I’ve had an Apple Watch Ultra 3 for just over a month now, and it’s my first Ultra model ever. Here’s what my experience has been like so far, including the one Ultra feature I can’t imagine giving up.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 highlights from a first-time Ultra buyer
Last month I shared some initial impressions after my first few days with Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Mostly, those impressions had to do with Apple Watch Ultra reclaiming the ‘Ultra’ crown after Series 10 created the awkward situation of besting the Ultra line in several respects.
I also highlighted a few key improvements I’d been loving that were unique to Ultra 3:
- seconds in always-on for Modular Ultra
- larger display with smaller bezels than before
- faster charging
After a month of use, the above highlights still ring true. And most of Ultra 3’s other upgrades haven’t impacted me much.
I still haven’t gone on an extravagant outdoors adventure that made the new satellite and 5G features clutch.
Nor have I received a hypertension notification—thankfully. Though I’m certainly glad they exist.
The Ultra 3’s battery life has been a big highlight.
Though I mostly still charge daily, on the occasions I forget to or don’t have the opportunity, it’s been great knowing I can easily get through a second full day.
But overall, my favorite Apple Watch Ultra 3 feature is something not exclusive to the Ultra 3 at all: it’s the Modular Ultra watch face.
After years spent using the standard ‘Modular’ face on my previous Apple Watch models, Modular Ultra has been the single biggest upgrade in going ‘Ultra’ this year.
And in a way, that spotlights what I’d call the Ultra line’s unfair advantage.
Modular Ultra is my top reason to go Ultra in the future
Despite Apple Watch Series 11 and Series 10 having very “Ultra-like” screen sizes in their 46mm models, Modular Ultra is exclusive to the more pricey Ultra line.
Is there a hardware reason for this limitation? No, it’s entirely a software decision by Apple.
To be honest though, I have a hard time faulting Apple for this move.
Modular Ultra and the other Ultra-exclusive faces are fantastic differentiators for the Ultra line.
Since the watch face is the primary interface for Apple Watch, getting the ideal face for your needs could itself make upgrading to an Ultra model worthwhile.
I think it has been for me.
There are plenty of things I’ve enjoyed about going Ultra, from the beautiful design, to longer battery life, Action Button, and a brighter screen.
Top comment by Jason
Personally I prefer the Wayfinder face, but to me the "killer feature" of both of these Ultra-exclusive (no pun intended?) faces is their night mode. I wear my watch pretty much 24/7 and love the night mode when it's dark.
Beyond that, my favorite Ultra features are the things that differentiate the Ultra from the Series - the Action Button, longer battery life, and flat screen with the case extending up around and just slightly above the face, providing protection for the screen.
FWIW I have the OG Ultra, and don't really see myself upgrading until battery health/life starts to be an issue - currently at 85%. Other than sat comms and gesture stuff, the U3 doesn't really do anything that my U1 can't. It might do things better/faster, but it hasn't really added any new functionality that I just have to have.
But the single biggest reason I’d have a hard time going back to a ‘Series’ model in the future has nothing to do with hardware. It’s the Modular Ultra face that allows me to have all the complications I need, plus a big, beautiful digital clock, and the seconds visible around the border.
If you’re someone who changes watch faces regularly, maybe the Ultra-exclusive faces won’t make as big a difference for you.
But for me, unless Apple creates a compelling new watch face for its ‘Series’ models, I’ll have a hard time downgrading from the Ultra line.
Have you been using Apple Watch Ultra 3, and if so what are your favorite features? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple Watch accessories
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