With an Apple launch event on the calendar for September 9th, we could be less than a week away from the debut of the long-awaited Apple Watch Ultra 3.
The original Ultra model launched in 2022, and the Ultra 2 arrived in 2023. However, 2024 didn't deliver a new model as expected. Instead, we simply got an admittedly cool-looking jet black case option. With no shortage of Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors floating in the ether, and an oddly un-Apple-like two-year gap since the last release, will 2025 deliver satisfaction to the Ultra faithful?
I'm leaning toward 'yes.' If so, you're likely wondering, how does the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 compare to the Apple Watch Ultra 2? Thanks to years of obsessing over every leak, peep, and murmur about the new rugged model, I've got a darn decent idea of what to expect.
With that in mind, here's how the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 might play out. And for more speculative fun, here's how a theoretical Apple Watch 11 versus Apple Watch Ultra 3 showdown could shake out.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Cost
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the brand's top-of-the-line model. At $799, it's also among the priciest full-featured smartwatches available today. Note: The original model also launched at $799. By comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (the equivalent for Android folks) starts at $649.
While I'm hopeful there's no price hike for the Ultra 3, far pricier smartwatch models have recently debuted. For example, the new Garmin Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED is $1,999. Factor in global economic uncertainty from ongoing U.S. trade negotiations, and you have a potential recipe for price inflation.
That said, I'm a positive person, and given Apple's history of consistent pricing across not just the Ultra line but the flagship Apple Watch line — I expect the Apple Watch Series 11 to cost the same as the Series 10 — let's go with $799 for the Ultra 3.
Winner: draw
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Design and durability
The Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 look essentially the same. However, Apple introduced a slight case design overhaul for the flagship Apple Watch line with last year's Apple Watch Series 10 launch. This hints at a potentially similar treatment for the Ultra 3 this time around.
The Ultra 3 is rumored to be thinner and possibly lighter than the Ultra 2; however, the height and width could see an increase to accommodate a larger display (more on that below).
One intriguing rumor circulating about the Ultra 3 suggests the inclusion of a camera in the case design. Rather than facing the user, it would be embedded in the side of the device and used for visual analysis of objects and/or scenes. That sounds a tad far-fetched to me, but potentially cool nonetheless.
Ultimately, the Ultra 3 will almost certainly look a whole lot like the Ultra 2 and Ultra before it, with similar dimensions and buttons/crown placement. Sadly, my hopes for a smaller Ultra 3 size option will probably not come to pass.
It will also most likely offer the same 100 meters of water resistance and rugged, titanium case design.
Winner: draw
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Display
One upgrade we're sure to see in the Ultra 3 is a brighter and possibly more energy-efficient display with improved viewing angles to boot. The Apple Watch Series 10 introduced the brand's latest-gen wide-angle OLED screens, which offer fantastic viewability.
While the Ultra 3 may sport that tech, there are also rumors of it being Apple's first MicroLED smartwatch. Compared to OLED, MicroLED screens are more efficient, brighter, and generally longer-lasting. With Garmin beating Apple to the MicroLED punch with the new Fenix 8 Pro model, I've got a sneaking suspicion that the Ultra 3 might be the world's second MicroLED smartwatch.
Beyond that, rumors also suggest a slight increase in screen size and possibly pixel density. One rumor says that the screen size could increase from 1.93 inches (Ultra 2) to 2.12 inches. For screen brightness, I expect the max output to jump from 3,000 nits on the Ultra 2 to 4,000 nits or more on the Ultra 3.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Health and fitness features
We already know about one new fitness feature coming to all eligible Apple Watch models when the new watchOS 26 debuts this fall: Workout Buddy. Similar to Running Coach on the best Samsung smartwatches, and Google's yet-to-be-released, paywalled Fitbit AI Fitness Coach, Apple's Workout Buddy is a personalized, virtual instructor that analyzes your abilities, helps you set goals, and encourages you via multi-week training programs and more.
At launch, it's primarily aimed at newbie runners, though my very-much-not-a-beginner-runner colleague Jane ran 15 miles with Workout Buddy in watchOS 26 beta (impressions were mixed).
Beyond that, rumors (and wishful thinking) suggest that some form of daily energy and/or sleep score could finally debut on the latest Apple Watch models. If this occurs, it seems likely that older models will also inherit the metrics.
The major rumor on the wellness side for the Ultra 3 is the debut of on-wrist high blood pressure monitoring/alerts. We know that numerous brands, not just Apple, have been working toward a feature like this, and the Ultra 3 seems like a sensible place for it to make its debut.
After all, hypertension is a silent killer that frequently goes undiagnosed despite resulting in about 13% of deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Like sleep apnea detection on the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, high blood pressure alerts could be a potential lifesaver.
However, unlike 2024's sleep apnea detection feature, I doubt this latest holistic tool will come to older models. But never say never (again)... unless you're Sean Connery.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: AI features
Apple hasn't exactly wowed us with onboard AI features in the current generation of Apple Watches. Sure, the latest watchOS 26 beta brings about some useful AI tools, like automatic message translations and the aforementioned Workout Buddy feature. The latter, however, requires that your smartwatch be paired with an Apple Intelligence-compatible phone, i.e., one of the latest models.
With the Ultra 3, I'm hoping to see more AI features that run natively on the watch, sans phone. While an AI-powered Siri would be a hugely welcomed addition — I'm a big fan of the Gemini AI assistant built into the Galaxy Watch 8 — I won't hold my breath on that showing up. Insiders suggest an overhauled Siri is delayed until 2026.
More likely, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will offer a small handful of new, possibly exclusive (to the latest-gen) AI features. Going back to the onboard camera rumor, for example, perhaps subject/object/scene identification will be one of the Ultra 3's shiny new tricks? Time will tell.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Safety features
Safety tools, like fall and crash detection, are a major reason why many folks buy an Apple Watch, and the Ultra 3 is rumored to offer something brand-new (for Apple).
When Google dropped the new Pixel Watch 4 back in August, it became the world's first smartwatch with satellite-based SOS messaging. If numerous rumors pan out, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the second.
Similar to Google's implementation, this safety feature would likely be for emergencies only, not for casually messaging friends when off-the-grid on a scenic day hike, but for connecting with 911 during a medical or other emergency when cell service isn't an option.
As an avid outdoor adventurer, this is exactly the type of tech I want to see in a rugged-built smartwatch. It's also a feature I doubt will trickle down to older models based on hardware limitations.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Battery life
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 lasts for a respectable 36 hours per charge with the always-on display and up to 72 hours in low-power mode. However, the combo of a slightly larger case to accommodate a bigger battery, more efficient processing, and a less power-hungry screen could result in serious battery life improvements for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Should you upgrade?
It's been two years since we last got an Apple Watch Ultra refresh, so a new model seems reasonable this time around, though not as certain as an Apple Watch Series 11. If one does come to fruition, it's likely to be more than an iterative update, i.e., a bigger overhaul than the Ultra to the Ultra 2. That is, if all or most of the rumors noted above pan out.
Should Apple Watch Ultra 2 owners upgrade to the Ultra 3? That's more difficult to answer. For me, personally, the addition of a new satellite SOS tool and hypertension alerts, plus a brighter display and better battery life, are probably enough to move the needle. None of that is guaranteed, of course, nor are any shiny new AI features, a thinner case, larger screen, etc.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the (possible) debut of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3, along with the (probably) arrival of the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple iPhone 17 lineup, and more.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
