Apple Watch Ultra 3 Upgrade Hints

iOS 26 beta clues point to a larger display, stronger health features and new connectivity for the Ultra 3.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Signals Major Upgrade

New clues in the iOS 26 public beta point to a bigger display for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Images show a 422 by 514 pixel screen, up from Ultra 2’s 410 by 502, and Apple could trim the bezel to keep the overall size similar. The design would follow the Ultra line’s goal of more screen without adding bulk. The watch could still debut at Apple’s September event, given the product cadence and the Ultra 3’s absence from last year’s launch.

Internally, a faster S11 chip is expected to improve performance and power efficiency. Satellite connectivity is among the rumors, potentially widening emergency messaging and location sharing beyond cellular. Health features like blood pressure tracking are on the radar, though accuracy and timing remain uncertain for 2025. A broader AI health program and new features in WatchOS 26 could boost fitness coaching through Workout Buddy. Battery life may stretch toward three to four days in low power mode with faster charging improvements.

The rumors fit a pattern of steady, incremental improvements Apple uses to refresh its wearables. A bigger display and satellite link would extend use cases for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who work off the grid. Yet the cycle remains sensitive to supply chain costs and public reaction to premium devices. Health sensors need robust validation, and timelines can shift with regulatory and technical hurdles. Still, the Ultra line is positioned to threaten the middle ground between rugged sport watches and high end health devices if the rumors prove true.

Highlights

Time will tell how these rumors translate into real world benefits for users.