Apple Watch Ultra 3 is coming very soon, and rumors indicate it could remedy a discrepancy that arose last year, when the Apple Watch Series 10 debuted several exclusive features that bested the latest Ultra model.
Apple Watch Series 10 surpassed the latest Ultra model in several ways last year
Last year after the Apple Watch Series 10 launched, I wrote an article that proved controversial. It was titled, “When Ultra doesn’t mean ‘best’ anymore.”
The inspiration was Apple Watch Series 10 gaining several features that bested the Ultra line, such as:
- larger display than Ultra on 46mm model
- newer S10 SiP
- LTPO3 for more frequent always-on refreshes
- wide-angle OLED for better side viewing
Most of these features are the kind of things Apple would normally be expected to add to its Ultra model too.
The problem was, last year didn’t bring a new Apple Watch Ultra—only a new color for the existing Ultra 2.
As a result, the ‘Ultra’ name felt cheapened.
While Apple Watch Ultra still offered better battery life, and exclusive features like the Action button and siren, it was overtaken in other key areas by Apple’s less expensive Series 10 model.
Fortunately, Apple Watch Ultra 3 should fix all of that.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 should leave no doubt which model is best
The latest rumors indicate Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be very much worth the two-year wait.
It also should ensure there’s no confusion on which model is the overall best.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 is getting a larger screen than ever, per a recent iOS 26 beta leak.
- Ultra 3 display resolution: 422 x 514
- Ultra 2 display resolution: 410 x 502
The size increase should give Ultra 3 the largest Apple Watch display, beating out Series 10.
Additionally, two OLED improvements are near-locks for the Ultra 3:
- LTPO3 for always-on refreshes every second
- wide-angle OLED
These will allow the Ultra line to catch up with the Series line in display technology.
Ultra 3 should also boast a new chip, likely the same S11 SiP that is expected in Apple Watch Series 11.
Even though these features simply match what’s on the Series line, they’re still important upgrades to ensure that ‘Ultra’ truly means what it’s supposed to.
Outside of these changes, Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to get satellite messaging support for emergencies, 5G cellular, high blood pressure detection, and more.
If all of these rumors prove true, the current disparity between Ultra 2 and Series 10 will be forgotten, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 alone will hold any reasonable claim to the ‘ultra’ name.
What Apple Watch Ultra 3 features are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple Watch deals and accessories
- Apple Watch Series 10, 46mm (now only $329, down from $429)
- Anker portable USB-C charger for Apple Watch
- AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
- 20W USB-C charging brick
- Retro Mac stand for Apple Watch Nightstand Mode
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