We've been waiting for a real technological leap in the Ultra range for a while. Two years after the first version, Apple finally seems to have found the right balance. From the first days on the wrist, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 makes its presence felt: a larger screen, brightness that pierces full sunlight, more robust battery life, and that famous satellite connectivity that's a game-changer in remote terrain. Far from a simple cosmetic facelift for 2024, this iteration exudes maturity. It remained to be seen if it could truly stand up to the outdoor references from Garmin or Coros. Spoiler: the answer isn't as simple as you might think.
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Unboxing and first impressions: a perfectly calibrated experience
From the moment you open the package, you realize that Apple has left nothing to chance. The traditional white box disappears in favor of a gray box with a matte feel , more technical, almost industrial. A subtle way of reminding you that the Ultra 3 is not a living room watch, but a tool designed for those who think outside the box.
Inside, the layout is typically Apple: minimalist, precise, and unadorned. Everything is made of recycled cardboard , perfectly fitted, from the shipping manual-style presentation booklet to the compartments separating the case, strap, and charger. Nothing moves, nothing sticks out; each element seems to fall naturally into place.
Our test version, black titanium with a navy blue Ocean band , makes an impression from the first time you pick it up. The material exudes solidity, the matte surface catches just the right amount of light, and the perforated band is reminiscent of previous generations of diving gear. Beneath, the induction charger with its braided USB-C cable immediately inspires confidence: you can tell that this time, Apple has focused on durability.
No unnecessary frills, but a clear feeling: that of a premium product, thought out down to the smallest detail. And at €899, we expected nothing less.
Design: quiet strength
Once you take the watch out of its case, it's hard not to feel a sense of raw solidity. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 grade 5 titanium case as its predecessors, with its 49 mm diameter and imposing build. Moving from a Series 10 to this Ultra, the contrast is obvious, especially on the wrist. It's a watch that makes a statement, that makes itself felt. If you have a thin wrist, it's best to try it on before you buy.
The black titanium model we tested, however, brings a real touch of modernity. The matte finish absorbs light, softens the visual mass a little, and reinforces the “professional tool” look. The orange Action button , signature of the Ultra range, remains firmly in place on the left side, while the orange-ringed digital crown confirms that this is a cellular model. At first glance, it’s impossible to distinguish this Ultra 3 from an Ultra 2 or even the very first one. Even the back gives nothing away, except for a simple “Apple Watch Ultra” mention.
Some will see this as a lack of risk-taking, others as a sign of confidence. Apple hasn't sought to reinvent an already incredibly functional design. The brand perfects, polishes, adjusts... without disrupting it. And on a daily basis, we understand why: the sapphire crystal covering the screen remains scratch-resistant, and several owners of first-generation Ultras still report having an intact watch after seven years of use . This rare longevity speaks volumes about the philosophy of this Ultra 3: doing better without doing it differently.
A larger, more vibrant and, above all, more natural screen
I noticed it within the first few hours, almost by accident. Strapping the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on my wrist, something seemed different, but I couldn't immediately explain it. It wasn't until I compared it to my Ultra 2 that it clicked: the bezels had melted away, giving way to a slightly larger panel. The gain is minimal on paper, around five percent, but in reality, this small increase subtly changes perception. The dials breathe a little more, complications are displayed more clearly, and everything looks better proportioned.
But it's the new LTPO3 panel that really stands out. Transitions are smoother, animations more fluid, and the Always-On mode, which finally displays the seconds, adds a touch of life that you only notice after you've had it. There's no going back. I took a quick glance at an analog dial, and seeing the second hand move continuously gave the impression of a living, almost mechanical watch.
Outdoors, the watch is still impressive. Under the midday sun, the screen remains perfectly readable. The 3000 nits aren't just a marketing ploy. While hiking, I found myself checking my data without ever having to turn my wrist too much. The viewing angle has been improved, and reading remains clear even from the corner of my eye. Compared to some of the Garmins we tested in parallel, whose transflective screens quickly become dull against the light, the difference is obvious.
And then there's this new watch face, Landmark. It really comes into its own in the mountains. A simple twist of the wrist and the integrated compass shows me the exact direction of a refuge I'd recorded earlier. No need to take out my phone, no friction, everything is integrated, fluid, and obvious. This is where we measure Apple's true know-how, this ability to make a technical function almost invisible because it integrates naturally into everyday life.
Autonomy: finally whole days without stress
Wearing the Ultra 3 for several days confirmed to me that this time, Apple has really taken a step forward. The advertised 42-hour battery life may seem trivial on paper, but in practice, it radically changes daily use. With sleep tracking activated, the watch lasts two full days without batting an eyelid, and on the morning of the third day, there is still 10 to 20% battery left. We no longer have that almost compulsive reflex of putting it on the charger every night.
