Satellite, 5G, and better battery life are nice, but most Apple Watch Ultra 2 owners won’t feel the need to upgrade.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a good watch but a small upgrade, continuing Apple’s tradition of premium smartwatches that deliver reliability and style. However, for many existing Ultra users, this year’s changes might not justify the $799 price tag.
So, who is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 really for? Probably not hardcore Garmin fans—they’re too busy scaling cliffs and laughing at the idea of daily charging. Nor is it for Apple’s early adopters, who already own the Ultra 2. Instead, it’s for first-time Ultra buyers who’ve been waiting for the right time to jump in.
Subtle Changes, Familiar Feel
At first glance, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 looks nearly identical to last year’s model. The display is slightly larger thanks to thinner bezels, giving it a modern edge without changing the iconic rugged look.
Apple also added satellite and 5G connectivity, plus a modest battery boost from 36 to 42 hours. These are useful upgrades—especially for adventurers and travelers—but they won’t drastically change the experience for most users.
Meanwhile, watchOS 26 introduces helpful new features like wrist-flick gestures, hypertension notifications, and an improved Smart Stack. Still, these updates are available on other Apple Watch models too, meaning they don’t make the Ultra 3 uniquely special.
The Good
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Extended battery life that lasts longer on trips
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A slightly bigger display with thinner bezels
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Added 5G and satellite connectivity for better coverage
The Not-So-Good
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Most people won’t notice major performance differences
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Satellite and 5G features are limited in everyday use
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Price remains steep at $799
You can grab it for around $779 at Amazon or directly from Apple and Best Buy, but even with discounts, it’s still a hefty investment for incremental gains.
Iterative But Impressive
Let’s be clear: the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is better than the Ultra 2—just not by much. It’s a refined, more polished version rather than a reinvention. The upgrades feel like a nod to Apple’s dedication to consistency and craftsmanship rather than innovation.
When it debuted alongside the iPhone 17, excitement was high. Influencers at the event couldn’t help but cheer, proof that the Ultra still holds a certain prestige that the Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t quite match.
Still, even die-hard Apple fans might find it hard to justify an upgrade for features they’ll rarely use. For newcomers, though, the Ultra 3 delivers everything the line stands for: durability, performance, and premium design.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a good watch but a small upgrade—a great pick for those entering the Ultra ecosystem for the first time, but an easy skip for Ultra 2 owners.
Apple’s latest model refines the formula rather than reinventing it. You get slightly better battery life, stronger connectivity, and the same rugged charm that made the Ultra line so appealing.
If you’ve been waiting to join the Ultra club, now’s a great time. But if you already have last year’s model, you might want to hold off until Apple delivers a truly game-changing update.
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