Apple Watch Ultra 3: now with satellite SOS and 3-day battery

Apple Watch Ultra 3 launches with Emergency SOS via satellite, the biggest Apple Watch screen yet, 42-hour battery, 5G, and new health features. Price starts at AED 3,199 in the UAE.

Abbas Jaffar Ali
By
Abbas Jaffar Ali
Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN...
5 Min Read
Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings satellite SOS, 42-hour battery and new health tracking
TL;DR
  • Largest Apple Watch display yet with 1Hz refresh
  • Battery life up to 42 hours, or 72 hours in Low Power Mode
  • Starts at AED 3,199 in the UAE from September 19

Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 3, its toughest and most feature-packed smartwatch yet. It features Emergency SOS via satellite, the largest Apple Watch display to date, up to 42 hours of battery life, 5G connectivity, and new health features like hypertension notifications and a sleep score.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at AED 3,199 in the UAE and will be available from September 19. It joins the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3, which were also launched at the event.

Emergency SOS and satellite messaging

Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with built-in satellite connectivity. That means you can stay in touch even when you’re off the grid.

  • Emergency SOS lets you message rescue services directly
  • Location sharing via Find My works over satellite every 15 minutes
  • Messages via satellite allow sending texts, emojis and Tapbacks
  • All satellite features are free for two years

This is possible thanks to a redesigned antenna and upgraded radio that connects to satellites orbiting up to 800 miles above Earth. Apple has also built relay centres to handle emergency requests, staffed 24/7.

Bigger display with LTPO3 and 42-hour battery

The Ultra 3 has the biggest screen ever on an Apple Watch, with thinner borders and brighter viewing angles thanks to LTPO3 OLED tech.

  • Always-on display now refreshes once per second
  • New Waypoint face helps with navigation and satellite access
  • Stopwatch and Timer support the 1Hz refresh

Battery life is a key upgrade:

  • 42 hours in standard use
  • Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
  • 20 hours of continuous GPS tracking in Low Power Mode
  • 15 minutes of charging gives up to 12 hours

With 5G, downloads are faster, streaming is smoother, and the watch can handle calls and texts even without an iPhone nearby.

Health features: hypertension alerts and sleep score

Apple is adding two major health features to its watch lineup.

  • Hypertension notifications use heart sensor data to detect signs of high blood pressure.
  • Sleep score rates your rest based on time, consistency, wake-ups and sleep stage.s

Hypertension affects 1.3 billion adults worldwide and often goes unnoticed. Apple’s system works quietly in the background, reviewing 30 days of data, and alerts users if consistent patterns are detected.

The new sleep score is based on research and millions of nights of sleep data. It helps you understand how restorative your sleep really is and suggests areas to improve.

Fitness upgrades with Workout Buddy

The Workout app is getting a redesign with Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence.

  • Real-time spoken motivation based on workout data
  • Support for popular workout types with Bluetooth headphones
  • New layout makes custom workouts easier to set up
  • Music and podcast suggestions tied to workout type

Runners get advanced GPS, track detection and training load analysis. Cyclists can pair power meters and track power zones. Swimmers get stroke detection and SWOLF scoring. Hikers can use offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation, and divers can use the Oceanic+ app for scuba.

UAE price and availability

Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at AED 3,199 in the UAE. It will be available in stores on September 19. Buyers can choose from natural or black titanium finishes, with new Trail Loop, Ocean Band and Alpine Loop options.

watchOS 26 will roll out from September 15 and requires an iPhone 11 or later.


FAQs

How much is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in the UAE?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at AED 3,199 in the UAE.

Does the Apple Watch Ultra 3 have satellite connectivity?

Yes, it supports Emergency SOS, Find My updates and messaging via satellite. These features are free for two years.

What’s new in Apple Watch Ultra 3 compared to Ultra 2?

It adds satellite SOS, a larger LTPO3 display, 5G, up to 42-hour battery life, hypertension notifications and sleep score.

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Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN to the Middle East. From computers to mobile phones and watches, Abbas is always interested in tech that is smarter and smaller.