On the ground, the difference becomes glaring. A nine- to sixteen-hour ski day with GPS active and continuous heart rate monitoring still leaves 50% of the battery at the end. The Series 10 reportedly lost around 20%. Even in high-precision GPS mode, Apple claims 14 hours of battery life, and the practical test confirms this: the screen remains responsive, the data accurate, and there are no slowdowns or interruptions.
Extreme cases don't faze it either. I read about a runner who completed an eleven-hour ultramarathon in San Francisco with half the battery remaining in power-saving mode, the screen turning off intermittently. With this battery life, setting off for several days of hiking, keeping the GPS activated, and tracking your heart rate no longer requires compromise. You feel free, light, and confident: the Ultra 3 truly becomes an adventure companion you can rely on without ever looking at the time as an excuse to recharge.
Fast charging: a real plus in everyday life
The battery is exceptional, but without efficient charging, it would lose a lot of its appeal. With the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple has clearly improved this point. Going from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes really changes the way you experience the watch. This fifteen-minute gain may seem trivial on paper, but in practice, it completely transforms the daily experience.
In practice, I only needed a thirty-minute shower to recover enough battery to last the whole day. The magnetic charging system remains as simple as child's play: you bring the roller to the back of the watch and it automatically magnetizes. No complicated manipulation, nothing to clip or lock, unlike some Garmin watches that require a proprietary cable with a specific connector.
For travel, compatibility with MagSafe batteries is very practical. You can charge your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously, whether the watch is lying flat or upright. Some accessories go even further, integrating foldable stands that transform the charger into a mini docking station. Whether in the field or traveling, this ease of use and flexibility provide a real feeling of freedom and comfort, and you can feel that every detail has been designed with everyday use in mind.
Satellite connectivity: safety first
It was while hiking that the Ultra 3 really made me realize the value of this new feature. Satellite connectivity , already present on iPhones since 2022, is finally coming to the watch, and it's a game changer. Lost in the middle of a valley or out of range of the cellular network, it only takes a few steps to send an SOS via Globalstar satellites . The watch then becomes a real emergency device, literally capable of saving lives.
In the US, Canada, and Mexico, it's even possible to send iMessages via satellite to reassure loved ones. In Europe, the functionality is currently limited to sending your GPS location in the Find My app and making emergency calls, but Apple guarantees that the service will remain free for at least two years. And while future pricing remains unknown, the comfort and peace of mind are immediate.
The difference with the iPhone is felt as soon as you take stock of its actual use. The phone can be dropped, broken, discharged, or buried at the bottom of the bag. The watch, on the other hand, remains constantly on the wrist, ready to act. In our tests, establishing a satellite connection from the watch took a few minutes, longer than from the iPhone, but this remains a minor compromise compared to the security offered. For hikers, mountaineers, or outdoor sports enthusiasts, this feature alone justifies the extra cost of the Ultra compared to a classic Apple Watch. It's a tangible peace of mind, which you feel with every step on isolated trails.
5G is coming… but not for everyone
Having 5G on a smartwatch sounds promising on paper, but the reality is a little more nuanced. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 now supports this technology, and in the US, I saw significantly faster speeds with near-instant network connection. In France, the experience is different. With a standard Orange plan and a €5/month watch eSIM , 5G wasn't yet available, and only plans with a dedicated SIM card seem to be able to take advantage of it.
Despite this, the connection proved more reliable than with the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Even in 4G, the signal connects faster and remains stable, which changes the way you can use the watch independently, without a smartphone nearby. It's a subtle but noticeable evolution in everyday life, especially for those who rely on cellular mode for their activities or to receive notifications. In the end, even if 5G is not yet accessible everywhere, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is faster and more responsive, reinforcing this impression of a tool designed to hold up in all circumstances.
Security Features: More Than Just Gadgets
Wearing the Apple Watch Ultra 3 means feeling like Apple has thought of every detail to protect you. Fall detection is a striking example. During my tests, I simulated sudden movements and sudden stops, and I was able to see how the watch analyzes each gesture. If it detects a violent fall followed by immobility, it automatically triggers a countdown before calling for help. It's instantaneous, precise, and reassuring.
Car crash detection works on the same principle, detecting sudden decelerations and the characteristic sounds of an impact. You can feel that the watch is constantly on alert, ready to act. The Action button , meanwhile, can be configured to launch a deafening 86-decibel siren, audible several hundred meters away. In a real-life situation, this combination can really make a difference.
These aren't marketing gimmicks. Dozens of testimonials show that these features save lives, and wearing the Apple Watch Ultra 3, you feel that security with every move. For a mountain athlete, a lone hiker, or an elderly person, it's a discreet but constant life insurance. Unlike a phone that can be misplaced or dropped, the watch stays on your wrist, always ready to intervene at the right moment.
