Apple has announced three new Apple Watch iterations, including the mid-range Series 11 and the more premium Ultra 3.
So whether you’re torn between the new wearables or you’re just curious to see what actually separates the two, you’re in luck.
We’ve compared the specs of the Apple Watch Series 11 to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and highlighted the key differences between them below. If you want more from Apple’s launch event, make sure you visit our Apple Watch Series 11 vs Series 10 guide.
Price and Availability
Both Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 are available for pre-order, ready for their official launch on September 19th.
Much like its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 11 has a starting RRP of £399/$399 for its smaller, 42mm-sized model.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, on the other hand, is only available at 49mm and has a higher starting price of £799/$799.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the largest display of an Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts the claim of having the largest display of an Apple Watch ever. Not only that, but the display is fitted with premium screen technology too, including LTPO and wide-angle OLEDs which ensure the Watch is brighter when viewed from any angle.
Such a large display is paired with 24% thinner borders, which cleverly increases the screen area without any changes to the 49mm case size.
While its peak brightness is slightly lower at 2000 nits compared to 3000 nits, the Apple Watch Series 11 does also include many of the premium display technologies found in the Ultra 2. Alongside the LTPO3 and wide-angle OLEDs however, the Watch Series 11 also benefits from a unique Ion-X covering which promises to offer 2x scratch resistance compared to its predecessor.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a longer battery life
Battery life has always let down the Apple Watch series, especially when compared to wearable alternatives from Garmin which offer weeks of life on a single charge. Even so, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 does boast the longest battery life of the current series, with Apple promising up to 42 hours on a single charge.
Apple explains this is thanks to the power-efficiency of the LTPO3 display, 5G modem and an overall larger battery capacity compared to its alternatives. While users can expect up to 42 hours of support in daily use, Low Power Mode users can see up to 72 hours.
This isn’t to say that the Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t boast improvements. While it may not offer as much as the Watch Ultra 3, the Series 11 promises up to 24 hours of battery from a single charge, which is an improvement from the 18 hours provided by the Apple Watch Series 10.
Finally, both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 benefit from fast charging support too. While a quick 15 minute charge will see the Series 11 gain up to eight hours of battery, the same charge will boost the Ultra 3 by up to 12 solid hours.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 features built-in satellite communications
While the entire Apple Watch series is fitted with safety features like Crash and Fall Detection, the Ultra 3 benefits from an additional safety tool thanks to its built-in, two-way satellite communications.
Essentially satellite communication enables users to text emergency services, message loved ones and share their location, even when they don’t have mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. Plus, Apple explains if the Watch Ultra 3 detects a severe car crash or a hard fall, and the user is unresponsive, it can automatically send situation information to emergency services and contacts.
All satellite communication tools will be free for two years with the Apple Watch Ultra 3, but Apple is yet to share how much it will eventually cost.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 support scuba diving
If scuba diving is your sport, then the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an easy decision thanks to its plethora of scuba-supported apps and features. Not only is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 water resistant in up to 100m, whereas the Apple Watch Series 11 maxes out at 50m, but the Ultra 3 is also fitted with a depth gauge up to 40m too.
In addition, divers can use the Oceanic Plus app which turns the Apple Watch Ultra 3 into a dive computer for recreational scuba diving too.
Despite not boasting scuba support, it’s worth noting the Apple Watch Series 11 can be used in water activities such as swimming and snorkelling.
Both include a Sleep Score
Launched alongside the Apple Watch series was Sleep Score, a feature that tracks and analyses your sleep to provide you with a score.
The Sleep app, which accompanies the new feature on your respective Apple Watch, then gives a breakdown of the key components used to determine your score and promises to help users understand what they need to do in order to improve their quality of sleep.
Alongside Sleep Score, Apple also introduced hypertension notifications, although this isn’t exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 11 or Watch Ultra 3, and can be found on compatible older generations too.
Hypertension notifications are designed to alert users if signs of chronic high blood pressure are detected, with the idea that users should then log their blood pressure for seven days after the alert and share their results with a doctor.
Apple says FDA clearance for hypertension notifications is expected soon, and will be available in over 150 countries and regions by the end of September.
Early Verdict
As we’re yet to review either the Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch Ultra 3, we’ll refrain from giving a conclusive verdict for now. However, with a larger display, longer battery life and built-in satellite, the Ultra 3 seems like a promising choice for anyone who wants an Apple Watch that will see them through more rugged adventures.
On the other hand, if you just need an everyday smartwatch that still offers solid health and fitness tracking, including new hypertension notifications, then the Apple Watch Series 11 is a much more affordable option.
We’ll update this guide once we review both smartwatches.
