Apple Watch Ultra 3: endurance first, faff last

Apple Watch Ultra 3 takes the familiar “big screen + big battery” idea and doubles down on practicality. It’s still an Apple Watch at heart—messages, Apple Pay, music, maps—but the titanium case, dual-frequency GPS and louder speaker make it the one to pick if weekends involve trails, sea spray or simply a longer day than the regular models expect.

Design & display: bright, bold, and built for weather

The Ultra 3 keeps a distinctive look: raised bezel for screen protection, oversized crown for gloved hands and a programmable Action Button. The titanium case resists scuffs better than aluminium, and the strap options strike a good balance between sport and comfort. The screen is both brighter and larger than the standard models, which matters far more than the spec sheet suggests—maps, pacing and notifications are legible in harsh sun or wet conditions.

Performance & battery: long days without babying it

As a smartwatch, it’s quick. Apps launch without hesitation, and the larger speaker/microphone set improves calls in wind and traffic. Battery life depends on use, but typical mixed days (notifications, short GPS workouts, always-on display) run beyond a day and a half; Low Power Mode pares back the sensors and display updates to stretch further. GPS-heavy adventures obviously drain more, yet Ultra 3 is built for these days rather than merely surviving them.

Training & GPS: confidence in the track

Dual-frequency GPS helps where single-band watches wobble—tight city streets, deep valleys, dense woodland. Track overlays are cleaner, and instant pace steadies faster after turns. The Action Button is properly useful here: start a workout, drop a waypoint, or mark a segment without poking at the screen with damp fingers. Heart-rate tracking is reliable for steady efforts; chest straps still win for intervals, and Ultra 3 pairs with those via Bluetooth.

Water & diving: capable within recreational limits

Ultra 3 supports depth readings and a companion dive experience suitable for no-decompression diving. The hardware feels purpose-built: corrosion-resistant case, speakers that purge water, and a screen that remains readable when wet. For regular pool or open-water swims, metrics remain clear and syncing to the iPhone’s Fitness app is painless. As always, formal training and proper dive procedures are essential—no watch replaces a certified course.

Health & safety: sensible features you hope you never need

Fall detection, crash detection and Emergency SOS are here, alongside heart-rate alerts and temperature trends that can add context to recovery. Ultra 3 benefits from extra microphones that help Siri and calls cut through wind. Cellular variants let you leave the iPhone behind for calls and streaming; check tariffs below if you want standalone connectivity.

Smartwatch experience: the reason people stay

Notifications are tidy, dictation is accurate enough for quick replies and Apple Pay works reliably in rain or gloves. Music and podcasts can be synced offline, and Maps on the bigger screen is a treat during city runs. The ecosystem of straps, chargers and mounts is enormous—Ultra 3 taps into everything the broader Apple Watch world already does well.

Verdict

Apple Watch Ultra 3 feels like the “no-worry” Apple Watch. It reads well in sun, holds a charge longer, shrugs off weather and logs routes with confidence. If weekends are outdoorsy or you simply want a watch you don’t have to nurse, Ultra 3 earns its space. If you prefer a slimmer profile and charge every night anyway, the standard models still make excellent sense.

Where to buy in the UK

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FAQs

How long does the battery actually last day to day?

With the always-on display, notifications, a short GPS workout and music streaming, Ultra 3 typically clears a day and a half. A longer GPS run or hike will reduce that, though Low Power settings can stretch multi-day trips if you don’t need every metric every second.

Is the Ultra 3 too big for smaller wrists?

It’s undeniably larger and thicker than the standard models, but strap choice helps. The Trail Loop and Alpine Loop distribute weight well, and the flat sides sit more comfortably than the numbers suggest. If you want the lightest, the standard Apple Watch remains the sleeker pick.

How good is the GPS compared with running watches?

Dual-frequency GPS tightens tracks in cities and forests. Dedicated multisport watches may still edge it on battery length during multi-day events, but route fidelity on Ultra 3 is strong and pace reads settle quickly after corners and underpasses.

What about diving features—are they serious?

They’re designed for recreational diving with depth and temperature readings and a companion app to guide no-decompression dives. The case, seals and speaker are built for repeated immersion. Training and safe practice are still essential—treat the watch as a tool, not a substitute for instruction.

Do you need the Cellular model?

Cellular adds independence: calls, messages, streaming and safety features without the iPhone nearby. Runners who leave the phone at home value it; otherwise the GPS-only model paired with an iPhone works perfectly and costs less to run.