Performance and WatchOS 11: flawless fluidity
The menu opens, icons slide under your finger, and everything seems to react instantly. The S10 chip inside the Apple Watch Ultra 3 transforms the experience: apps launch without waiting, animations flow like water, and navigating menus becomes instinctive, almost natural. You feel like every gesture is anticipated, that no latency will interrupt the flow of everyday life.
Liquid Glass effects give WatchOS 11 a captivating visual fluidity. Every transition is smooth, every change of dial or menu feels like a breath of the interface. The sleep score , calculated based on sleep duration, bedtime, and interruptions, appears in the morning as an objective, non-judgmental assessment. You consult it, you understand, and you project yourself into your day with this concrete information.
Then come the little details that make all the difference. Shaking your wrist to dismiss a message or call becomes a natural gesture, so integrated that you hardly notice it anymore. And yet, it transforms the way you experience life with your watch: you interact effortlessly, you stay focused on your day, and the technology becomes almost invisible yet indispensable. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and WatchOS 11 give that rare impression: that of a tool perfectly adapted to your lifestyle, responsive, fluid, and always ready to follow your movements.
Sport and health: ever more precise sensors
On the trails, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 smartwatch doesn't just display the time; it becomes a true running companion. Heart rate measurements are astonishingly accurate. The four green LEDs and infrared photodiodes track your heart rate with remarkable reliability, and for the most demanding athletes, simply connect a Bluetooth heart rate monitor for maximum accuracy. Each beat is recorded, analyzed, and transcribed into the app with impressive fluidity.
The dual-frequency L1 + L5 GPS proves formidable even when I'm crossing streets lined with skyscrapers or thick forests. The watch locks onto the signal, calculates the distance traveled, and with the WorkOutDoors app, transforms the Apple Watch Ultra 3 into a real trail computer. The topographic maps slide under the finger, and the navigation is so intuitive that it makes you forget the sometimes cumbersome menus of some Garmins. Every turn, every climb is tracked accurately, and you feel safe even in isolated areas.
During a dive, the watch reveals its potential even more. The "Depth" application opens automatically upon immersion and tracks depth up to 40 meters, water temperature, and time spent underwater. Feeling the watch react to contact with the water, instantly displaying all the data, is a feat for a device intended for the general public.
And then there are those discreet but vital health alerts. Hypertension detection can prevent a problem before it becomes serious. Every alert, every piece of data, every measurement fits into your daily life without ever being intrusive, and offers that reassuring feeling that the watch isn't just tracking you: it's watching over you.
Bracelets: a rich but expensive ecosystem
The feel of the Ocean strap on the wrist immediately reveals its comfort and robustness. The ingenious magnetic buckle system allows for quick and precise adjustment: simply slide the strap into the metal buckle and lock it in place with a simple movement. This small detail transforms the daily experience, as the watch remains perfectly adjusted without effort.
Apple isn't limited to this model. The Alpine strap, made of fabric with Velcro, or the Trail, woven with reinforced areas, each offer a specific identity depending on the activity. For those who want to combine technology and elegance, Hermès collaborations offer high-end style, but at a price that can quickly exceed several hundred euros.
Fortunately, the market for third-party straps is vast. You can find affordable alternatives starting at €15 or €20, sufficient for occasional use, although they don't always match the quality of the originals. The titanium Milanese bracelet, for example, transforms the watch into a refined accessory for more formal occasions where a sports strap would be out of place.
Changing straps remains quick and easy thanks to the quick-release system. A small sliding button on the back releases the strap, and the new one slides into place until it clicks into place. In just a few seconds, the watch instantly adopts a new style or function, adapting to any situation of the day.
Essential accessories: protect and organize
Certain accessories quickly become essential to fully enjoy the Apple Watch Ultra 3. A transparent protective case fits over the case in seconds, protecting the watch from bumps and scratches without adding bulk to the wrist. You almost forget it's there, and yet it effectively protects the watch.
For those who collect bracelets, dedicated cases quickly prove invaluable. Some can hold up to 40 bracelets in individual compartments, allowing you to carry the entire collection when traveling or simply store your accessories at home. A small pocket for the charging cable completes the set, making organization simple and convenient.
On the go, a MagSafe power bank is a game changer. It lets you charge your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously, whether flat or upright. Some models even include a foldable stand, transforming the battery into a mini portable charging station—perfect for a day of adventure or a weekend away from home.
And then there are the little details that make all the difference: combination bag locks secure your belongings while hiking or traveling, giving you extra peace of mind. Each seemingly simple accessory integrates into the Apple Watch Ultra 3 experience, making it safer, more convenient, and more flexible for everyday use and on the go.
