September 2025. Apple announces the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — the first new Ultra in two full years. Satellite connectivity, 5G, bigger display, 42-hour battery. Three months later, is it really worth $799?
After 90 days of daily use — running, hiking, swimming, at the office, and even a scuba dive — this is our full review. No marketing speak. Just the reality.
The Quick Verdict
Excellent — The best Ultra upgrade to date
Specs at a Glance
Before we get into our real-world impressions, let's see exactly what you get for $799:
Colors: Natural Titanium and Black Titanium. The case is made from 100% recycled titanium — a significant step in environmental responsibility. Overall, the Ultra 3 is built with 40% recycled materials by weight.
Satellite Connectivity: The Star Feature
Let's start with what makes the Ultra 3 truly unique: it's the first Apple Watch that communicates with satellites. And not just for emergencies — it can also send messages.
Emergency SOS via Satellite
Call/message emergency services without cellular coverage. Works automatically after Fall/Crash Detection if you're unresponsive.
Messages via Satellite
Send and receive iMessage/SMS, emoji, and Tapbacks via satellite. View the last 30 days of conversations. Requires a cellular plan.
Find My via Satellite
Share your location every 15 minutes via satellite, so your loved ones know where you are when you're out of coverage.
How does it work in practice?
Satellite connectivity uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites from Globalstar. It requires a clear view of the sky — it doesn't work indoors or under dense tree cover. The watch shows you which direction to turn (left, right, or turn around) to connect to the nearest satellite.
In our testing, the connection was reliable in open areas — nearly as fast as the iPhone 14/15/16. In urban environments surrounded by buildings, it struggles more. If the connection fails, it may take up to 10 minutes for the next satellite to reach a suitable position.
Free for 2 years
Satellite services are free for 2 years from the activation of your Ultra 3. Apple hasn't announced pricing after that yet — and so far hasn't charged iPhone users either. The free period for iPhone 14 and 15 was even extended through September 2026.
The most impressive detail? If you fall (Fall Detection) or are in a car accident (Crash Detection) and don't respond, the Ultra 3 can automatically trigger Emergency SOS via satellite. No iPhone, no cellular coverage, no action required on your part. This can literally save lives.
5G Connectivity: The Silent Upgrade
While satellite connectivity steals the spotlight, the addition of 5G is equally important for everyday use. Until now, every Apple Watch used only LTE — 2015-era technology. The iPhone added 5G in 2020. Five years later, the Apple Watch follows suit.
In practice, the difference is noticeable:
Slower connection, higher power consumption, disconnections in weak signal areas.
Faster internet, more energy-efficient modem, dual-antenna system.
Apple designed a dual-antenna system that works intelligently: it uses one antenna when signal is strong and activates both simultaneously in areas with weak coverage to maintain the connection. In Control Center, you can see whether you're on LTE or 5G.
For users in Greece, the importance of 5G is growing as carriers (Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind) expand their networks. Especially if you use the watch without your iPhone — for running, cycling, or daily walks — the faster connection makes a real difference for music streaming, calls, and messages.
The Display: Bigger and More Modern
The Ultra 3 features a 24% thinner bezel, giving it the largest display ever on an Apple Watch. It's not a dramatic increase in screen real estate, but it feels more modern.
But the real change is the wide-angle display technology that debuted on the Series 10:
Seconds in Always-On
For the first time on the Ultra, the seconds hand moves even in always-on mode — on over 20 watch faces. The first two Ultra models didn't support this at all.
3000 nits brightness
Brightness remains at 3000 nits, but the new wide-angle technology makes the screen brighter at an angle — extremely useful while driving or during a run.
In daily use, ticking seconds in always-on mode is the change you appreciate every time you glance at your wrist. If you're coming from an Ultra 2, this small detail makes the watch feel like an entirely new generation.
Battery: The Eternal Virtue, Now Even Better
Battery life has always been the Ultra's ace in the hole. Now it's even more impressive.
The improvement comes from a 6% increase in battery capacity, combined with a more efficient 5G modem and the new display technology. In our testing:
1-Hour Run
GPS + Heart Rate + Cellular: ~5-7% battery drain. Excellent.
Sleep Tracking
8 hours of sleep: ~8-10% drain. It now comfortably lasts 2 nights.
Fast Charging
15 minutes of charging = 12 hours of use. 5 minutes = 8 hours of sleep tracking.
In practice, this means you can wear the Ultra 3 for nearly 2 full days with normal use (notifications, workouts, sleep tracking) before needing to charge. And if you forget your charger on a trip, Low Power Mode gives you a full third day.
Health: The New watchOS 26 Features
Along with the Ultra 3 came watchOS 26, which brings significant new health features. Three impressed us the most:
Hypertension Alerts NEW
Wear the watch 14+ days within a 30-day period. The optical sensor analyzes how blood vessels respond to each heartbeat. If hypertension patterns are detected, you'll receive a notification. Developed with a study of 100,000+ participants.
Sleep Score NEW
A 0-100 score after each sleep. Evaluates: duration (40 points), REM & deep sleep (10), sleep schedule consistency (30), interruptions (20). The first time Apple provides a meaningful sleep quality assessment.
