Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduces several notable updates, including longer battery life, satellite connectivity, and a more durable design. But is it the right time for an upgrade if you’re using an older model, such as the Apple Watch Series or Ultra 2? Let’s explore the features that set the Apple Watch Ultra 3 apart and whether it justifies an upgrade.

A Rugged Yet Comfortable Design

Apple continues its focus on ruggedness with the Apple Watch Ultra 3, making it ideal for extreme sports and outdoor activities. However, the size and feel are well-balanced, and even those who don’t engage in extreme sports may appreciate the robust design.

While the case is still made from recycled titanium, it’s now 100% recycled, which is a step forward for sustainability. The design remains bulky but lightweight, and the additional guards around the Side Button and Digital Crown offer extra protection without adding too much weight. Despite the rugged look, it feels comfortable to wear, and the added bulk doesn’t hinder daily use.

Display: Clear and Functional

The display on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has been improved with a flat glass cover that enhances legibility. Apple also introduces a LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display, which provides increased brightness when viewed from various angles. While the display size hasn’t changed much, the addition of a 1Hz refresh rate in always-on mode makes the watch even more functional, especially for users who prefer to keep their watch faces active.

The flat design helps with legibility, and while the screen is slightly larger, the overall case size remains consistent. The always-on display provides an improved viewing experience and is more useful for people who rely on it throughout the day.

Performance and Battery Life

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 boasts impressive battery life, with Apple claiming up to 42 hours of general use. During my testing, I was able to extend that to around 60 hours with minimal usage and notifications. For those who engage in multiday outdoor activities or high-end sports, the battery life is a major selling point.

The satellite connectivity feature, though shared with other watches in this category, adds a layer of safety for users venturing into remote areas. It’s a valuable addition for adventurers but may not be as essential for casual users.

Health Features: Still Packed with the Essentials

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes all the core health features you’d expect from an Apple Watch, such as heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, and ECG functionality. It also supports hypertension notifications and detects possible sleep apnea issues. These features are beneficial but not exclusive to the Ultra line.

For those who seek something more rugged, the Ultra 3 can withstand water depths up to 100 meters and operate in extreme temperatures. It also includes an 86-decibel siren for emergencies, which could be a lifesaver in specific situations. However, for most everyday users, these additions may feel excessive unless you’re specifically looking for more extreme durability.

The Action Button: Utility or Gimmick?

The Action Button on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a nice feature but one that hasn’t found many practical uses for most users. It allows for quick access to functions like Stopwatch, Waypoint, Backtrack, Dive, and more, but the options are somewhat limited without adding new apps or further customization.

I believe that with more configuration options or updates in watchOS, the Action Button could become a more useful tool. For now, it provides some added flexibility, but its real utility will depend on how users set it up for their specific needs.

Is It Worth Upgrading to the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

If you’re still using an Apple Watch Series model or an older Ultra version, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers enough upgrades in battery life and rugged features to make it a compelling option. For users looking for more outdoor-oriented features and satellite connectivity, this is a worthy upgrade.

However, if you’re already on an Apple Watch Ultra 2, the improvements may feel incremental. Unless you specifically need the longer battery life or satellite feature, you might not feel the need to upgrade immediately.