Should you upgrade from the Ultra 2 to the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
This question often comes up for Ultra 2 owners. The answer depends on what you really want from your watch. Those looking for more battery life will immediately notice the advertised six-hour gain, amplified by fast charging: a detail that really changes the comfort of everyday use. In this case, selling your Ultra 2 to upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may be justified.
For fans of extreme sports or outings in remote areas, satellite connectivity becomes a real selling point. Being able to send an SOS or share your location even without a cellular network offers peace of mind that's hard to ignore. In these conditions, the Ultra 3 becomes more than a watch: it transforms into a reliable and constant safety companion.
For everyone else, the Ultra 2 remains an exceptional watch, still supported by Apple and fully capable of supporting everyday life and sports.
On the other hand, if you own a first-generation Apple Watch Ultra or a Series 10 and earlier , the Apple Watch Ultra 3 represents a real technological leap. Battery life, robustness, fluidity, more precise sensors, and new features take the experience to a whole new level. In these cases, the upgrade is no longer just a convenience; it's a true transformation of usage.
Comparison with Garmin: two philosophies
Finding yourself in front of a Garmin Fenix or Tactix after wearing the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is like seeing two different worlds. Garmins impress with their exceptional battery life: ten to thirty days depending on the model, and ultra-specialized sports functions that appeal to the most demanding athletes. Their native mapping and advanced GPS tracking make Garmin watches true instruments for long and extreme outings.
Still, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has its strengths. Its OLED display is a real pleasure, bright and contrasty, with vivid colors even in direct sunlight. The fluidity of navigation and the ecosystem of apps make the experience more pleasant and versatile. With WorkOutDoors, the watch becomes capable of advanced map navigation, with a display comfort that even some Garmins envy. The difference in brightness is immediately noticeable: 3000 nits compared to 1000-2000 nits for most Garmins, with the exception of the much more expensive Fenix Pro.
Ultimately, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 remains primarily a wrist-worn computer , versatile, connected, and practical for everyday use, while the Garmin remains a sports computer , specialized and capable of extreme performance on the field. The choice therefore depends on your priorities: fluidity, connectivity, and versatility for Apple, endurance and ultra-advanced sports features for Garmin.
✔ Finally convincing battery life: two full days with two nights of sleep, and even three days with moderate use. This is the main progress of this generation.
✔ Fast charging: 0 to 80% in 45 minutes is a game changer for everyday use.
✔ Satellite connectivity: a real revolution for security in isolated environments, even if it remains limited in Europe.
✔ Exceptional screen: 3000 nits of brightness, LTPO3 technology, perfect readability in all conditions.
✔ Robustness: grade 5 titanium, sapphire crystal, waterproof up to 40 meters, IP6X certification against dust.
✔ Apple Ecosystem: Seamless integration with iPhone, AirPods, and all Apple services.
✔ Safety features: fall detection, accident detection, emergency siren, satellite SOS.
✔ Exemplary fluidity: the S10 chip offers high-level performance.
✖ Size: 49 mm and a significant thickness, incompatible with thin wrists.
✖ High price: €899 for the basic model, up to €999 with certain bracelets.
✖ Unchanged design: impossible to distinguish an Ultra 3 from an Ultra 2 or 1.
✖ Battery life still far from Garmin: two days compared to several weeks for dedicated sports watches.
✖ Limited satellite in Europe: No iMessage via satellite outside North America.
✖ No third-party dial stores: frustrating limitation when the competition allows it.
✖ Expensive official straps: €99 minimum for Apple straps.
Verdict: The benchmark for sports smartwatches
After several weeks on the wrist, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 proves itself to be a versatile and reliable , ready to keep up with every moment of the day, from the morning trail to city meetings. It doesn't shake up the Ultra range, but it refines an already brilliant formula, correcting the weak points of previous generations with targeted and concrete improvements.
The finally credible battery life allows you to forget about battery stress and go hiking or on a sports outing without thinking about it. Satellite connectivity offers this invaluable peace of mind when venturing far from the networks, and the bright and precise OLED screen remains a feast for the eyes, even in full sunlight. Coupled with the Apple ecosystem , the watch becomes a natural extension of the iPhone, a sports coach, a health assistant and, sometimes, a real security device.
Make no mistake: for a professional ultra-trail runner or a demanding explorer, a Garmin can offer specialized features and record battery life. But for the majority of amateur athletes, even demanding ones, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers an ideal compromise between sports performance, connected features, and everyday comfort.
At €899 , the investment remains substantial, but justified by the quality, precision, and versatility of the watch. Every interaction, every measurement, and every alert reminds us that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not just a gadget: it's a companion that follows you, protects you, and guides you in your activities.
Nearly perfect, this watch loses only one point because of its high price and imposing size . If your wrist and budget allow it, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the absolute benchmark for sports smartwatches in the Apple ecosystem.
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