Apple Watch Ultra 3 / Apple Watch Ultra (49 mm, 1st generation)

Ultra 3 is sold only as a 49 mm GPS + Cellular watch; bands fit 130–210 mm wrists.

Apple says the wide-angle OLED pixels emit light at wider angles, so the screen stays readable without fully turning the wrist. LTPO3 allows thinner borders and lets the always-on mode refresh once per second, so a seconds hand is visible without raising the wrist. The 1-nit minimum reduces glare in the dark.

LTPO lets the refresh rate drop very low, so the screen can stay on without draining the battery. 2000 nits was twice as bright as any earlier Apple Watch display.

RedCap is a reduced form of 5G for low-data devices such as watches. Satellite connectivity lets you call for emergency help and send short messages outside cellular coverage; Apple says Find My shares location via satellite every 15 minutes. Satellite services are free for two years from activation; Find My and Messages need a carrier plan, and availability varies by region.

Using L1 and L5 together helps reduce reflected-signal errors near tall buildings and under tree cover. Ultra Wideband availability varies by region.

The electrical heart sensor powers the ECG app; the optical sensor drives heart rate and Apple’s hypertension notifications. Hypertension notifications passively analyse 30-day periods and are not intended for people under 22, during pregnancy or for those already diagnosed. The temperature sensor is not for medical use; the Blood Oxygen app is for wellness use.

Diving needs a compatible third-party app; the depth gauge is accurate to ±1 m. MIL-STD 810H covers altitude, high/low temperature, temperature shock, immersion, freeze/thaw, ice and freezing rain, shock and vibration. Passing these tests does not mean the watch cannot be damaged.

Apple says 15 minutes of charging gives 12 hours of normal use and 5 minutes gives 8 hours of sleep tracking. Apple’s 80% in 45 minutes figure is based on its 20 W USB-C power adapter. Low Power Mode is rated at 20 hours of continuous outdoor workout with full GPS and heart rate.

The siren helps people nearby locate a user who is lost or needs help.

The watch does not pair with Android phones; setup and most features require an iPhone.

The flat front crystal is protected by a raised titanium edge.

Availability of Ultra Wideband features varies by country.

The L5 signal helps separate signals reflected by tall buildings and trees; Apple called it the most accurate GPS of any Apple Watch at the time.

Availability of the ECG and blood oxygen apps varies by country.

Apple points to the third-party Oceanic+ app for recreational scuba diving to 40 metres; the watch itself is not certified as a dive computer.

The siren plays two distinct patterns, one signalling distress and one mimicking SOS.

With cellular, the watch can make calls and get messages without the phone nearby; carrier support is required.

Runtime depends on display, workout and cellular use; using LTE away from the phone drains the battery noticeably faster.

Apple announced that this setting would arrive in software after launch, in autumn 2022; it extends runtime by taking some readings less often.

The watch can only be set up and used with an iPhone; it does not pair with Android phones.