Apple gave us a new Ultra watch this year – it’s called the Apple Watch Ultra 3. They also gave us a new standard Apple Watch called the Series 11, and a new entry-level one called the SE 3. This looks like an exciting year for Apple Watches. However, if you look closer, you’ll find that, aside from the SE 3, the Ultra 3 and Series 11 actually received only incremental upgrades. What’s really changed, and should I upgrade to the new Ultra 3 and Series 11?
What’s new with Ultra 3
Let’s start with the Ultra 3. This is Apple’s most rugged smartwatch, and after the mild disappointment of last year, we finally have a new model. Here’s what’s new on the Ultra 3.
- Wide-angle OLED display
- 5% larger display
- S10 chip
- 5G connectivity
- Satellite connectivity
- Larger battery
- Faster charging
The Ultra 3 mostly looks like its predecessor. The case is still made of titanium, and it still comes in Natural Titanium and Black. However, the case is now made using a 3D printing process that produces less waste material and uses 100% recycled titanium. Thanks to the new manufacturing process, Apple was able to make the Ultra 3 about 16% thinner. That said, I can’t tell that it’s slimmer.
The titanium case is now 3D printed and is about 2mm slimmer.
Photo: HWZ
The display is also slightly larger. But again, the difference isn’t night and day. It’s more pronounced if you use a watch face with a coloured background, but I hesitate to call it a significant upgrade. What’s more noticeable is the wide-angle OLED that makes it easier to see the screen when viewed at an angle. This can be handy when you can’t raise your hand to get a good look at the watch, like when you are exercising, washing dishes, or driving.
The other improvements don’t drastically alter the Apple Watch Ultra experience either. Though the Ultra 3 is powered by the S10 chip, it feels just as fast as the Ultra 2. Both feel equally snappy. 5G support is also nice to have, but again, it doesn’t fundamentally change the wearing experience.
Can you tell which is the new Ultra 3 and which is the older Ultra 2? The newer watch is on the right.
Photo: HWZ
One new feature that might be of interest to users, especially those who love the great outdoors, is satellite connectivity. It enables the Ultra 3 to send the following three types of messages even if there is no cellular connectivity.
- Emergency SOS message
- Text message via the Messages app
- Send Location in Find My
Given that nearly every corner of Singapore has cellular connectivity, it’s unlikely anyone would ever need to call on this feature here, but it’s easy to see how this feature might be useful if you are going to visit somewhere far-flung and remote.
The caseback of the Ultra 3 is a combination of ceramic and sapphire crystal.
Photo: HWZ
The Ultra 3 also has a slightly larger battery. Though Apple doesn’t disclose its exact capacity, reports say it holds about 6% more charge. According to Apple, the Ultra 3 will last up to 42 hours, or 6 hours more than its predecessor. That’s a conservative estimate because I found the Ultra 3 to last about two full days with two nights of sleep-tracking before needing a charge. That’s significantly better than the Ultra 2, which would typically require a charge at the end of the second day.