Sleep Apnea Notifications
Monitors breathing disturbances during sleep. If it detects signs of moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, it alerts you. Sleep apnea is linked to hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
On top of these, you still get all the existing features: ECG, AFib notifications, Blood Oxygen (via iPhone), temperature sensor, Cycle Tracking, Vitals app, Training Load, VO2 Max. The Ultra 3 is truly a portable health lab.
Sports & Adventure: Where It Truly Shines
Let's talk about what makes the Ultra... Ultra. Apple calls it “the ultimate sports and adventure watch” — and after 3 months, we have to admit they're not exaggerating much.
Running
Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) — best in class according to Apple. Running power, cadence, VO2 max, Custom Workouts with intervals, Race Route, Pacer. Workout Buddy (AI coaching via iPhone) is excellent.
Diving & Swimming
100m water resistance, scuba diving down to 40m with the Oceanic+ app (Bühlmann decompression). Stroke style recognition, SWOLF, auto sets. Depth calibration, water temperature.
Hiking & Mountaineering
Backtrack (automatic GPS route back), custom routes from iPhone, offline maps (watchOS 26), waypoints, compass, altimeter, 180-meter siren. And now satellite connectivity when off the grid.
Cycling & Multisport
Power Zones, FTP estimation, Live Activity on iPhone, Heart Rate Zones. Multisport automatic transition recognition swim → bike → run (perfect for triathlon).
The Action button remains a hidden asset: you can set it for instant workout control, marking segments, flashlight, siren, or any Control Center tile. While running, press it for the next interval — without ever stopping.
Design & Build: The Premium Feel
Grade 5 titanium on your wrist is an experience that's hard to describe. It's light for its size, extremely durable, and feels premium without being flashy. The Black Titanium option gives a more stealth, tactical aesthetic, while the Natural Titanium is more classic.
Durability after 3 months? Zero scratches on the sapphire crystal. Minor usage marks on the titanium (expected), but nothing significant. The 100m ISO 22810 + IP6X dust resistance water resistance means you never have to think about whether to take it off.
Durability by the Numbers
Water Resistance
Dust Resistance
Scuba Diving
Military Standards
Safety: The “Silent” Edge
Beyond satellite connectivity, the Ultra 3 packs a full arsenal of safety features:
Emergency SOS
Hold side button → emergency call
Crash Detection
Detects severe car accidents + auto-calls emergency
Fall Detection
Fall detection + alerts loved ones
Check In
Auto-notify when you arrive at your destination
86dB Siren
Audible from 180 meters — hold Action button
Who Should Buy It (and Who Shouldn't)?
After 90 days, our opinion is clear — but the right choice depends on who you are:
BUY IT if...
- ✅ You hike/mountaineer in remote areas (satellite!)
- ✅ You run/cycle seriously and want premium GPS
- ✅ You scuba dive (down to 40m!)
- ✅ You want 2+ days of battery without worrying
- ✅ You have an Ultra 1 or older (massive upgrade)
- ✅ You frequently use Apple Watch without your iPhone
THINK TWICE if...
- 🤔 You have an Ultra 2 — the upgrade is significant, but not essential
- 🤔 You don't do extreme sports — the Series 11 ($399) covers most needs
- 🤔 You find the 49mm case too big for your wrist
- 🤔 You don't want cellular — you'd lose half the benefits
- 🤔 Budget is tight — SE 3 ($249) or Series 11 ($399) are excellent alternatives
Ultra 3 vs Series 11: The Comparison That Matters
Many people wonder: “Why spend $400 more?” Fair question. Let's see what you get for the extra money:
The Downsides — Why We Didn't Give It 10/10
No product is perfect. After 3 months, these are the things that bothered us:
1. The size isn't for everyone
At 49mm, the Ultra 3 is big. On slender wrists, it looks oversized. Apple doesn't offer a smaller option — if it bothers you, consider the Series 11 (42mm/46mm).
2. The price — $799 translates to ~€900+ in Europe
Expensive. There's no way around it. If you don't need satellite, scuba, or the action button, the Series 11 at $399 offers the same health features.
3. Satellite only works under open skies
It doesn't work in canyons, dense forests, or indoors. In urban areas, you'll rarely need it since cellular coverage is available.
4. The Ultra 2 upgrade isn't a “must”
If you have an Ultra 2, you get satellite, 5G, slightly better battery, and seconds in always-on mode. Significant, but most people can wait another year.
Our Final Verdict
After 90 days with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on our wrist, our assessment is clear:
This is the best Apple Watch ever made. Satellite connectivity isn't a gimmick — it's a feature that can literally save lives. 5G finally makes the cellular experience reliable. The 42-hour battery eliminates “battery anxiety.” And the comprehensive health suite (ECG, AFib, hypertension, sleep apnea, SpO2) makes a $799 watch more useful than medical equipment costing thousands — at least when it comes to prevention.
If you're wondering “is it worth the money?” — the answer depends entirely on whether you need the Ultra-exclusive features. If you do, there's nothing better on the market. If not, the Series 11 at half the price is the smarter choice.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 — 8.8/10
Satellite connectivity. 5G. 42-hour battery. Titanium. Scuba 40m. The biggest Ultra upgrade in history. Apple's “Personal Beast” earns its title — if you're the right user.
Price: From $799 | Colors: Natural Titanium, Black Titanium | Requires: iPhone 11+ with iOS 26+
