Apple Watch Ultra 3 wishlist: All the features I want to see

Apple’s premium smartwatch lineup made a splash in 2022 when it introduced the company’s loyal fanbase to a larger, more durable option. Since then, the original Apple Watch Ultra and updated Ultra 2 have been go-to picks for shoppers who prioritize display space, battery life, and a rugged build. I love my Ultra 2 and probably wear it more than any other device, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Below is everything I want to see in the next generation and everything we know about the potential device so far.

Battery, more battery, and then a little more battery

Some day, I will be able to stop including battery life in my Apple wishlists, but today is not that day. While the Ultra and Ultra 2 offer a significant bump compared to Apple’s base series, they still don’t deliver the stats I expect from an adventuring wearable. I don’t want to rely on Low Power Mode to stretch my device long enough to last a short camping trip.

36 hours was a solid start in 2022, but now two generations later, I expect Apple to step it up, especially when you take a peek at what some recent Wear OS devices have brought to the table. Both the OnePlus Watch 2 and TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro equip creative ways to stretch battery life so the devices can spend more time on users’ wrists and less time on the charger. Here’s hoping the Apple Watch Ultra 3 wants to spend equally as much time on mine.

Novelty worthy of an upgrade

Incremental improvement is the name of the game when it comes to Apple’s wearables and more often than not, we see few dramatic changes from year to year. The first Ultra introduced an 86-decibel siren, a powerful safety feature for outdoor enthusiasts. Last year, the Ultra 2 debuted with a powerful new chipset that enabled exciting features like double-tap gesture control. It also packed a new second-generation ultra-wideband chip for more exact location services. I want to see the Ultra 3 introduce equally significant features that help warrant upgrading to the new model.

Anything but orange

If Apple does, in fact, stick to a single action button, I still hope to see it in an alternative colorway. I don’t have anything personal against the color, I just value variety. This past launch season Apple introduced a new Black colorway to the Ultra 2 lineup, offering a sleeker look than the original design. My first pick would have been a dark slate that echoes the rugged aesthetic of the original concept but the black certainly works, even if it’s a little straight out of Batman’s tool belt. If Apple were to introduce a third color, I’d love to see something more fun (but equally subdued), like a midnight blue or dark green.

Will there be an Apple Watch Ultra 3?

• Apple Watch Ultra — September 7, 2022
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 — September 12, 2023

I’m very hopeful we will see an Apple Watch Ultra 3. Though there have only been limited rumors, multiple trusted sources have confirmed that the new generation is headed to shelves, just not as soon as we originally thought. Like many, I had expected to see a new Ultra 3 this past September, keeping the line on an annual schedule. Instead, Apple launched a new colorway for the Ultra 2 instead and a wide range of watchOS 11 improvements.

There have only been two previous Ultra models, but both arrived alongside a regular Apple Watch series so I expect we will need to wait for the Series 11 to see an Ultra 3. This means we can hopefully expect the new device September 2025. I’ll keep this hub updated in the meantime with any rumors or suggestions of an earlier arrival.

Should you wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

Advising someone whether or not to wait for a device launch is always tricky, and the answer changes as the calendar gap closes between what’s currently available and what’s coming down the pipe. As of now, It’s hard to say for certain when shoppers will see an Apple Watch Ultra 3. If we are left waiting until September, there is potentially plenty of time for the rumor mill to pump out more info, contradict existing rumors, or leak specs and details. That’s also a lot of time to spend in limbo without a wearable on your wrist.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($759.99 at eBay) is a fantastic device with a powerful processor and a great build. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to purchase an Apple Watch right now. With fantastic accuracy and a loaded tool kit, an Ultra 2 can help you on your fitness tracking journey. So far, I also don’t see any indication that major features are heading to the Ultra 3 that might leave you with buyer’s remorse.

On the other hand, if you already own an Apple Watch Ultra, or a newer Apple Watch like the Series 9 or 10, it might be worth waiting until Septemeber to upgrade your device. Of course, if you aren’t an iOS user, you should not be holding your breath for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It is almost certainly not going to be compatible with Android phones, just like every other Apple Watch. In that case, I would consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra or a multisport watch from Garmin.