Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Better screen, same body

To the adventurous wearable, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds a larger screen, longer battery life, and Emergency SOS via satellite. Compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, this is what’s new.

The most flamboyant model in the lineup has always been the Apple Watch line. It is designed for those who require a larger screen and is capable of withstanding the rigors and demands of demanding outdoor activities.

The Apple Watch Ultra is due for a makeover, but the main Apple Watch line has benefited from frequent updates.

In September 2023, the Apple Watch 2 received its most recent significant update. Since Apple only released a black titanium version in September 2024, the change shouldn’t be considered an update.

Apple has chosen to introduce the new Apple Watch Ultra model in September 2025. This time, the model has undergone some modifications.

This is the comparison between the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the model it replaces, the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Specifications of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Features: Apple Watch Ultra 3; Apple Watch Ultra 2; size: 49 mm by 49 mm; display: Retina LTPO3 OLED; price (starting): $799.

Display: Retina LTPO2 OLED, up to 3,000 nits.

Case Materials: titanium, titanium processor, S10, SiPS9, SiP, third-generation optical heart sensor, and up to 3,000 nits. ,.

electrical sensor for the heart.

Temperature sensor Third-generation optical heart sensor. “,”.

electrical sensor for the heart.

Temperature sensor; Water Resistance: 100 meters; Battery Life: 42 hours (72 hours in low power mode); Battery Life: 36 hours (72 hours in low power mode); Connectivity: 5G; Recharging: Wireless.

LTE.

The UMTS.

WiFi 4.

Bluetooth 5.3.

GPS/GNSS.

LTE stands for Ultra Wideband.

The UMTS.

Wi-Fi 4.

Bluetooth 5.3.

GPS and GNSS.

SOS Emergency Ultra Wideband Other Sensing.

Satellite-based emergency SOS.

Detecting falls.

Crash detection.

It is always on.

An accelerometer.

gyroscope.

Compass.

Depth Gauge.

Sensor for water temperature: Emergency SOS.

detection of falls.

The detection of crashes.

constant-on altimeter.

The accelerometer.

gyroscope.

compass.

Depth Gauge.

Sensor for water temperature Colors: Natural.

Natural Black.

In black.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Weight, materials, and case dimensions.

It is well known that Apple frequently keeps reusing designs that are popular with customers, adapting them to fit different generations, and sometimes making small tweaks.

It is a very real-world illustration of the adage “Don’t fix what ain’t broke.”. “,”.

Industry watchers would anticipate a slim possibility of change this time around following the 2024 color-only update of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It is present, but it is largely insignificant.

The design of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is essentially unchanged from that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. With a flat face, two buttons, a Digital Crown, and a section protruding from the side, it remains a bulky smartwatch.

The main enclosure is composed entirely of recycled titanium, while the front and back are still made of ceramic and sapphire crystal. Nevertheless, the case of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is made using a novel 3D printing technique that uses half as many raw materials as earlier models.

However, this is not very significant to consumers in terms of the case’s actual design. The Apple Watch Series 3 exactly matches the dimensions of the Apple Watch Series 2, which were 49 mm by 44 mm by 12 mm thick.

The new model is not any lighter than the previous one, despite the fact that the case is made of less material. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 weighs 61.04 grams when it is in its natural color or 61.08 grams when it is black.

While the natural version of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 weighs slightly more at 61.6 grams, the black model weighs the same at 61.8 grams as its predecessor of the same color.

Overall, a 0 point 2 gram difference is very small.

The same essential design elements for durability are included, such as MIL-STD 810H testing, IP6X dust resistance certification, and water resistance up to 100 meters (328 feet).

Display: Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple changed the screen, but the main chassis hasn’t changed from generation to generation other than how it’s actually made.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 adopts an LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display, whereas the Apple Watch Ultra 2 used an Always-On LTPO2 OLED Retina display.

Because of the switch to LTPO3, the screen uses less power and can operate at higher refresh rates when in always-on mode. You no longer have to lift your wrist to turn on the device in order to watch the ticking seconds pass.

Additionally, the wide-angle component enhances the display’s appearance. Adapted from the Apple Watch Series 9, this feature allows you to view the Apple Watch display from a wider range of side angles rather than directly at it.

Additionally, this should make it simpler to glance at quickly throughout the day.

The screen modification also enables Apple to increase the active screen size by using display borders that are 24% thinner. Importantly, this is all done without altering the actual screen size and, thus, without changing the casing design.

As a result, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the largest screen in the whole line of Apple Watches, with a larger display than the Ultra 2.

Despite the fact that both screens are 49mm, the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s display area is 1,185 square millimeters, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s screen is 1,245 square millimeters.

Additionally, this has a positive effect on the resolutions. While the resolution of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is 422 by 514 pixels, the resolution of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is 410 by 502 pixels.

Other components are constant from generation to generation, such as the 3,000 nits of maximum brightness and the 1 nit of minimum brightness.

Comparing the processors of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 2.

S9 SiP, a 64-bit dual-core processor with a four-core Neural Engine, was used in the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple selected the S10 SiP for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

It sounds like a step forward, and it is. Just one that you won’t have many opportunities to experience.

