According to reports from Chinese tech outlet Kuai Technology on July 5th， citing a Bloomberg reporter， the highly anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to launch this year. This new iteration is rumored to introduce significant hardware upgrades， including satellite connectivity and 5G network support， breaking the streak of minimal hardware advancements since its predecessor in 2023.
It’s worth noting that Huawei has been a pioneering force in bringing satellite communication capabilities to smartwatches. Their Huawei Watch Ultimate was the first in the industry to feature two-way Beidou satellite messaging， a breakthrough announced in March 2023.
In this context， the Apple Watch Ultra 3， slated for a September release this year， will be making its debut approximately two and a half years after Huawei first introduced this technology. This timeline suggests Apple is aiming to integrate satellite support into its premium wearable， a feature that has already seen commercial deployment from a key competitor.
The reported satellite connectivity for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is designed to enable users to send text messages independently， even in areas with limited or no Wi-Fi or cellular coverage， without requiring an iPhone. This functionality could significantly enhance safety and communication capabilities for users venturing into remote locations. Additionally， a special edition supporting 5G networks is anticipated， a notable improvement over the LTE-only support of previous models， which promises a more robust and faster mobile network experience.
Beyond these headline features， the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also expected to receive a series of other enhancements. These are likely to include a more powerful processor for smoother performance， extended battery life to better support demanding features like satellite communication， and more advanced health monitoring sensors. These anticipated upgrades aim to solidify the Apple Watch Ultra’s position as a top-tier device for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts.
