As Apple gears up for its upcoming “Glowtime” event on September 9, all eyes are on the anticipated launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Alongside the iPhone 16 series, the new Ultra 3 model is expected to make its debut, but what can we expect from this latest iteration? Here’s a roundup of the most credible leaks and rumors circulating about the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Release Date and Pricing Expectations
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is likely to be unveiled at Apple’s September 9 event, with availability in stores projected for September 20. As for pricing, there haven’t been any substantial leaks, but it’s widely anticipated that the Ultra 3 will maintain the $799 starting price of its predecessor, the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Design: Subtle Changes on the Horizon
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple insider, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 won’t see major design changes. The Ultra line, which debuted in 2022, is still relatively new, so Apple appears to be holding off on any significant redesigns.
Instead, the Ultra 3 is expected to retain the key features of the Ultra 2, including:
- 49mm case size
- Titanium chassis
- Always-on display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness
Although rumors hinted at a potential Ultra model with a microLED display priced at $1,500, this upgrade has reportedly been pushed to 2027.
Hardware and Performance: A New Chip, But Little Else
The Ultra 3 might not bring significant hardware upgrades beyond a new processor. Unlike the Apple Watch Series 10, which is rumored to feature larger screens, the Ultra 3 is expected to focus on software enhancements rather than hardware innovations. This suggests that the Ultra 3 will largely mirror the performance and features of the Ultra 2, with most changes occurring under the hood.
Health Features: What’s New?
Apple is reportedly working on adding several new health features to its watch lineup, including:
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Sleep apnea detection
- Glucose monitoring
However, there are reports of challenges in perfecting these features, particularly the blood pressure monitor, which may delay its inclusion in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It remains unclear whether Apple will introduce these new sensors with the Ultra 3 or hold off until future models.
Battery Life: Status Quo for Now
If the rumored delay of the microLED display is accurate, it’s likely that the Ultra 3 will not see a significant improvement in battery life. The current Ultra 2 model boasts up to 36 hours of battery life, and the Ultra 3 is expected to offer a similar runtime.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 Worth the Upgrade?
Given the rumors, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 appears to be more of an incremental update rather than a groundbreaking new release. As Gurman notes, those who invested in the Ultra 2 last year may not find enough new features to justify upgrading to the Ultra 3.
However, Apple is known for keeping surprises under wraps until the official announcement, so it’s still possible that the company has some unexpected features planned for its high-end smartwatch. We’ll find out for sure on September 9.
