Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple Watch Ultra 3Specs, Price & Expert Reviews

Last updated

Ultra 3 is the endurance model. Long battery life, satellite messaging and 5G, all wrapped in titanium built to take a beating. It is far more watch than city life asks for, and about right for anyone who spends real time off pavement.

Newer one is out

Is the new one worth it?
Great4.2/5
Released
Sep 19, 2025
Price today
From $649
When to buy
Apple Watch Ultra 4 is out 
OCT 7 · LATEST ON APPLE WATCH ULTRA 4
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Best for

Outdoor adventure.
It is water resistant to 100 metres and runs 42 hours on a charge.Confirmed: apple.com
Fitness.
It tracks running, cycling and swimming, with advanced training metrics behind them.Confirmed: apple.com
Safety.
You can message and call for help by satellite when you are off the grid.Confirmed: apple.com

What 17 reviewers said

More reviews

The screen and battery life are great.

Screen

Reviewers liked looking at the screen.

Price

Reviewers think it costs too much.

Battery life

Reviewers got good battery life out of it.

Comparison

Compare watches

How it compares

Cost over 3 years

$799

Device price plus up to three years of optional subscription.

Weight

62g

Grams on your wrist. Lower is lighter.

Battery life

~1.8 days

How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.

Cost over 3 years

Apple Watch Ultra 3
$799
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
$299.99
Pixel Watch 4
$349 → $709
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
$379.99
Apple Watch Series 11
$399

DeviceOptional subscription

Case only, without a strap, as the maker quotes it.

Battery life can vary based on usage, settings and firmware version.

If not this one

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is our pick for outdoor adventure, fitness and safety. Where it does not lead, here is what does, and why you would switch.

  • If you mostly runGarmin Forerunner

    This is Garmin's GPS running-watch line.

    $249.99
  • If you want the broadest health pictureSamsung Galaxy Watch 9

    Samsung Health coaches you from your wrist.

    $379.99
  • If you need directions without the phoneAmazfit T-Rex

    Preloaded maps, route planning and rerouting on the watch.

    $649.99

Get Apple Watch Ultra 3 updates

Email me when there's news.

Works with

These answers are the same as for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and name nothing specific to one generation.

With a limitSame as the Apple Watch Ultra 4

Apple Pay works where your bank, card, and market support it.

You need a supported card from a participating card issuer, and Apple Pay must be available in your market. The checked Apple sources did not document Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or Garmin Pay for watchOS.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Same as the Apple Watch Ultra 4

Set it up in the Apple Watch app; Apple Fitness+ is optional.

The watch uses the Apple Watch app on a compatible paired iPhone for setup and management. Your Apple Account signs it into Apple services. Apple Fitness+ is a separate subscription for workouts and meditations, and it is not available in every country or region.

See details and sources (3)
  • Apple: Set up your Apple WatchFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    To set up Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, you need an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 27 or later.
    Make sure your iPhone has Bluetooth turned on, and it's connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
    If asked, enter your Apple Account password.
  • Apple: Sign in to your Apple Account on the web or in your device settingsFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    If you're already signed in on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch, you will automatically be signed in to that Apple Account on your watch.
  • Apple: How to subscribe to Apple Fitness+From the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Subscribe to Apple Fitness+ to access video and audio workouts and meditations.
    Apple Fitness+ availability might vary by country or region.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

WorksSame as the Apple Watch Ultra 4

Find My can locate and protect a lost Apple Watch Ultra.

You can play a sound, mark the watch as lost, erase it remotely, use Notify When Found, and use Activation Lock. Availability can vary by country or region, and Find My and your Apple Account need to be set up as needed.

See details and sources (1)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

What you need

How does the Apple Watch Ultra use the iPhone app, Apple Account, and subscriptions?

Same as the Apple Watch Ultra 4

Set it up in the Apple Watch app; Apple Fitness+ is optional.

The watch uses the Apple Watch app on a compatible paired iPhone for setup and management. Your Apple Account signs it into Apple services. Apple Fitness+ is a separate subscription for workouts and meditations, and it is not available in every country or region.

