09.15.2025
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 replaces the second-generation model that was introduced two years ago in Apple's smartwatch lineup, but how different are the two successive smartwatch generations? The two
The two Apple Watch Ultra models share the overwhelming majority of their features, so should you consider buying or sticking with the second generation to save money? This breakdown serves as a way to see all the differences that the Ultra 3 brings to the table.
The Apple Watch Series 11 represents one of the smallest upgrades to the mainstream model ever, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 provides a bit bigger but still modest change compared to its predecessor.
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|
| OLED display | Wide-angle OLED display |
| LTPO2 display | LTPO3 display |
| 410 by 502 pixel display | 422 by 514 pixel display |
| 1185 sq mm display area | 1245 sq mm display area (5% larger) |
| S9 chip | S10 chip |
| LTE and UMTS connectivity | LTE and 5G connectivity |
| Satellite connectivity | |
| Emergency SOS via satellite | |
| 2.178 watt-hour battery | 2.313 watt-hour battery (6% larger) |
| Fast-charge 0–80% in about 1 hour | Fast-charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes |
Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a fairly minor upgrade over the second-generation model, with the most substantial changes focusing on the display. The new Apple Watch Ultra's display is a little larger, and it now features wide-angle OLED and LTPO3 for better viewing angles and a higher refresh rate when lowered, meaning there is a persistent ticking seconds hand on some watch faces.
It features 5G connectivity for the first time alongside Emergency SOS via satellite, bringing two iPhone features to the Apple Watch. Battery life is slightly better and the device charges to 80% 15 minutes faster, but there are few upgrades of substance.
It will likely not be worth upgrading from an Apple Watch Ultra 2 to an Ultra 3, even though they come two years apart. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 gains all of the same health features as the Ultra 3, and even its S9 chip has the same CPU as the S10; the S10 is simply a more compact version of the S9, so don't expect a performance boost. Owners of the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra from three years ago may have more reason to get the latest device, but it is far from an essential upgrade.
Related Roundup: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch Ultra (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Watch
This article, "Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 3 Buyer's Guide: 10 Upgrades Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
You may also be interested in this
Best Apple Deals of the W…
08.02.2025
The highlight of this week's best Apple deals is a sale on the M4 MacBook Air at Amazon, with $200 off nearly every model of the computer. You'll also find
Second iOS 18, iPadOS 18,…
06.21.2024
Apple plans to release the second beta of iOS 18 to developers on Monday, Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz told The Verge. The information was provided as part of a statement
Here Are The Best Carrier…
02.21.2025
Apple earlier this week announced the iPhone 16e, and pre-orders for the device went live this morning. As is typical for an iPhone launch, you can already find early discounts
Apple Increases Trade-In …
11.09.2023
Apple on Wednesday increased its estimated trade-in values for select iPad and Apple Watch models in the U.S., according to the company's website. Apple increased trade-in values for the iPad
iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone …
10.03.2023
The iPhone 15 Pro brings over 50 new features and improvements to Apple's high-end smartphones compared to the iPhone 12 Pro, which was released three years prior. This buyer's guide
watchOS 10 is bringing ba…
06.05.2023
watchOS 10 brings back widgets, and adds Snoopy to its watchface collection. | Image: Apple Apple announced watchOS 10, its “milestone” next-gen smartwatch platform, today at WWDC. As in past
Video: How to Use an iPad…
08.18.2023
If you're on the go and want to play your Nintendo Switch on a larger display than the tiny 6-inch to 7-inch screen that is built into the console, you're
AirPods 4 With ANC Availa…
12.07.2024
Amazon introduced a significant discount on the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation a few days ago, and they are still available this weekend for $138.99, down from $179.00. Stock