The S10’s significantly thinner profile, which occupies less space inside the casing, is the primary distinction between it and the S9. Any additional room that can be created for a device that is so tiny that millimeters count will be put toward bettering something else.

It is challenging to talk about performance for an Apple Watch chip because, unlike an iPhone, you won’t be performing any significant onboard processing. The Apple Watch model’s capabilities are more defined by changes to its chip than by its numerical processing power.

Both the S10 and S9, however, have 64GB of storage and a W3 wireless chip with a second-generation UW connection.

Health and sensors: a comparison of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 2.

Because of its many sensors, the Apple Watch line has always performed well in the healthcare industry. As anticipated, Apple hasn’t really changed the sensors it offers across generations.

Third-generation optical heart sensors with electrical heart sensing for ECG functionality are featured in both Apple Watch Ultra models. The screen remains bright when you need it thanks to the ambient light sensor.

Tracking your workouts, counting steps, and keeping an eye on your sleep are all possible with the high dynamic range gyroscope.

To show you how cold the ocean is, there is also a water temperature sensor. For divers who occasionally descend to 40 meters (131 feet), the depth gauge is useful because it indicates how far below the surface you are.

According to Apple, you can wear the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3 down to a depth of 100 meters (328 feet). You simply will not be able to use the depth gauge.

In order for Siri to hear you clearly, both models come with three microphones that are equipped with beamforming and wind noise mitigation. There are also two speakers on the Apple Watch to aid in hearing.

The standard heart monitoring, ECG, and blood oxygen apps are available, along with methods to track your vitals and workout performance.

Previously, the Apple Watch Ultra’s sleep tracking features were limited to wrist temperature monitoring, sleep apnea alerts, and simple sleep phase monitoring.

WatchOS 26 introduces Sleep Score, which combines several variables into a single score and identifies areas for improvement to improve sleep quality.

WatchOS 26 also introduces Hypertension Notifications. Although the Apple Watch does not currently have one-touch blood pressure checks, it will alert you if it detects any indications of persistently elevated blood pressure.

Additionally, this year, you will have the opportunity to test out Workout Buddy, an Apple Intelligence agent that examines your fitness history and workout data. Its purpose is to provide you with individualized motivation during your training sessions.

Although the Apple Watch Ultra 3 launch is being used to announce the Hypertension Notifications, Workout Buddy, and Sleep Score, these features are actually watchOS 26 updates. Features from some previous iterations of the Apple Watch, such as the Apple Watch Ultra 2, will be available to you.

Comparing the battery and connectivity of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 2.

With typical use, the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s integrated lithium-ion battery could last up to 36 hours. With the new Apple Watch Ultra 3, this has been extended to 42 hours.

Due to this, the more recent model appears to be more capable of supporting activities for the full weekend.

Oddly, Apple continues to claim that the new model can operate in Low Power Mode for up to 72 hours, just like the previous model.

This could be a sign that the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s battery hasn’t changed all that much.

Apple once claimed that the Ultra 2 could be fully charged with a 20W charger in an hour. In forty-five minutes, the Ultra 3 can now accomplish the same.

Because of its new Sleep Score for slumber tracking, Apple is also highlighting the new model’s fast charging features. A five-minute charge will allow the Ultra 3 to track sleep for up to eight hours, and a fifteen-minute charge will allow you to use it normally for up to twelve hours.

From a connectivity perspective, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 supported both Bluetooth 3 and Wi-Fi 4. There was also support for Galileo, QZSS, GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou.

These are all reflected on the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Support for satellite and cellular networks is what has changed in terms of connectivity. Although they are not mmWave, 5G networks have been added to LTE and UMTS on the cellular side.

This year, the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s Emergency SOS via Satellite has joined Emergency SOS. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 can use satellites to provide you with help if you’re in an area where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi signal.

In relation to safety, fall detection and crash detection are still available. It also has a built-in flashlight and siren for communicating over slightly shorter distances in an emergency.

Comparing the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 2.

At launch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 cost $799. It came in two color options: Natural and Black Titanium.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, which retails for $799 in Natural or Black Titanium, kept the same assortment.

How to choose between the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

It’s safe to assume that you will purchase the newest model if you’re looking for a high-end, durable smartwatch. The most recent model, the Ultra 3, is what most people who want an Apple Watch Ultra will get.

With the Apple Watch Ultra, however, Apple has managed to incorporate enhancements where the untrained eye might miss them.

Although it is a minor alteration, the screen increase is significant. In devices like these, every millimeter and pixel matters, so having more pixels in a component of the same physical size is beneficial.

The battery life bump is also in line. Those additional six hours can be crucial if you’re in the woods, even though it appears to be more due to improvements in power efficiency than a larger battery.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 does not significantly improve upon its predecessor. For those who can afford Apple’s most expensive smartwatch, however, the changes have made it an even better choice.

Where can I purchase the Apple Watch Ultra 3 versus Ultra 2?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, which retails for $799, is available for purchase on Amazon right now.