What the rumor mill says about Apple Watch Ultra 3

As anticipation builds for Apple’s next-generation wearables, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is generating significant buzz. Expected to launch in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 series, the Ultra 3 is poised to refine the rugged, premium smartwatch line introduced in 2022. While Apple keeps details under wraps, leaks and insider reports offer tantalizing clues about what’s in store. Here’s a roundup of the most credible rumors circulating about the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Release Date and Pricing
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is widely expected to debut at Apple’s annual fall event, with a likely release date around September 19, 2025. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman have both corroborated a 2025 launch, following Apple’s decision to skip an Ultra update in 2024. Pricing is expected to remain consistent with the Ultra 2’s $799 starting point, though potential U.S. tariffs could nudge costs higher.
Design and Display
Don’t expect a radical redesign versus Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Ultra 3 is rumored to retain the 49mm titanium case, sapphire crystal display, and signature features like the orange-ringed Digital Crown and customizable Action Button. However, a December 2023 TrendForce report suggested a larger 2.12-inch display, a 10% increase over the Ultra 2’s 1.93-inch screen. This could be achieved by shrinking bezels to retain a similar overall sized case to previous models.
Display upgrades are also on the table. While early rumors hinted at a microLED panel for brighter visuals and better battery efficiency, recent reports indicate Apple has delayed this technology until 2026 or 2027. Instead, the Ultra 3 is likely to adopt the Series 10’s LTPO3 OLED display, offering a faster refresh rate and up to 40% brighter viewing angles at 3,000 nits.
Health and Connectivity Features
Health monitoring is a major focus. The Ultra 3 is expected to introduce blood pressure monitoring, alerting users to potential hypertension without providing exact systolic or diastolic readings. This feature, delayed from 2024 due to testing issues, could be a game-changer for early detection. Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring remains years away, but sleep apnea detection may also debut.
Connectivity upgrades are another highlight. The Ultra 3 is rumored to support satellite texting, akin to the iPhone’s Emergency SOS feature, allowing users to send messages in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Additionally, 5G RedCap support via a MediaTek modem could enhance data speeds for navigation and streaming, tailored for wearables.
Performance and Software
The Ultra 3 will likely feature the S10 or S11 chip, boosting performance and enabling Apple Intelligence features like an AI-powered fitness coach codenamed “Quartz.” Running watchOS 12 (possibly watchOS 26), the Ultra 3 may sport a visionOS-inspired interface with glass-like UI elements. Battery life is expected to remain at 36 hours, though a more efficient display could stretch this slightly.
MacDailyNews Take: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 shapes up as an iterative update, focusing on health, connectivity, and display enhancements rather than a bold redesign. For Ultra 2 owners, the upgrade may feel incremental, but for those with older Ultra, and certainly non-Ultra, Apple Watches or anyone seeking cutting-edge health features, we expect Apple Watch Ultra 3 to be a compelling choice.

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