Apple Watch Ultra 3 unveiled with satellite messaging, hypertension alerts and 42-hour battery life

Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch Ultra 3, marking a significant advancement in its smartwatch lineup with an emphasis on health, safety, and enhanced connectivity. This latest model is designed to effortlessly transition between a high-performance sports watch, a sophisticated smartwatch, and a thorough health companion. One of the most remarkable features of the Ultra 3 is its integrated two-way satellite communication capability. This allows users to text emergency services, reach out to friends and family, and share their location even in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Apple has engineered this technology to double the antenna strength, enabling connections with satellites moving at speeds of 15,000 mph from distances of up to 800 miles. Eugene Kim, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch Hardware Engineering, remarked, "The Apple Watch Ultra is our most advanced model, crafted to support users in sports and adventures, while also ensuring they remain connected and safe in everyday life. The Ultra 3 introduces groundbreaking satellite communication features, extended battery life, and powerful health tracking capabilities that our users will appreciate." The Ultra 3 boasts Apple’s largest smartwatch display, featuring LTPO3 and wide-angle OLED technology. The watch’s always-on refresh rate operates at one tick per second, enhancing functionalities like the stopwatch and timer. Battery life reaches up to 42 hours during standard use and can extend to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. For outdoor activities, it supports 20 hours of continuous use with full GPS and heart rate tracking. In addition, the Ultra 3 includes 5G support for quicker app downloads, music streaming, and improved connectivity in areas with weak signals, thanks to its dual-antenna design. A new hypertension notification feature has been introduced, which aims to detect persistent signs of chronic high blood pressure. Utilizing optical sensors and machine learning, this feature analyzes vascular responses over 30-day periods and is anticipated to inform over one million individuals with undiagnosed hypertension in its first year. Furthermore, users will benefit from a new sleep score feature that delivers nightly reports on sleep quality, drawing insights from over five million nights of study data. The updated Workout app now includes a feature called Workout Buddy, which provides personalized spoken motivation during various activities, employing metrics such as pace, distance, heart rate, and training load. Athletes will enjoy access to advanced features including precise GPS tracking, automatic track detection, and detailed analyses of cadence and stride length, along with new custom workout options. The Ultra 3, available in natural and black titanium finishes, is water-resistant up to 100 meters and certified for diving when used with the Oceanic+ app. New band options include reflective Trail Loops and Hermès rubber diving straps. Apple has also highlighted its commitment to sustainability, as the Ultra 3 is made with 40 percent recycled materials, including fully recycled cobalt in its battery and 3D-printed titanium in its case, which reduces raw material consumption by half. The packaging is entirely fiber-based and recyclable. Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 are now open, with the official release set for Friday, September 19. All satellite features will be complimentary for the first two years. The pricing for the Ultra 3 starts at Rs 89,900, with options available in both natural and black titanium.