After skipping a 2024 refresh, Apple is expected to launch the Apple Watch Ultra 3 alongside the iPhone 17 series in September 2025—marking nearly two years since the last major Ultra update. Here’s what leaks and rumors suggest we’ll see.
Expected Key Upgrades
Satellite Connectivity (Biggest Selling Point)
- Emergency SOS & off-grid messaging (competing with Garmin’s inReach).
- Game-changer for hikers, climbers, and adventurers.
watchOS 26 Integration
- Liquid Glass UI – Dynamic, depth-responsive animations.
- Workout Buddy – AI-powered real-time coaching (analyzes heart rate, pace, past performance).
Hardware Tweaks
- Same 3,000-nit display (already best-in-class).
- Possible battery boost (to offset satellite power drain).
- New health sensors? (Blood glucose monitoring remains unlikely for 2025).
Why This Upgrade Matters
- Ultra 2 owners (2023) may finally get a compelling reason to upgrade.
- Original Ultra users (2022) will see three years of improvements bundled into one.
- Apple’s “skip-year” strategy suggests bigger leaps than incremental updates.
Pricing & Release Timeline
- Launch: September 2025 (with iPhone 17).
- Price: Likely $799+ (matching Ultra 2’s debut).
- Competition: Targets Garmin Epix/Fenix users with tighter iOS integration.
Should You Wait?
- For satellite comms – This could be the killer feature.
- For AI coaching – Workout Buddy may redefine fitness tracking.
- If you have an Ultra 2 – Unless you need satellite or hate the black titanium finish.
The Bigger Picture
Apple’s decision to skip 2024 hints at a more meaningful upgrade cycle. As one leaker noted:
“Not every product needs a yearly update. Sometimes, waiting means delivering real innovation.”
