Apple Watch Ultra 3 arrives with hypertension detection, Workout Buddy, and a brighter, larger screen

Apple has announced the Apple Watch Ultra 3, with a larger, brighter screen, 5G and satellite connectivity, and new health features. The Ultra 3 can be pre-ordered today for shipping or pick-up starting September 19, 2025.

A major health feature added is hypertension notifications for users who have high blood pressure, which leads to strokes and other health problems. The Apple Watch leverages AI analysis of data reported by the optical heart sensor to analyze the user's blood vessels across 30-day periods. Abnormal responses are reported so users can take proactive action by seeing their doctors before major health issues arrive. The hypertension detection system has been clinically studied, but the Ultra 3 has not yet been cleared by the FDA for use in the USA.

The notifications are displayed on the larger, brighter display that uses LTPO3 and wide-angle OLEDs, enabling permanant always-on mode and up to 3,000 nits of brightness. Despite constant power use, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has up to 20 hours of runtime in Low Power Mode with full GPS and heart rate readings, and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode only, according to the company. The Ultra 3 can add 12 hours of runtime with 15 minutes of fast charging.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with 5G cellular and satellite communications capabilities, enabling worldwide Emergency SOS texts via satellite in areas without cellular coverage. Apple is providing two free years of satellite communication features, so even Ultra 3 watches without a cellular plan can send Emergency SOSs.

The Ultra 3 comes with improved GPS location capabilities, and users can use the new Waypoint watch face with a live compass to track their location in real-time. Offline maps are available for download to help nature enthusiasts navigate the wilderness. The Night Mode adjusts the display to help preserve night vision.

Apple watchOS 26 not only comes with the Liquid Glass user-interface, but also adds useful features like one-handed wrist flick detection to dismiss notifications. Workout Buddy is also included with the OS, which uses AI to provide users with spoken workout motivation and health data analysis.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes in a 49 mm titanium case in black or natural rated to 100 m (328 ft.) diving depths, with a price that starts at $799. Four watch band series are offered, Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, and Titanium Milanese Loop. The latter adds another $100 to the total price.