Apple Watch Ultra 3 review: Incremental, but still superb

Finest Costs Right now: Apple Watch Extremely 3

When Apple first launched the Watch Extremely again in 2022, it felt like a problem to the Garmins of the smartwatch world. It was an announcement watch – cumbersome, unapologetic, and designed for individuals who know what a decompression cease is.

Quick ahead to the Apple Watch Extremely 3, and its rugged aesthetic may be discovered on the wrists of not solely divers and hikers, however informal commuters, tradespeople and anybody who needs a smartwatch with a battery that doesn’t die earlier than dinner.

The Watch Extremely 3 arrives with the identical design as its predecessors and lots of of its new software program options have additionally been granted to the Watch Extremely 2.

It’s subsequently the definition of an incremental replace with Apple specializing in inside refinements like 5G connectivity, Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc, a really barely greater show and quicker charging to distinguish it from its predecessors. 

However that’s the factor in regards to the Watch Extremely – it doesn’t must reinvent the wheel each twelve months to remain related. It stays a wonderful smartwatch for iPhone customers in search of a bigger gadget that lasts just a little longer, or who discover the usual Sequence 11 a bit too fragile for his or her weekend adventures.

Having worn it for the final 4 months, right here’s why the Watch Extremely 3 is a superb purchase for many individuals, whereas some may suppose twice.

Design & Construct 

• Titanium construct
• 49mm case
• 9.7mm and 62g

You wouldn’t be capable of inform the distinction between this mannequin and the primary Watch Extremely except you regarded very exhausting, primarily as a result of there isn’t actually one. However don’t mistake that for a criticism.

It’s a design that works, particularly for these in search of a bigger, chunkier smartwatch. 

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The 49mm case continues to be made out of aerospace-grade titanium, which makes for a really premium end and one that may survive just a little extra tough and tumble because of its numerous credentials, with IP6X, EN13319, WR100 and MIL-STD 810H all included.

I’ve testd this smartwatch for 4 months and there’s not a lot as a single scratch or ding on it – and I’ve not been particularly cautious. The construct high quality is great, whereas the satin-like end transitions surprisingly effectively from a muddy stroll to a mid-week assembly. 

There are two color choices – Apple added a Black Titanium end for the Watch Extremely 2, which carries over to this mannequin, and whereas I’ve the Pure Titanium end for my evaluation unit, I favor the black. That’s a matter of non-public desire, in fact, however the distinction between the black and the orange of the Motion Button on the left of the casing is extra hanging.

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Talking of the Motion Button, that is one among my favorite options of the Watch Extremely and the characteristic I miss most at any time when I change to sporting the usual Apple Watch Sequence 11. It’s programmable, so you may have it open something from the Exercise app (my selection) to a Shortcut, which provides you a number of prospects.

You possibly can solely decide one, nonetheless, and that’s my solely actual criticism in regards to the design. I’d like the choice to double or triple-press to permit for extra fast actions from that button, which is one thing I’ve mentioned prior to now for iPhone and its Motion Button too.

Nonetheless, the Watch Extremely 3’s tactile controls are wonderful and simpler to make use of with moist, sweaty or gloved arms than the Watch Sequence 11 controls are. The chunky Digital Crown and facet button are surrounded by a rugged guard meaning you don’t by accident knock them, whereas the gesture controls are helpful in all kinds of conditions, from a canine stroll with a espresso, to operating – extra on these in a second.

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At 62g, the Watch Extremely 3 is way from gentle, however I can’t say I ever discover it on my wrist. The curved underside and weight distribution imply it doesn’t really feel cumbersome and that’s coming from somebody with smaller wrists. I discovered it comfy to put on not simply through the day and through train, however in a single day for sleep monitoring too.

Total, the Watch Extremely 3 retains a design that prioritises perform with out sacrificing aptitude just like the earlier Extremely fashions have achieved, and in doing that, it stays some of the polished ‘robust’ smartwatches round.

Display & Audio

• LTPO3 wide-angle OLED
• Sapphire glass
• Twin audio system with siren

I discussed that the Watch Extremely 3 solely is available in one dimension possibility – which has all the time been the case for the Extremely mannequin, and whereas it is likely to be too giant for some wrists, the upshot of the larger casing is the larger display.

