The wait is over: the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has finally arrived, and Apple is clearly positioning it as a heavyweight contender in the rugged smartwatch space. After skipping a year without introducing a direct successor to its Ultra 2 model, the company is back with a device that not only corrects that absence but sets new standards in design, connectivity, and performance. 
This release comes at a time when competition from Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra series and Garmin’s endurance-focused lineup has never been stronger, making Apple’s latest move both bold and calculated.
A display designed for extremes
The first thing that stands out about the Ultra 3 is its expansive new display. Apple calls it the “largest screen of any Apple Watch,” and it’s not an exaggeration. Thinner bezels and an improved LTPO3 panel mean more usable screen real estate, sharper readability, and smoother refresh rates, particularly in always-on mode. For outdoor adventurers and athletes, this matters: a bigger, brighter, faster screen ensures critical information – whether heart rate zones, altitude metrics, or maps – remains visible under direct sunlight, stormy weather, or late-night conditions.
Connectivity beyond limits
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing upgrade is the inclusion of satellite messaging. While Garmin devices have long offered satellite communication options, Apple brings its signature user-friendly approach to the feature. Whether you’re trekking in remote mountains, sailing offshore, or simply out of cell range, the Ultra 3 enables two-way satellite texting – not just emergency SOS signals but also simple check-ins with friends or family. Combined with 5G connectivity, the watch ensures you’re rarely cut off from the digital world.
This evolution marks a serious shift in how smartwatches can serve as lifelines. Satellite SOS was impressive when it debuted on iPhones, but having it directly on the wrist – always within reach – represents a major convenience and safety leap.
Battery endurance that finally satisfies
Battery life has been a traditional weak spot for Apple’s wearables, especially when compared to Garmin’s industry-leading multi-week figures. The Ultra 3 narrows that gap: up to 42 hours of usage on a single charge and as much as 72 hours in Low Power Mode. These numbers may not dethrone Garmin’s marathon devices, but they are significant considering the Ultra 3’s high-performance display, 5G support, and always-on connectivity. For many users, the balance between capability and endurance will feel just right.
Health features continue to expand
Apple also introduces hypertension notifications to the Ultra 3, underscoring its growing ambition to make the Apple Watch a serious health companion rather than just a fitness tracker. In addition to heart rate monitoring, ECG, and blood oxygen tracking, the device now nudges wearers to keep an eye on blood pressure fluctuations, potentially alerting them to early signs of hypertension.
The rivals: Samsung and Garmin
Apple isn’t launching into a vacuum. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra, now in its second generation, offers rugged durability, but lacks satellite communications – a deal-breaker for explorers who venture beyond cell towers
. Garmin’s Fenix 8 Pro, by contrast, does include satellite messaging and even voice calling, but it remains limited by weaker cellular integration. For consumers who want both advanced connectivity and a seamless smartwatch experience, Apple’s Ultra 3 strikes the strongest balance so far.
Price and availability
Despite its advancements, Apple has held the price steady at $799. In today’s market, that’s an aggressive move: the Ultra 3 costs less than Garmin’s latest Fenix 8 Pro entry-level model, though it remains pricier than Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra. 
Pre-orders are open now, with official availability beginning September 19. Buyers can choose between natural and black titanium casings, each paired with new band options. These include a refreshed Trail Loop with reflective yarn for low-light visibility, alongside updated Ocean Band and Alpine Loop designs. While the titanium case is still restricted to two colors, the expanded band lineup gives users more personalization options than ever.
A rugged smartwatch with a clear mission
With the Ultra 3, Apple has doubled down on its rugged strategy: bigger screens for readability, satellite tech for safety, better battery life for reliability, and expanded health monitoring for wellness. It’s a device that doesn’t just compete with rivals – it redefines what many expect from a modern smartwatch. Adventure-seekers, athletes, and even casual users looking for peace of mind may find in it a companion that feels essential rather than optional.
In short, while Garmin still holds the endurance crown, and Samsung may offer sleeker pricing, Apple has delivered a feature-rich powerhouse that justifies the two-year wait. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn’t just another update – it’s a confident step into the future of wrist-worn technology.
1 comment
finally satellite texting on a watch, Garmin shaking rn