Apple’s New Watch Ultra 3 Has a Big Battery Upgrade

Apple’s Watch Ultra range is weird, but if you have the dough and you need a watch that can withstand a lifestyle even more active than yours, it’s probably well worth the investment. Apple has just launched the latest Apple Watch Ultra 3 in addition to a new Apple Watch SE, and both are pretty decent upgrades.

Apple’s latest event saw the announcement of two new Apple Watch entries, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the new Apple Watch SE 3. The star of the show is the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and it has a lot to offer compared to its predecessor. Perhaps the most significant addition here is the introduction of two-way satellite communications. This allows you to send and receive text messages, share your location via Find My, and contact emergency services even when far outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. This feature is free for two years with the purchase of the device. The device also adds 5G cellular capabilities for faster data speeds when you’re back on the grid, too.

The Ultra 3 features the largest screen ever on an Apple Watch, with an LTPO3 OLED display that allows for a 1Hz always-on refresh rate, enabling a ticking second hand without significant battery drain. The display’s borders have been reduced by 24%, increasing the active screen area within the same case size, so you have a bigger screen but an otherwise identically-sized smartwatch.

Another big takeaway here is the battery life, which sees a notable improvement. It’s now rated for up to 42 hours of standard use and extended to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. For athletes, the watch can now sustain 20 hours of continuous workout tracking with full GPS and heart rate monitoring in Low Power Mode. This is the kind of claim that needs to be independently corroborated, but the battery life in previous Ultra models tends to live up to Apple’s promises.

On the health front, the Ultra 3 introduces hypertension notifications, a feature that passively monitors your cardiovascular data over 30-day periods to detect consistent signs of chronic high blood pressure. If potential signs are found, the watch will alert you about its findings, recommending you consult a healthcare provider. It’s not a replacement for a doctor, but it will tell you whether you should maybe go looking for one. This feature, pending regulatory clearance, will also be available on Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models via a software update.

The Watch SE 3 is also a big bump. The most notable improvement is the inclusion of an Always-On display, a feature previously reserved for higher-end models. The device also gains fast charging, capable of reaching 80% battery in about 45 minutes. The onboard S10 chip also enables on-device Siri for faster responses, the “double tap” gesture for one-handed control, and a new “wrist flick” gesture to easily dismiss notifications. The SE 3 is also now equipped with 5G cellular for improved connectivity.

The Apple Watch Ultra starts at $800, while the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $250. Both watches are available for pre-order on Apple’s website, and they will become available on September 19th.

Source: Apple (1, 2)