In contrast to the usual Watch Sequence 11 that has a curved show on the edges, the Watch Extremely 3’s is flat permitting you to make use of the complete display for interplay, whether or not replying to a message or viewing stats from a exercise. It’s additionally very barely bigger than the Watch Extremely 2 as a consequence of a smaller bezel.

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It’s nonetheless an OLED panel with sapphire crystal for defense just like the Watch Extremely 2, however the know-how has modified barely this time round. It’s now a LTPO3 wide-angle OLED panel, which makes it simpler to learn the Watch Extremely 3’s display at an angle. It means you may sneak a look at your operating tempo or the time throughout a gathering with out having to dramatically rotate your wrist.

As earlier than, colors are vibrant with loads of pop, whereas blacks are deep and whites are literally white relatively than a yellowy tinge. The show is a gloriously brilliant affair too, peaking at 3,000 nits because the Extremely 2 did, so whether or not you’re trekking in noon sunshine or studying your notifications in a garishly lit workplace, the visibility is great and particulars from app icons to textual content are crisp and sharp.

That brightness drops down to only 1 nit too, which is ideal for the cinema, checking the time on a red-eye flight with out blinding your fellow passengers, in addition to basic sleeping.

The display may also drop to a 1Hz refresh fee for the All the time-On Show, which whereas not new in that the Extremely 2 additionally supplied this, seeing a ticking seconds hand with out waking the watch continues to make it really feel extra like a standard timepiece.

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When it comes to audio, the twin audio system are pretty much as good as you can hope for from a tool the scale of a smartwatch. Utilizing the built-in audio system wouldn’t be my first selection for taking a name or taking part in my favorite tune, however Siri’s responses are clear and the audio system and microphones are greater than ample if you want to take a fast name if you’ve left your cellphone within the different room.

The audio system additionally double up as an 86-decibel emergency siren do you have to get your self right into a little bit of trouble – although don’t strive that at house in case you don’t want it, as your ears received’t thanks.

Software program & Options

• iOS 26 and above, no Android compatibility
• Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc, 5G connectivity
• Hypertension notifications, depth gauge as much as 40m, gesture management

The Watch Extremely 3 runs on watchOS 26 just like the Watch Sequence 11, Watch SE 3 and a few older Apple Watch fashions, together with each the unique Apple Watch Extremely and the Watch Extremely 2. It means in case you have both of the earlier Extremely fashions, you don’t essentially want the Watch Extremely 3 to profit from a few of the new options, although there are a pair particular to the Watch Extremely 3.

The Watch Extremely 3 introduces Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc (in comparison with simply Emergency SOS on the Watch Extremely 2), which, when you’d hope you’ll by no means want, in case you are somebody who ventures off grid, it might come in useful. It means that you can share your location and request assist in case you’re out of vary from a 5G mast. 

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I didn’t check this throughout my evaluation interval (winter climate within the UK doesn’t lend itself to climbing mountains, sadly), however I did strive it out when the Watch Extremely 3 was first introduced and it really works in a really related option to the characteristic does on iPhone. There may be some delay between the messages you ship and the response, because it relies on satellites passing overhead, however it was simple to make use of and perceive, which you’ll want it to be in case you’re in hassle.

Elsewhere, there may be 5G connectivity relatively than 4G for the Watch Extremely 3, although that’s the extent of the unique options.

All the pieces else the Watch Extremely 3 does, the Watch Extremely 2 additionally does. That features hypertension notifications for when indicators of hypertension are detected, the inclusion of a depth gauge and depth app as much as 40 metres, and an All the time-on altimeter with an working vary from 500-9000m so in principle, you can climb Everest in case you so wished.

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Maybe extra helpful to nearly all of us, nonetheless, the Watch Extremely 3 additionally has a brand new Wrist Flick gesture that joins the Double Faucet gesture, which launched with the Watch Extremely 2 and the Apple Watch Sequence 9 in 2023.

Wrist Flick means that you can flick your wrist to dismiss notifications or calls and it’s surprisingly useful in use, whereas Double Faucet stays one among my favorite options of the most recent Apple watch fashions. Tapping your thumb and index finger collectively twice allows you to do issues like begin a instructed exercise, reply a name or swipe by means of the Sensible Stack on the Watch Extremely 3’s interface that has playing cards presenting data just like the climate and your exercise.