See details and sources (3)
  • Apple: Set up your Apple WatchFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    To set up Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, you need an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 27 or later.
    Make sure your iPhone has Bluetooth turned on, and it's connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
    If asked, enter your Apple Account password.
  • Apple: Sign in to your Apple Account on the web or in your device settingsFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    If you're already signed in on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch, you will automatically be signed in to that Apple Account on your watch.
  • Apple: How to subscribe to Apple Fitness+From the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Subscribe to Apple Fitness+ to access video and audio workouts and meditations.
    Apple Fitness+ availability might vary by country or region.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

Supports

With a limitSame as the Apple Watch Ultra 4

Many work over Wi-Fi or cellular, but some still need the iPhone on.

With Wi-Fi or cellular, the watch can send and receive messages when the iPhone is not nearby. On a cellular Apple Watch, SMS, MMS, and third-party push notifications still need the paired iPhone powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, though it can be somewhere else. A paired iPhone is still required for normal setup.

See details and sources (2)
  • Apple: Set up your Apple WatchFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    To set up Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, you need an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 27 or later.
    Make sure your iPhone has Bluetooth turned on, and it's connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
  • Apple: Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearbyFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    With a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, your Apple Watch can do the following things, even if your iPhone isn't with you.
    MMS, or push notifications from third-party apps on your cellular Apple Watch, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, but it doesn't need to be nearby.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limitSame as the Apple Watch Ultra 4

Apple Watch For Your Kids can work without the child's own iPhone.

A parent or guardian needs an iPhone, Apple Accounts for both people, a Family Sharing group, and a compatible watch. A mobile data plan is not needed for setup, but some features need one. Some companion-iPhone features are unavailable, carrier and region support varies, and third-party app behavior such as WhatsApp is not fully documented for Family Setup.

See details and sources (2)
  • Apple: Set up cellular on Apple WatchFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    * An Apple Watch that you set up using Apple Watch For Your Kids (formerly known as Family Setup) can use a different carrier than your iPhone uses.
    Unlike iPhone, there isn't a worldwide Apple Watch model that supports all cellular bands used globally.
  • Apple: Set up Apple Watch for a family memberFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Apple Watch For Your Kids, formerly known as Family Setup, lets family members who don't have their own iPhone enjoy the features and benefits of an Apple Watch.
    An Apple Account for yourself and one for the family member who will use the Apple Watch.
    A Family Sharing group that includes the person who will use the Apple Watch.
    A mobile data plan isn't required to set up an Apple Watch for a family member, but is necessary for some features.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limitSame as the Apple Watch Ultra 4

It works with Bluetooth fitness sensors and compatible GymKit equipment.

  • Bluetooth heart-rate sensors
  • cycling sensors/power meters
  • compatible treadmills, ellipticals, indoor bikes and other GymKit equipment

Pair supported Bluetooth heart-rate sensors, cycling sensors, and power meters, or use GymKit cardio equipment marked "Connects to Apple Watch" or "Connect to Apple Watch." Apple has not confirmed ANT+ support in current first-party documentation, so ANT+ remains unknown rather than unsupported.

See details and sources (3)

Last checked 2026-09-21.

With a limitSame as the Apple Watch Ultra 4

Some features vary by country, region, language, or carrier.

Check Apple's current watchOS Feature Availability page for the exact feature and region or language. Health features, Siri AI, Apple Pay, cellular, and satellite can all have country, region, language, or carrier limits.

See details and sources (5)
  • Apple: Countries and regions that support Apple PayFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Apple Pay is not available in all markets.
  • Apple: Hypertension notifications on your Apple WatchFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Hypertension Notifications might not be available on Apple Watch Series 12 or Apple Watch Ultra 4 in your region, as additional regulatory clearances for the feature for these models are in process.
  • Apple: Requirements for Siri AI (Beta)From the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    watchOS 27 on Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, and Apple Watch SE 3, with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone nearby
    Device language and Siri language set to English
    Siri AI is not available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS.
    Siri AI will not work in China mainland if your Apple Account region is in mainland China.
  • Apple: Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your Apple Watch UltraFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Emergency SOS via satellite is available in Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal
  • Apple: watchOS Feature AvailabilityFrom the maker or platform · checked 2026-09-21
    Some watchOS features are not currently available in every region or language.

Last checked 2026-09-21.

4.2 / 5
Great

Screen

Reviewers liked looking at the screen.

Price

Reviewers think it costs too much.

Battery life

Reviewers got good battery life out of it.

Scores published by other outlets, normalized and averaged. iDevice did not test these products for this score.

