Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: Solid Watch, Minor Upgrade

Figuring out the ideal user for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 can feel like a puzzle. Is it for the dedicated Garmin enthusiast scaling remote peaks, or the tech aficionado who craves the absolute top-tier smartwatch? After three years of considering the Ultra’s target audience, the answer for this latest model seems straightforward: it’s for anyone who desires an Ultra but hasn’t purchased one yet.

This new iteration doesn’t introduce a flood of revolutionary changes, especially when placed next to the more budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3. The display appears slightly larger due to slimmer bezels, and it now includes satellite and 5G connectivity. Battery life sees a welcome boost, extending from 36 hours to a claimed 42 hours. WatchOS 26 brings useful additions like the wrist-flick gesture, hypertension alerts, and a refined smart stack, though these software features are not exclusive to the Ultra 3.

While these updates aren’t earth-shattering, the Ultra 3 possesses a certain magnetism that the standard Apple Watch Series 11 lacks. Its announcement generated palpable excitement, a reaction not mirrored for the Series 11. However, for current Ultra owners, there are only a few specific situations where upgrading makes practical sense.

The improvements are best described as iterative. The Ultra 3 is undoubtedly a better device than the Ultra 2, which itself was an improvement over the original. Yet, the degree of enhancement from one generation to the next remains subtle.

Consider the screen. It is marginally bigger with a thinner bezel, and the second hand on the always-on display now moves. You would likely only notice these refinements with a side-by-side comparison to an older model. It doesn’t represent the dramatic leap experienced when moving from a Series 6 to a Series 7, or from a standard Series model to an Ultra. It’s a nice touch, but not a game-changer.

In my testing area, finding a complete cellular dead zone proved challenging. That said, the cellular connectivity does feel more robust. Downloads are a bit quicker when I leave my phone behind or stream music on a run, with fewer interruptions than I encountered with my LTE-enabled Ultra 2. For most, it’s still simpler to download content over Wi-Fi in advance. I experienced one instance of significant battery drain on 5G, but it appeared to be an anomaly I couldn’t reproduce.

The addition of satellite text messaging, location sharing, and emergency calling is a notable feature, but its utility is highly situational. Over several weeks, I deliberately sought out remote trails in New Jersey and upstate New York known for poor reception. Despite my efforts, I never found myself completely without a cellular signal. The satellite support is present, but a true test will require a future trip to a genuinely off-grid location.

You can run through satellite connection demos for practice. It’s important to note that using satellites for communication is strictly reserved for emergencies when no other options exist. While I couldn’t test text or location sharing in a real-world scenario, I did participate in a guided emergency SOS demonstration at Apple Park, which functioned perfectly. Comprehensive real-world testing is ethically complex, as no one should fake a 911 call or intentionally endanger themselves for a product review. Based on my location and hiking habits, I simply haven’t found a need for the satellite features yet.

This reality might be completely different for you. My spouse’s family in rural Maryland, for instance, has a notorious “spot” by a specific walnut tree where you must stand to get a single bar of service. In such environments, satellite texting on our iPhones has been invaluable. For people in similar communities, having satellite SOS on a smartwatch could provide an extra layer of security.

For serious thru-hikers, the situation is different. You might manage a short weekend trip without a battery pack, but for extended expeditions, I remain skeptical that the Ultra 3’s battery life has improved enough to replace a dedicated device like a Garmin inReach or a satellite phone. Remember, the Ultra 3 is limited to emergency SOS, texts, and location sharing. An inReach offers weather forecasts, detailed route tracking, navigation, and significantly longer battery life. For the avid adventurer, the watch’s satellite function feels more like a valuable backup than a primary communication tool.

This year marks the first time Apple has increased its official battery life estimates for both the Ultra and Series lines. While the Series 11’s gains felt modest, the improvement on the Ultra 3 has been more noticeable in my use.

I have consistently achieved between 60 and 70 hours on a single charge, though your own experience will undoubtedly vary based on how you use the watch.

A real-world test during a work trip to Meta Connect demonstrated its stamina. I started a Tuesday at 8:45 AM with a full charge. Over the next 60 hours, I dealt with a constant stream of notifications, walked over 26,000 steps, recorded a 40-minute GPS run, tracked two nights of sleep, and took a 6.5-hour flight. I arrived home on Thursday evening with 15 percent battery remaining. After enabling low-power mode, I made it through the evening and night, waking up near the 72-hour mark with about 5 percent left. This was with what I consider medium usage, which is impressive. My typical Ultra 2 usage yielded 48 to 55 hours, so the Ultra 3 represents a clear step up.

Charging speeds remain sufficiently fast. A quick top-up during my morning routine is often all that’s needed. One morning, I started my shower at 6:44 AM with 15 percent battery. By 7:23 AM, after getting ready, the watch had charged to 55 percent, providing more than enough power for the day, overnight sleep tracking, and a run the next morning.

So, who should actually buy the Ultra 3?

For anyone with a perfectly functional Ultra 2, my advice is clear: do not upgrade. If you own the original Ultra, your decision hinges on how appealing you find new gesture controls like double tap and wrist flick. I find them genuinely convenient and worthwhile, but if they don’t excite you, save your money.

If you’re a weekend adventurer who has held off on buying an Ultra until now, ask yourself two questions: How frequently are you truly off-grid, and how is the cellular service in your area? If the answers are “rarely” and “excellent,” it would be wise to watch for clearance sales on the Ultra 2. However, if you’ve been wanting an Ultra, haven’t bought one, and your lifestyle involves enough off-grid activity that the added connectivity brings you peace of mind, then the Ultra 3 is the watch for you.

(Source: The Verge)