The watchOS 26 software program introduces numerous new options to the Watch Extremely 3 too, although as I mentioned, it’s essential to notice that these are all obtainable on the Watch Extremely 2 and lots of on the unique Watch Extremely, too.

The brand new Liquid Glass design sees icons and menus extra translucent of their look, and general, it’s very intuitive and straightforward to navigate. There’s additionally a redesigned Exercise app, options like Reside Translate in Messages in case you have an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone close by, and Exercise Buddy for real-time suggestions throughout exercises. 

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As you’ll count on, the Watch Extremely 3 additionally delivers well timed notifications from a related iPhone, and this works seamlessly with the power to answer to messages in your wrist, for instance, not one thing all third-party smartwatches can provide.

The Watch Extremely 3 additionally affords helpful day-to-day options like with the ability to pay utilizing your wrist with Apple Pay and my private favorite, Precision Discovering for iPhone. I can’t inform you the variety of occasions I faucet that little icon in Management Centre on the Watch Extremely 3 to ping my iPhone that’s slipped down the facet of the couch.

Health & Monitoring 

• 70+ sports activities modes
• Coronary heart fee, VO2 Max and sleep monitoring 
• Offline maps

After all, it’s not simply the final options the Watch Extremely 3 affords; it tracks a mess of well being and health options too, from blood oxygen and nightly wrist temperature, to an ECG app and sleep apnea alerts. 

As has been the case since its inception, there are three main rings on Apple Watch to point ‘Exercise, Train and Stand’ targets. Apple lastly launched a Sleep Rating measurement with watchOS 26, although this doesn’t seem as a part of these three key rings.

It additionally – sure, I sound like a damaged report – isn’t unique to the Watch Extremely 3 and is out there on all earlier Extremely fashions, in addition to the common Watch Sequence 6 and newer, and the Watch SE (2nd era) and newer. 

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I discovered that Sleep Rating measurement to be just a little larger than different sleep trackers I take advantage of, together with the Oura Ring 4 and EightSleep Pod 4 mattress topper, although that’s not essentially a foul factor. Generally a better rating makes you are feeling higher by means of a placebo impact.

I’ve over 100 days of comparability information, however taking the final two nights earlier than I wrote this evaluation, I acquired a sleep rating of 95 and 99 on the Watch Extremely 3, whereas Oura gave me 89 each nights and EightSleep 89 and 90, respectively.

Sleep length for the primary evening talked about was inside 10 minutes throughout all three gadgets, and REM sleep was constant throughout them too, although the Extremely 3 tracked much less deep sleep than each the others by round 20 minutes.

Britta O’Boyle

There may be nonetheless no each day readiness rating or vitality rating as you’ll discover on rivals, and Apple Watch doesn’t observe stress both, each of which I’d prefer to see in future software program or {hardware} updates to provide me related information to the Oura Ring 4 or different smartwatches like Garmin.

Nonetheless, on the subject of exercise monitoring, the Apple Watch Extremely 3 is superb, like different Apple Watch fashions with a critical quantity of knowledge collected within the Well being app in order for you extra particulars. Coronary heart fee information throughout high-intensity train was on par with the chest strap I put on and I discovered GPS efficiency to be stable, too. 

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The Watch Extremely 3 will observe over 70 totally different exercises and whereas that’s lower than the likes of the less expensive Amazfit Lively 2 I additionally examined, there are greater than sufficient for the common person with first rate metrics for operating, biking and strolling too. When you’re mountaineering, there are offline maps with turn-by-turn instructions and there are additionally options like Waypoints and Backtrack GPS information within the Compass app that will help you in your method.

The Exercise app, in the meantime, the place a lot of the primary train information is collected, can be simple to make use of and navigate, with a superb presentation of your stats. Coaching Load helps you perceive how you’re doing in comparison with your common, although it’s not as superior as Garmin affords, so there are some areas Apple might develop to make the gathering of all the information extra holistic.

Battery Life & Charging

• As much as 72 hours in Low Energy Mode 
• As much as 42 hours with regular use
• Quick charging with 80% in 45 minutes

There are many causes to decide on the Apple Watch Extremely 3 over the Watch Sequence 11, with the rugged design and bigger show being two of the important thing ones, however battery life is unquestionably on that record, too.

The Watch Sequence 11 wants a top-up just about each day (sometimes you may stretch it to the morning of the subsequent day) with the SE 3 providing even shorter life, the Watch Extremely 3 has way more stamina.