8 expert reviews

  1. The Shortcut
    Max BuondonnoDec 12, 2025
    4.5 / 5
    Read review
  2. OutdoorGearLab
    Matthew RichardsonNov 18, 2025
    4.3 / 5
    Read review
  3. PCMag
    Andrew GebhartSep 18, 2025
    4 / 5
    Read review
  4. AppleInsider
    Wesley Hilliard
    4 / 5
    Read review
  5. Gizmodo
    Raymond Wong
    4 / 5
    Read review
  6. PhoneArena
    Peter Kostadinov; contribution from Orhan Chakarov
    4 / 5
    Read review
  7. The Verge
    Victoria Song
    4 / 5
    Read review
  8. road.cc
    George Hill
    4.5 / 5
    Read review

Reviewer breakdown

What reviewers agreed on, and how many raised each

  • Battery life15 / 6
  • Screen17
  • Price14
  • Fitness tracking12
  • Comfort3 / 7
  • GPS accuracy8
  • Health tracking8
  • Design6
  • Speed5
  • Software3

Liked itDidn’t

Dec 10, 2024 · First sign of it
Bloomberg reports satellite messaging is planned for the next Ultra
Bloomberg reported that Apple planned to bring satellite connectivity to the next Apple Watch Ultra in 2025. The report established both a next-generation Ultra target and a major off-grid communications feature well before launch.
Mar 24, 2025 · Others confirmed it
Satellite reporting is reiterated alongside a 5G modem
MacRumors reported Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman as saying Apple Watch Ultra 3 would combine satellite connectivity with a new 5G cellular modem. The later report reinforced the December satellite story and added a separate connectivity upgrade.
Aug 5, 2025 · Design and hardware
Leaked software points to a 422 by 514 display
MacRumors reported that an image found in an iOS 26 beta suggested Apple Watch Ultra 3 would move to a 422-by-514 display resolution. The discovery supported the expectation of a slightly larger display area without requiring a wholly new product shape.
Sep 9, 2025 · Announced
Apple formally introduces Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple announced Apple Watch Ultra 3, confirming the generation and opening preorders. Apple’s launch materials confirmed satellite communications and the larger display as shipping features rather than remaining reports.
Sep 19, 2025 · Went on sale
Apple Watch Ultra 3 becomes available
Apple Watch Ultra 3 reached general availability on September 19 alongside Apple’s other September hardware. That closes the pre-launch reporting arc with a shipping product.

At a glance

Apple Watch Ultra 3PREVIOUS MODELApple Watch Ultra 3Apple Watch Ultra 4CURRENT MODELApple Watch Ultra 4
Display
LTPO OLED, 3,000 nits flatConfirmed: Apple · Jul 15, 2026
LTPO3 OLED, 3,000 nits, flat sapphireConfirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026
Battery
Up to 42 hrsConfirmed: Apple · Jul 15, 2026
Up to 50 hrs (84 hrs Low Power Mode)Confirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026
Works with
iPhone only
iPhone only
Water resistance
WR100MConfirmed: Apple · Jul 15, 2026IP6X
WR100MConfirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026IP6X
Emergency help
Emergency SOS + Find My + MessagesConfirmed: Apple · Jul 15, 2026
Emergency SOS + Messages + Find MyConfirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026
Weight
61.6g / 61.8gConfirmed: Apple · Jul 15, 2026
63.0g / 63.1gConfirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026
Materials
49mmConfirmed: Apple · Jul 15, 2026titanium, 12mm thick
49mm titanium Grade 5, 12mm thickConfirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026natural or black
More specs
Processor
S10Confirmed: Apple · Jul 15, 2026
Apple S11 (64-bit dual-core, 4-core Neural Engine, 64GB)Confirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026
Software
watchOS 26
watchOS 27Confirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026
Connectivity
5G + Wi-FiConfirmed: Apple · Jul 15, 2026
5G RedCap + Wi-Fi + satelliteConfirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026
AI
On-device (basic)AI Siri needs iPhone
Siri AI on watch (watchOS 27 beta)Confirmed: Apple · Sep 9, 2026

Buying decision

Apple Watch Ultra 3
No rush
Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Newer model is out

Apple Watch Ultra 4 is already out, so this one is being replaced.

Older model costs less

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is $249 cheaper. You'd give up things like display resolution / area and display panel.

What would make this a buy?

A much stronger price advantage over Apple Watch Ultra 4 would change this recommendation.

About Apple

Apple makes the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, and is known for hardware and software designed to work together.

Visit Apple
More from Apple we cover
AirPods 5AirPods Pro 3iPhone 17iPhone Air (1st gen)

When to buy

A good cut, but it has sold for less, so there is no hurry.

