Apple Watch Ultra 3 Arriving This Year: What You Need to Know

The wait is almost over, tech enthusiasts! Apple’s most rugged smartwatch is getting an upgrade, and it’s bound to make waves in the wearable tech world. Since its debut, the Apple Watch Ultra has been a game-changer for adventure seekers and fitness buffs. Now, with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 arriving this year, the anticipation is reaching fever pitch. This isn’t just another update—it’s a powerhouse on your wrist, packed with more features and muscle than ever before. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this year’s most exciting wearable. Apple Watch Ultra 3 Arriving This Year: What You Need to Know.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Price and Release Date

Mark your calendars, because the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is set to arrive in the fall of 2024, likely alongside the iPhone 16. This release pattern mirrors Apple’s strategy from previous years, creating a tech-tober that US consumers eagerly await. But what about the price? Don’t expect any surprises here.

Model	Price	Release Date
Apple Watch Ultra 3	Starting at $799	Fall 2024
Apple Watch Ultra 2	$799	September 2023
Garmin Fenix 7X	$899	January 2022
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro	$449	August 2022

As the table shows, Apple is sticking to its guns, pricing the Ultra 3 at $799—the same as its predecessor. This might seem steep, but it’s actually competitive when you look at high-end alternatives like the Garmin Fenix 7X. Plus, for US customers, there’s more good news. Trade-in deals and carrier offers could make this premium watch more affordable. For instance, last year, Verizon offered up to $180 off with a trade-in. Keep an eye out for similar deals this fall!

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Design

The Ultra series has always been about toughness, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 arriving this year doesn’t stray from that ethos. It retains the robust, 49mm titanium case that’s become its signature. But Apple isn’t just rehashing old designs—they’re refining them.

“We’ve engineered the Apple Watch Ultra to be a tool, not just a tech accessory,” says Jeff Williams, Apple’s COO. “With the extraordinarily three, we are pushing the limits of what a smartwatch can undergo.”

New color options are on the horizon, including a sleek Midnight Black and an earthy Forest Green. These aren’t just for looks; they’re a nod to different environments. Black for urban explorers, green for trailblazers—Apple knows its diverse US audience.

Durability gets a major boost too. The Ultra 3 is expected to meet MIL-STD-810H certification, a standard used by the US military. This means it can handle extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations. Whether you’re skiing in the Rockies or hiking in Death Valley, this watch can take it.

Water resistance is another area where the Ultra 3 shines. It’s rumored to handle depths up to 100 meters, a 50% improvement over the Ultra 2. This is huge news for the US’s coastal communities, from California’s surfers to Florida’s scuba enthusiasts.

Display and Interface

• Larger, brighter display (up to 3000 nits)
• Always-On Retina LTPO OLED technology
• New watch faces: Expedition, Deep Sea
• Improved UI for gloved use

The screen is where the Ultra 3 truly dazzles. At a rumored 3000 nits, it’s nearly twice as bright as some OLED TVs. This means clear visuals even in direct sunlight—perfect for those sunny California hikes or Texas beach days.

Apple is also introducing watch faces tailored for the Ultra 3. “Expedition” offers altitude, compass, and weather data, while “Deep Sea” provides dive metrics at a glance. The UI is smarter too, with larger icons and swipe gestures that work even with ski gloves on. Apple Watch Ultra 3 Arriving This Year: What You Need to Know.

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Apple Watch Ultra 3: Specs

Now, let’s talk power. The Ultra 3 isn’t just tough; it’s smart. Smart.

Feature	Ultra 3 (Expected)	Ultra 2
Chip	A9	S9
Storage	64GB	32GB
Connectivity	5G	4G LTE
Battery Life	Up to 3 days	Up to 36 hours

The A9 chip is a beast, outpacing even the Series 9’s S9. This translates to faster app launches, smoother animations, and better multitasking. With 64GB of storage—double its predecessor—you can load up on offline maps, playlists, and apps.

5G support is a game-changer. Imagine streaming Spotify on a mountain bike trail or using FaceTime during a beach run—all without your phone. For adventurers in remote US locations, this is liberating.

Battery and Charging

• Up to 3-day battery life
• New low-power modes
• 0-80% charge in 45 minutes
• Solar charging band option

Battery life has been the Ultra’s calling card, and the 3 takes it further. Apple claims up to 3 days on a single charge—enough for a long weekend in Yosemite. New low-power modes can stretch this to 5 days by limiting certain features.

When you do need to charge, it’s fast—0 to 80% in just 45 minutes. But the real innovation? An optional solar charging band. This is perfect for through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail or Joshua Tree National Park climbers. Apple Watch Ultra 3 Arriving This Year: What You Need to Know.

Health and Fitness Features

Health tech is where Apple flexes its muscles. The Ultra 3 is expected to introduce groundbreaking sensors:

1. Body temperature sensor for advanced sleep tracking
2. Blood glucose monitoring (pending FDA approval)
3. Enhanced ECG with AFib history
4. Improved VO2 max for high-altitude training

The potential FDA approval of blood glucose monitoring is massive. With over 37 million Americans living with diabetes, this feature could be life-changing. It’s part of Apple’s broader push into healthcare, turning its devices into proactive health tools.

“Apple’s move into glucose monitoring could redefine diabetes management,” says Dr. Anne Peters, Director of USC’s Clinical Diabetes Program. “Having this data on your wrist, in real-time, would be revolutionary.”

The VO2 max improvements are a boon for serious athletes, especially those training at altitude. Whether you’re preparing for a marathon in Denver or cycling in the Sierra Nevada, this data helps optimize your training.

Adventure and Safety

• Enhanced GPS for US National Parks
• Expanded Satellite SOS
• New sport modes
• Advanced dive computer

GPS gets a major upgrade, with detailed maps of US National Parks. This includes trail difficulty, water sources, and ranger station locations. It’s like having a local guide on your wrist in places like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon.

Satellite SOS, a feature that can save lives, is expanding its coverage. More remote US regions will be supported, offering peace of mind to solo adventurers in Alaska’s backcountry or Arizona’s slot canyons.

For water lovers, the Ultra 3’s dive computer is a standout. It now uses the Bühlmann decompression algorithm, the gold standard in dive safety. This makes the Ultra 3 a legitimate alternative to dedicated dive computers—a first for any smartwatch.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Outlook

So, what’s the verdict? Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3, arriving later this year, worth the hype? Absolutely. Its design is more rugged, its specs are beefier, and its features are smarter. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a redefinition of what a smartwatch can be.

Consider these key points:

• Tougher design with military-grade durability
• Faster A9 chip and 5G connectivity
• Potential game-changers like blood glucose monitoring
• Unmatched adventure features (GPS, dive computer)

In the crowded smartwatch market, the Ultra 3 stands out. Its closest rival, the Garmin Fenix 7X, offers great outdoor features but lacks cellular connectivity and advanced health sensors. The Ultra 3 delivers both, making it a more versatile choice. Apple Watch Ultra 3 Arriving This Year:

What You Need to Know.

For US consumers, especially those who love the outdoors, this watch is tailor-made. Its enhanced GPS shines in our vast national parks, while features like solar charging cater to our adventurous spirit. Health innovations like AFib tracking and (potentially) glucose monitoring reflect our growing focus on proactive healthcare. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is more than a gadget—it’s a companion for every aspect of your life. Apple Watch Ultra 3 Arriving This Year: What You Need to Know.