the Ultra 2).

• 72 hours in Low Power Mode.

• Faster charging: 80% in about 45 minutes.

Wired summed it up perfectly:

“It’s a weekend watch now.”

That means you can head out on a camping trip or a long hike without constantly worrying about your charger.

Design: Familiar but Refined

Yes, the rugged 49mm titanium case still looks like an Ultra, but Apple has refined the design in smart ways:

• 100% recycled titanium, made with a new 3D-printing process.

• Slimmer bezels (~24% thinner) allow for a slightly larger screen.

• New LTPO3 OLED display with:

  • 3,000 nits peak brightness (easier in sunlight).

  • Better off-angle visibility (TechRadar).

  • Resolution bump to 422×514.

Of course, staples like the Action Button, dual-frequency GPS, 100m water resistance, and the siren remain.

Health & Software: watchOS 26 Goodies

Running watchOS 26, the Ultra 3 also brings some important health and fitness updates:

• Hypertension Notifications (FDA-cleared).

• New Sleep Score for more detailed rest tracking.

• Workout Buddy, Apple’s AI-powered coaching voice (requires an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone nearby).

• And a big one: the Blood Oxygen app is back in the US after being unavailable on recent models.

These software features also come to select older models, but paired with the Ultra’s rugged hardware, they make for a complete package.

Should You Buy the Ultra 3?

Reviewers agree: this is the biggest upgrade yet for Apple’s adventure watch. If you have the original Ultra, this is a clear step up. If you’re deciding between the Ultra 3, Series 11, or SE 3, here’s the breakdown:

• Go Ultra 3 if you’re serious about outdoor activities, fitness, and want the brightest, biggest screen plus dual-frequency GPS.

• Go Series 11 if you want a slimmer, more everyday watch with many of the same health features.

• Go SE 3 if you’re just looking for Apple’s best-value smartwatch.

The only real downside? The Ultra 3 is still big and bulky — not everyone wants a watch this chunky on their wrist.

Price & Availability

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available to pre-order now starting at $799, alongside the new Series 11 and SE 3. You can grab it directly from Apple or through retailers like Amazon and major carriers.

In short: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is no minor refresh. With satellite safety, a weekend-long battery, and a brighter, tougher screen, it finally feels like the adventure watch Apple always promised.