Apple claims the battery lifetime of the Extremely 3 has jumped to 42 hours of regular use, which is a notable improve from the 36-hour ceiling of its predecessors. The Low Energy Mode stays at 72 hours and is unchanged from earlier Extremely fashions, although it’s nonetheless an honest determine for a trek and it doesn’t make the Watch Extremely 3 completely redundant both.

Britta O’Boyle

In the meantime, though the 42-hour declare continues to be not so long as some smartwatches, with less expensive choices just like the Amazfit Lively 2 providing round 5 days and dearer fashions just like the Garmin Fenix 8 Professional providing as much as 30 days, within the context of the Apple Watch world, it’s a noticeable improve. It strikes the Watch Extremely 3 from being a 1.5-day gadget to a two-day smartwatch for normal use.

I discovered that even with a exercise each morning and the All the time-On show on and people seconds ticking away, I used to be often hitting the 40-hour mark. When you’re pushing the brand new 5G capabilities or utilizing GPS for normal walks and runs, that determine will naturally dip, however for traditional adventuring to the workplace, the battery life is best than it’s on some other Apple Watch mannequin and it’ll see you thru a marathon too.

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When you do get caught brief, nonetheless, there’s quicker charging on the Watch Extremely 3 in comparison with the Watch Extremely 2 and maybe that’s the most important purpose for an improve. Pop it on the charging puck for quarter-hour and also you’ll get round 12 hours of use, which is greater than sufficient for a night out or a full evening of sleep monitoring.

It takes round 45 minutes to high the battery as much as 80 per cent, whereas it was an hour on the Watch Extremely 2. It’d appear to be a small enchancment, however it’s noticeable for these with busy lives.

Value & Availability

The Apple Watch Extremely 3 begins at £749/$799, which is for both the Pure Titanium or the Black Titanium end with the Alpine Loop, Path Loop or Ocean Band straps. GPS and Mobile connectivity is obtainable as commonplace within the Apple Watch Extremely 3, however the worth can improve in case you go for a unique band aside from the three I simply talked about. 

For instance, decide the Titanium Milanese Loop band and the worth will increase to £849/$899, although in case you’re after a better look, it is a nice mixture. 

You should purchase the Apple Watch Extremely 3 by means of numerous retailers, together with Apple, Amazon, John Lewis and Currys. Head to the likes of BestBuy and Walmart in case you’re within the US.

Take a look at our record of the highest 10 greatest smartwatches proper now.

Do you have to purchase the Apple Watch Extremely 3?

When you’ve got the Apple Watch Extremely 2, then no, you don’t want the Apple Watch Extremely 3 except you are feeling like 5G connectivity or Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc is actually going to make a distinction to your life.

Predecessors apart and judged by itself deserves, nonetheless, the Apple Watch Extremely 3 is a implausible smartwatch. It affords a premium construct high quality, a big and responsive show and it’s full of options which might be all executed brilliantly. 

The battery life enhancements are welcome, whereas the watchOS 26 software program makes for an easy to make use of gadget, whether or not you’re new to Apple Watch or a seasoned person.

There’s no denying the Apple Watch Extremely 3 is pricey, and for athletes and marathon runners, you might be higher served by Garmin. However in case you’re in search of a troublesome and rugged smartwatch that may be worn as a lot as a life-style watch as a sports activities watch, the Apple Watch Extremely 3 is up there with the very best.

Specs

• WatchOS 26
• 49mm
• 1245 sq mm show space, LTPO3 OLED, 422 x 514 pixels, 3000 nits
• Apple S10 processor
• Apple W3 wi-fi chip
• Second-generation Extremely Wideband chip
• 64GB storage 
• EN13319 certification
• IP6X mud resistant
• Water-resistant to 100 metres
• As much as 42 hours battery
• Electrical coronary heart sensor
• Third-generation optical coronary heart sensor
• Blood oxygen sensor
• Temperature sensor
• Depth gauge
• Water temperature sensor
• Compass
• All the time-on altimeter
• Excessive-g accelerometer
• Excessive dynamic vary gyroscope
• Ambient gentle sensor
• Three-microphone array
• Twin audio system
• Siren
• Torch
• L1 and L5 precision twin‑frequency GPS
• Wi-Fi 4
• Bluetooth 5.3
• 61.8g