Lowest in 30 days$599.97Sep 26
Highest in 30 days$799.99Sep 10
Stores we check3Amazon is cheapest
On sale sinceSep 19, 2025
Newer modelApple Watch Ultra 4on sale Sep 18, 2026
Price checks88 over 31 days

All smartwatch prices

How we read this
  • We read store prices every day and keep every read. The price shown is the newest read from the retailer named.
  • A read older than 36 hours is never shown as the current price. It reads "last seen" and carries no buy link.
  • “30-day low” is the lowest of our own reads for this product in the last 30 days, not a retailer’s claim. We print the number of reads beside it, and we say nothing about a low until a product has a week of reads.
  • “Lowest known”, where it appears, is older price history from published reports and imports. It is shown only when it is lower than the 30-day low, and it is not counted as reads.
  • The verdict is worked out from the price, the history and whether a newer model is coming. It never depends on who pays us.

Current offers

Amazon
$649
—
Buy
Target
$799.99
In stock
Buy
Best Buymarketplace seller · marketplace seller
$629.97
Conditional

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links.

What changed

Rated all-day batteryBattery
Up to 36 hours
Up to 42 hours
+6 hours
Display panelDisplay
LTPO2 OLED, Always-On
Wide-angle LTPO3 OLED, Always-On
Improved
Fast-charge time 0–80%Charging
About 1 hour
About 45 minutes
Improved
Showing the 3 biggest of 9 tracked differences.27 other specs are unchanged.

Discount history

Discount below listEstimated reading

20%15%10%5%list20%15%10%5%list

9 discounts in the last twelve months. The deepest took Apple Watch Ultra 3 to $649, 19% off the $799 list price, in Jun 2026.

Available nowApple Watch Series 12UnknownGuide News
Available nowPixel Watch 5$399Guide News
Available nowSamsung Galaxy Watch 9$349+Guide News
Available nowSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2$699Guide News

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Apple Watch Ultra 3

Using it

What does it cost?
It costs $799. That is the list price.
Does it measure blood pressure?
No, it does not measure blood pressure.
Does it read blood glucose?
No, it has no glucose sensor.
Does it track sleep apnea?
It looks for signs that you may be at risk. Its screening is FDA-cleared. It is a signal to act on, not a diagnosis.
Does it work with my phone?
It works with an iPhone only. There is no Android app.
Does it do 5G?
Yes, it does 5G.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 61.6g to 61.8g. The weight varies by size or finish.
How does it connect?
It connects over Wi-Fi.
How sharp and bright is the screen?
The screen reaches 3000 nits at its brightest.
How thick is it?
It is 12mm thick.
What chip is inside?
It runs on Apple S10.
Which AI assistant does it use?
It uses Apple Intelligence and Siri.
What software does it run?
It runs watchOS 26.
What is it made of?
It is made of titanium.
Does it do satellite SOS?
Yes, it can call for help by satellite. You can message off the grid where there is no signal.
What kind of screen is it?
It is an LTPO OLED screen. It drops its refresh rate to save power, which is how always-on works.
Does it track sleep stages?
Yes, it tracks your sleep stages.

Sizing and fit

What sizes does it come in?
Case sizes: 49mm titanium, 12mm thick.

Battery and charging

How long does the battery last?
It runs 42 hours. That is 3 days in low power mode, and 42 hours at most.

Water

Can it get wet (shower, pool, swimming)?
Yes, you can shower and swim in it. It is rated to 100m, and for snorkelling. Its rating is IP6X.

Price and models

When did the Apple Watch Ultra 3 come out?
It went on sale September 19, 2025. Announced September 9, 2025.
Is there a newer one?
Yes: the Apple Watch Ultra 4, out September 18, 2026.
How much does the Apple Watch Ultra 3 cost?
List price: From $799. Current price we last read at Best Buy: $629.97, October 10, 2026.

Works with

Does the Apple Watch Ultra support fitness sensors and gym equipment?
It works with Bluetooth fitness sensors and compatible GymKit equipment. With a limit
Does the Apple Watch Ultra support the same features in every region and language?
Some features vary by country, region, language, or carrier. With a limit

The Apple Watch App Switcher is back in watchOS 27.2 beta 2

Apple removed the quick way to jump between recent apps in watchOS 27 and is now testing its return, though on a new long press rather than the old Digital Crown double-click. It is a beta, so the gesture could still change.

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