Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Latest Evolution in Wearable Technology
Last year, Apple concentrated its entire wearables efforts on the Apple Watch 10, heralded as the thinnest, lightest, and sleekest Apple Watch yet.
The tenth edition of Apple’s iconic wearable saw a radical overhaul of its smartwatch design. However, the absence of a successor to the larger model was notable, though the company did introduce a new color version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
This year tells a different story; while there are a few notable changes to the Apple Watch 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 underwent a significant transformation akin to the Apple Watch 10 last year. The outcome is a thinner, more rugged smartwatch complete with the largest display found on an Apple Watch to date.
There are many features that I appreciate about the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and after spending a week with it, I can confidently say it will remain on my wrist. However, I’ve also noticed one significant drawback.
Why I Love the Apple Watch Ultra 3
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 stands out as one of the most comprehensive smartwatches I’ve used, offering the same high-quality Apple Watch experience, but with enhancements like a larger display and the new LTPO3 display technology. This allows for a 1Hz always-on refresh rate, meaning that watch faces can now showcase an always-updating second hand—akin to an analog smartwatch.
The new wide-angle OLED display technology significantly enhances readability, especially when on a flat surface or raised to eye level. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 excels in bright conditions, making it far more legible than previous models.
A challenge with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was its thicker design, measuring 12mm, which sometimes felt cumbersome. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 addresses this issue effectively, coming in at 2.4mm thinner, translating to a noticeable difference in daily wear.
Moreover, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduces a plethora of new features, including MediaTek’s 5G RedCap technology, making 5G capabilities available in a mainstream smartwatch for the first time. The device also includes satellite connectivity, allowing for emergency messages to be sent via satellite without needing a phone.
The King of Smartwatch Battery Life
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
I have always favored the Apple Watch Ultra lineup due to its superior battery life. Although the Apple Watch 10 offered satisfactory battery performance, it never quite lasted two full days.
The key selling point for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for me is its battery longevity. After nearly 60 hours off the charger, mine is still at 31% battery. Of course, this is with the Always-on display disabled; enabling it does reduce battery life to around two days on a full charge. Even so, this remains impressive for a smartwatch. The low-power mode can also significantly stretch battery life, leaving me eager to test this feature further.
One Small Problem
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
While my overall experience with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has been overwhelmingly positive, I did notice one caveat: the black version seems more susceptible to scratches on the frame and the bezel around the display. This occurred during the initial days of standard use.
Interestingly, while I detected marks on three occasions, they have since vanished. This could be attributed to the natural wear of the device over time, as no widespread durability issues have been reported. It’s possible that a darker color frame may accentuate visible scratches as compared to lighter shades.
The Apple Watch Ultra Upgrade I’ve Been Waiting For
Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends
After a week with the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it’s evident that this upgrade is precisely what many users have been longing for. Despite minor durability concerns—partially alleviated by enrolling in the AppleCare One bundle—the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is arguably the best smartwatch Apple has ever released.
Initially skeptical about whether the thinner profile would dramatically affect usability, I can now say that if you’ve found previous Ultra models too bulky, this could indeed be the ideal Apple Watch for you.
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