Expanded display features may characterize the Apple Watch Ultra 3, without a corresponding increase in physical size.
The Apple Watch community is divided, with some preferring a small, stylish design and others seeking a larger display for productivity. The latest addition to the Apple Watch family, the Ultra series, seems to be catering to the latter group, as the third-generation Apple Watch Ultra is expected to bring significant improvements.
According to recent reports by Bloomberg, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature a slightly larger display with a new 422 x 514 resolution, achieved likely through slimmer bezels rather than increasing the overall case size. This new display will use a wider wide-angle OLED panel and incorporate LTPO3 display technology, improving viewing angles and brightness, especially when viewed from an angle.
In terms of refresh rate, the Ultra 3 should offer a higher refresh rate for the always-on display mode compared to previous models, improving smoothness and responsiveness.
Connectivity is another area where the Ultra 3 is expected to excel. It will reportedly support off-the-grid text messaging via Globalstar Inc.'s fleet of satellites, providing emergency communication when Wi-Fi and cellular coverage are unavailable. The Ultra 3 will also mark a generational shift over the Apple Watch Ultra 2 by supporting 5G connectivity, with the 5G modem supplied by MediaTek. The 5G modem is expected to be a 5G RedCap model, designed for wearables with modest data needs rather than high-speed data.
Other rumoured improvements include the adoption of the newer S11 or S10 chip for enhanced performance and efficiency, and possibly a larger battery enabled by the slightly larger display or case adjustments, aiming to extend the Ultra’s already impressive battery life.
While some speculation about microLED displays exists, it seems less likely to arrive on the Ultra 3, possibly deferred until 2026.
In summary, key expected changes in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 are:
- Larger 422 x 514 resolution display with wider wide-angle OLED and LTPO3 tech
- Improved refresh rate for always-on display
- Satellite messaging connectivity
- 5G cellular support with a MediaTek modem
- Newer S11 or S10 chip for better performance
- Possibly a slight increase in battery capacity
No significant physical design overhaul is expected beyond the display size and bezel refinement. Apple's history suggests a more likely scenario for the design of the next Apple Watch Ultra is a slimmed-down treatment compared to its predecessors.
The Apple Watch Ultra series seems to be Apple's response to the growing demand for a smartwatch that caters to productivity-focused users. The Ultra 3 is expected to be released in 2025, addressing the needs of the latter faction in the Apple Watch community.
- The Apple Watch Ultra series, targeting productivity-focused users, is set to intensify the smart-home devices and gadgets experience with its latest addition, the Ultra 3, featuring a larger display, satellite messaging connectivity, and 5G cellular support.
- In line with its reputation for innovation in technology, the Ultra 3 boasts a larger display with wider wide-angle OLED and LTPO3 tech, enhancing viewing angles and brightness for seamless productivity.
