Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Adventurers

blockchain The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has arrived, marking the third iteration of Apple's largest and most robust smartwatch. With enhancements like a larger display, extended battery life, and satellite messaging capabilities, this device is designed for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. Competing with rugged watches like the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, the Ultra 3 serves as a comprehensive smartwatch for iPhone users, complete with all the premium features one would expect from Apple.

The Ultra 3 is priced starting at £749 (€899/$799/A$1,399), making it £50 less than the previous model released in 2023. This smartwatch is positioned above the more affordable Series 11, which starts at £369, and the budget-friendly Watch SE 3 priced at £219.

At first glance, the Ultra 3 may appear similar to its two-year-old predecessor; however, it boasts a slightly larger screen with reduced bezels, making it the biggest display on any Apple Watch to date. Available in natural or black titanium, the design remains consistent with previous models but offers enhancements in functionality. The display is significantly brighter from various angles, making it easier to view at a glance. Additionally, the screen now displays a ticking seconds hand when idle, a feature borrowed from the Series 10 and 11. Encased in super-hard sapphire glass, the Ultra 3's screen is among the finest in the smartwatch market.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Adventurers Equipped with the same S10 chip found in the Series 11, the Ultra 3 offers smooth performance and retains the impressive touch-free gesture controls. Users can double-tap their thumb and index finger to interact with buttons or scroll through options. Additionally, a quick flick of the wrist allows users to dismiss notifications or return to the watch face effortlessly.

One of the standout features of the Ultra 3 is its battery life. Apple has successfully integrated a 6% larger battery, enabling the watch to last over three days on a single charge with regular use and overnight sleep tracking. Most users will find themselves charging the device every third night, which is a day longer than any other Apple Watch. However, this still falls short of the week-long battery life offered by competing adventure watches from brands like Garmin. The watch fully charges in approximately two hours, reaching 50% in just 30 minutes using the provided USB-C magnetic charging puck.

How Technology is Shaping Our Everyday Lives The Ultra 3 is equipped to support 5G networks, assuming the user has a compatible phone plan. Additionally, it features improved cellular reception, especially in areas with weak signals for 4G connectivity. A notable new feature is the inclusion of satellite SOS messaging, which allows users to send text messages to emergency services when out of cellular coverage. This feature, which has made its way from the iPhone to the Ultra 3, also enables location tracking through satellites and messaging capabilities to friends and family, though the latter is currently limited to users in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and requires a compatible cellular data plan.

Running on the latest watchOS 26, the Ultra 3 shares its software with the Series 11 and other Apple Watches, introducing a refreshed design and new watch faces. Among these is the attractive Waypoint watch face, which features a live compass and highlights points of interest nearby. This face joins several other information-rich watch faces exclusive to the Ultra series, including the Wayfinder and Modular Ultra designs.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 combines the best of wearable technology with outdoor adventure features, making it an ideal choice for active iPhone users. While the pricing reflects its premium positioning, the enhancements in display, battery life, and connectivity make it a compelling option for those seeking a smartwatch that can keep pace with their adventurous lifestyle. With its robust build and advanced features, the Ultra 3 solidifies its status as one of the top choices in the smartwatch market.