This past April marked a significant milestone in the world of technology—the 10-year anniversary of the Apple Watch. When the first models launched, including those in aluminum, stainless steel, and even 18k gold, there wasn’t a definitive understanding of their purpose. Apple envisioned a smartwatch that would embody elegance, serve as a fitness tracker, act as a cellphone, support music playback, provide navigation, and fulfill numerous other roles. The spark of speculation ignited the idea that the Apple Watch might one day replace the iPhone. Fast forward a decade, and while the Apple Watch continues to evolve, it has become clear that it won’t fully eclipse the iPhone, at least not yet. The introduction of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has reignited some of that conversation, but it still falls short of the lofty goal set years ago.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3: A Look at the Beast
Retailing at a starting price of $800, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is anything but affordable. For the same price, consumers can acquire an iPhone 17—a device that represents a powerhouse of technology with excellent camera capabilities and processing power. The Apple Watch Ultra was initially targeted at adventurers and athletes, emphasizing features like a larger screen, extended battery life, precise GPS, and the added functionality of a customizable Action button. Its hefty price tag was justified through its design for those who push the boundaries in activities like diving and mountain climbing.
Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with its advantages and drawbacks:
Pros:
- Big Screen: The expansive display enhances usability, especially for those who appreciate visibility while on the go.
- Satellite Connectivity: Particularly beneficial in emergencies, this feature can allow users to contact services without cellular networks.
- Extended Battery Life: Enjoy up to 2-3 days on a single charge.
- Durability: Built to withstand the elements, the Ultra 3 appeals to outdoor enthusiasts.
- Sleep Score Feature: This addition helps users optimize their sleep patterns for better overall health.
Cons:
- Size: The bulky design may not appeal to everyone, especially those with smaller wrists.
- Cost: At $800, it’s a significant investment compared to other models.
- Limited Color Options: With only two colors offered, personalization is somewhat restricted.
The Evolving User Experience
Over the past few years, the demographic for the Apple Watch Ultra has broadened. No longer is it just outdoor enthusiasts sporting this device; everyday individuals have adopted it, regardless of the activities they engage in. I see friends and family confidently wearing Apple Watch Ultras purely for their aesthetic and functional appeal. For example, a friend of mine decided to gift her husband an Ultra because its larger size harmonized well with his wrist.
Interestingly, I’m not a user of the Apple Watch Ultra myself; I find the size and bulk unappealing. While I appreciate the aesthetic of more robust watches, such as G-shocks, the Ultra feels overly robust for my taste. The rugged, thick casing and oversized screen might provide advantages in outdoor conditions, yet they can also be cumbersome for daily use. To each their own: personal preferences strongly dictate choices in wearables, just as they do with smartphones.
Production Methods: Greene Technology
One notable change in the production of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is its manufacturing process. Rather than being CNC’d from a solid block of aluminum, Apple is now leveraging 3D-printing technology to create watch cases from 100% recycled titanium. This environmentally friendly choice not only reduces material waste but also eliminates the need for new mining—a crucial step toward sustainability in technology production.
During my time with a review unit of the Ultra 3, I engaged in routine activities that could have potentially marked the watch. However, despite bumbling it against kitchen cabinets and heavy items—like cat litter—there was no visible damage. This speaks volumes about the robustness of Apple’s new methods, ensuring it withstands the rigors of daily life.
Familiar Design, Slight Enhancements
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 closely resembles its predecessors in design. The minor adjustments, including a slightly larger screen due to a thinned black bezel, are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The display remains comparably bright to that of the Ultra 2, utilizing improved LTPO 3 display technology primarily for power efficiency rather than visibility enhancements.
Perhaps the new “Waypoint” watch face—integrating a compass—adds a level of utility, but it’s hardly exclusive to the latest model. Previous Ultra users can access this feature via the watchOS 26 update. Internally, the Ultra 3 showcases the new S10 chip, but this upgrade doesn’t necessarily translate into a noticeable boost in performance. When it comes to functionalities, both old and new models deliver a smooth user experience, making any upgrade considerations more nuanced.
New Health Features: A Boon for Users
Despite being largely an iteration on its predecessor, the Ultra 3 introduces two noteworthy health tracking features: hypertension notifications and the Sleep Score. Both can significantly enhance the health-monitoring experience.
Hypertension notifications offer a proactive approach to health, alerting users if signs of high blood pressure are detected through the optical heart rate sensor. Though the device doesn’t measure blood pressure directly, it employs a machine-learning algorithm based on user data to identify trends. This has received FDA clearance, underscoring its viability as a health-monitoring feature.
Similarly, the Sleep Score function automatically activates when users fall asleep wearing the device, evaluating sleep duration and interruptions, and presenting the data in an easy-to-digest format. Users can view their nightly scores categorized as varying levels from “very low” to “excellent.” This gamification of sleep tracking can encourage healthier habits, promoting better rest—a factor increasingly understood as vital to overall wellness.
Connectivity Innovations
Five years after the promise of 5G technology, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 finally integrates this capability alongside its new satellite connectivity feature. While 5G may not deliver immediately discernible benefits in everyday use—such as speed improvements over existing models—the inclusion appears aimed at future-proofing the device.
The satellite connectivity feature, on par with what’s seen in the latest iPhones, allows for crucial communication in emergency situations. Users can notify emergency services, send messages to contacts, or share their location even when not within the range of cellular networks.
However, the lack of a dedicated satellite app indicates that Apple views this feature primarily for occasional urgent communications rather than routine use. The process requires users to be outdoors for connectivity, introducing a procedural setup that might deter casual users despite its life-saving potential.
Understanding User Needs
While the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is undoubtedly Apple’s most powerful and feature-rich smartwatch to date, it’s important to remember that this may not cater to everyone’s needs. Similar to how not every smartphone user needs the latest iPhone, prospective buyers should consider their individual requirements and lifestyle before making a purchase decision.
For individuals already content with their existing Apple Watch models—particularly those as recent as the Series 9—the justification for spending $800 on the Ultra 3 may seem thin. Many of the new features—like hypertension notifications and Sleep Scores—are available through the watchOS 26 update without the need for an expensive upgrade.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Fit
Ultimately, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 serves as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and quality in wearables, yet it prompts an important question: Are you genuinely in need of its expansive feature set, or would a model that fits better within your lifestyle suffice?
The Apple Watch SE 3 proves to be an economical choice for users who want a minimalist experience without the high price tag associated with the Ultra. It’s essential to weigh the value against the features and determine what will genuinely enhance your lifestyle.
As for Android users, the landscape remains somewhat limited, as Apple Watch models require an iPhone for setup and functionality. However, alternatives like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8, Google’s Pixel Watch 4, and OnePlus’s Watch 3 series cater effectively to the Android ecosystem.
In the end, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is impressive. Still, whether it becomes the ideal smartwatch for you will hinge on your desires, wrist size, and willingness to embrace its robust features. Prioritize the size, function, and cost that most closely aligns with your habits and needs to make the most informed choice possible.
