The Apple Watch Ultra has seen a lot of success since its initial release in 2022, with the Ultra 2 building upon that in 2023. Despite skipping a refresh in 2024, the Ultra 2 is still considered a top-tier smartwatch. Now, with rumors swirling about the Apple Watch Ultra 3's release in the fall of 2025 alongside the iPhone 17, it's time to explore what new features the next generation of the high-end wearable might bring. Here's a look at 10 possible enhancements and the odds of each coming to fruition:
1. Micro LED Display - 27%
While there was some previous development of microLED displays in Apple's Vision Pro, the yeilds of these displays are not high. MicroLEDs still pose the best route for the future display technology but Apple recently canceled its microLED project with ams-Osram. This brings the odds of us seeing a microLED display on the AWU 3 down to only 27%.
2. Improved Band Attachment Mechanism - 33%
The current band attachment mechanism on the Apple Watch has been criticized for being finicky and difficult to use. The button is often too difficult to press, and the sliding isn't smooth. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, on the other hand, has a band attachment that is easier to use with a larger button that releases a clasp, allowing the band to pop out. Given that Apple usually pays close attention to detail, it's surprising they haven't improved their mechanism and it is possible they will adopt a better band attachment system in the Apple Watch Ultra 3, but the odds are only 33% as this would require a pretty significant redesign and there haven't been any rumors of a major watch body redesign recently.
3. Satellite Messaging - 85%
Satellite messaging is a highly anticipated feature for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, with a good chance of being included. This technology would allow users to send text messages via Globalstar Inc.’s satellites when they don’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. This functionality would mirror the satellite messaging capabilities of iPhones, making it easier for users to leave their phones behind while staying connected. Unlike some reports, it might not be limited to emergency situations and would work without a cellular plan. Given the high probability and the clear advantages for adventurers, the odds of this feature being included are 85%.
4. Body Composition Analysis - 35%
The inclusion of body composition analysis through Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a possibility for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This feature, found in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, sends microcurrents through the body to measure muscle, fat, and water levels. While not perfect, it's an on-the-go tool to monitor body composition and hydration. However, there is no indication that Apple is planning this for the Apple Watch, so we will give it a 35% chance.
5. High Blood Pressure Detection - 78%
High blood pressure detection is a significant health feature that is expected to be introduced in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This feature will alert users if they are in a state of hypertension, similar to how the sleep apnea detector works. It won’t give specific readings like diastolic or systolic levels, but will provide an alert that encourages users to see their doctor. Given Apple's focus on health features, the odds of high blood pressure detection in the Ultra 3 are 78%.
6. Energy Score - 25%
An Energy Score feature, similar to Garmin’s Body Battery or Android smartwatches, is a less probable addition to the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It could use AI to calculate energy levels based on sleep, activity, heart rate, and heart rate variability. While this could be a useful way to see how ready the body is to tackle the day, Apple may choose to avoid introducing an arbitrary score for wellness. Given Apple's approach to health metrics, we will give it a 25% chance.
7. 5G RedCap Networking - 90%
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is highly likely to include 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) network access. This is a less power-hungry version of 5G that will ensure the watch doesn't suffer a big battery drain. While it won't hit the same speeds as 5G on an iPhone, it is expected to be a useful connectivity upgrade, which gives it a 90% chance. I'm also hoping that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will get Wifi 7 support so we'll lump that in with the 5G RedCap network access here.
8. Better Battery Life - 20%
While improved battery life is always a desirable feature, the odds of a substantial battery upgrade in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 are only 20%. The Ultra 2 already has good battery life, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a 100-hour rating. However, the Samsung watch is beefier, suggesting the larger battery life comes with added bulk. It's possible that Apple may opt for a lower profile over a significantly longer battery life. New low-energy OLED panels and a larger battery could contribute to improved battery life, but with no guarantee of a substantial improvement, it's only a 20% chance.
9. Blood Glucose Monitoring - 5%
Blood glucose monitoring has been rumored for years, but it remains unlikely to appear in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. While Apple is working on this technology, it is still at least a few years away from being released. Therefore, the odds of this being included in the Ultra 3 are only 5%.
10. Apple AI - 75%
The integration of Apple AI into the Apple Watch Ultra 3 seems like a likely prospect. It is probable that the watch will be equipped to handle Apple AI, but the features themselves may not ship at the time the device is released. This would be consistent with how Apple has rolled out new software features in the past, making it a 75% chance that the watch will be "Apple AI ready."
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17 in the fall of 2025. The current Ultra 2 costs $800 but is available at a discounted price of $735 here.
Feature Summary
| Feature | Probability | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Micro LED Display | 40% | Low-energy OLED panels may take precedence over microLED. |
| Improved Band Attachment | 30% | Easier-to-use mechanism similar to Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. |
| Satellite Messaging | 85% | Enables texting via satellite without cellular or Wi-Fi. |
| Body Composition Analysis | 35% | Uses BIA to measure muscle, fat, and water levels. |
| High Blood Pressure Detection | 78% | Alerts users to potential hypertension. |
| Energy Score | 25% | AI-powered feature to estimate daily energy readiness. |
| 5G RedCap Networking | 90% | Reduced power consumption with useful connectivity upgrades. |
| Better Battery Life | 20% | Potential improvements through new OLED panels and larger battery. |
| Blood Glucose Monitoring | 5% | Likely still years away from practical implementation. |
| Apple AI | 75% | Watch may support Apple AI, though features might launch post-release. |
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is shaping up to be an exciting release, with a few very likely upgrades and some less likely but possible enhancements. The most anticipated features include satellite messaging, high blood pressure detection, and 5G RedCap networking. While other features like improved band attachments and body composition analysis are possible, they are not as certain. With the release still several months away, additional information might still come to light, but this is the best look so far at what we can expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3.