- Apple could unveil the Watch Ultra 3 alongside the Series 11 later this year.
- It will mark the return of an Ultra-branded Apple Watch after two years.
- The Ultra 3 could bring support for 5G and satellite connectivity.
With the launch of watchOS 26, Apple is going all in on wearables. After a hiatus of two years, the Cupertino giant is planning to make Apple Watch Ultra 3. While the Ultra 2 wasn’t a major upgrade. Maybe Apple believes in the saying: Third time’s the charm. The Ultra 3 is making a comeback later this year alongside the Apple Watch Series 11. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Set To Launch Later This Year
It’s been two years since Apple unveiled the Watch 2 Ultra with minor improvements over its predecessor. Apple also introduced a new Black Titanium option for the watch last year, but it was only a cosmetic update.
Apple analyst Jeff Pu from GF Securities has revealed the launch timeline of upcoming products. Pu claims that Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 will debut later this year.
Both smartwatches will debut in September, the same timeline as the iPhone 17 series. The Watch Ultra 3 could finally offer 5G and satellite connectivity options.
But why is that important? Thanks to satellite connectivity, users can send text or make calls in areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Since Apple Watch caters to fitness enthusiasts, including professional trekkers and athletes, satellite connectivity can help them stay connected even in remote areas.
For them, carrying a phone can be a hassle, and they can get all the help they need directly from their smartwatch. So in case of a medical emergency, they contact their friends or family or dial 911 even if they don’t have their iPhone.
Should you wait for Apple Watch Ultra 2 or get the Ultra 3?
If you are using an older Apple Watch, like Ultra 1 or earlier, then going for the Ultra 3 makes sense. Given how small an upgrade the Ultra 2 is over its predecessor, it’s hard to justify its current price.
With upgrades like satellite connectivity, a faster processor, and a bigger battery, the Ultra 3 is worth the wait. But if you can grab the Ultra 2 on a discount, it’s a great smartwatch for fitness enthusiasts, especially for those on an older model.
Also Read:
- iPhone’s Control Center Coming To Apple Watch With watchOS 26
- watchOS 26 and visionOS 26 Get Live Translation and Spatial Widgets
AirPods Pro 3 And Watch Series 12 To Launch Next Year
Pu also states that Apple is working on a new HomePad. It’s a new control hub for all your smart home devices. The HomePad 6 will debut later this year.
Furthermore, Pu states that AirPods Pro 3 and Watch Series 12 are on the cards for 2026. This is in stark contrast to previous rumors that claimed new AirPods were coming later this year.
Refreshed Vision Pro and Apple Smart Glasses Coming In 2027
Apple is working on a refreshed Vision Pro for next year, but it has no conclusive date. Coming to 2027, Apple could introduce a new Apple Watch with a blood monitoring feature. Since this feature is at least a year away, the Ultra 3 is likely to omit it.
Moreover, we will see a new Vision Air and Apple’s first attempt at making a Smart Glass next year. So Apple seems to have packed announcements for the next two years.
