Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Ultimate Smartwatch for iPhone Users

Apple's third-generation Apple Watch Ultra 3 continues to dominate the premium smartwatch segment with its rugged design tailored for adventure enthusiasts and iPhone users.

Priced from £749, it sits well above the standard Series 11 and Watch SE 3 models, reflecting its advanced features and build quality.

The Ultra 3 retains the same 49 x 44mm titanium case size but introduces a slightly larger, brighter screen with reduced bezels, making it the largest and one of the most vivid displays on any Apple Watch.

Powered by the S10 chip, it supports innovative touch-free gestures such as double-tapping fingers to interact and wrist flicks to dismiss alerts, enhancing usability during active scenarios.

Battery life has improved by 6%, lasting over three days with typical use and sleep tracking, though it still falls short of week-long endurance offered by some competitors like Garmin.

Charging is efficient, reaching 50% in 30 minutes via USB-C.

Connectivity upgrades include 5G support and enhanced 4G cellular reception, alongside Apple’s satellite SOS messaging feature, which enables emergency texts and location tracking even without cellular coverage, although satellite messaging to contacts is limited to North America and requires a compatible plan.

The watch runs watchOS 26, featuring new Ultra-exclusive watch faces such as Waypoint with a live compass.

Health and fitness tracking remain comprehensive, including ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension alerts, sleep scoring, and cycle tracking.

The Ultra 3 excels in sports tracking with a dual-band GPS system delivering superior accuracy in challenging environments, alongside metrics like running power and training load.

It supports over 22 activities, including diving up to 40 meters.

The addition of an extra action button allows quick workout starts with GPS lock confirmation.

Apple’s Workout Buddy AI coach offers motivational support but requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later.

Sustainability efforts include over 40% recycled materials and a battery designed for 1,000 charge cycles with replaceability at £95.

While the Ultra 3 is a refinement rather than a revolution over its predecessor, its combination of durability, advanced features, and integration with the iPhone ecosystem make it the best Apple Watch yet.

However, its high price and shorter battery life compared to specialized adventure watches may deter some users.

Overall, the Ultra 3 is ideal for those seeking a premium, versatile smartwatch that balances rugged outdoor capabilities with everyday smart features.