Apple Watch Ultra 3 review: the biggest and best smartwatch for an iPhone

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the latest iteration of the company's top-of-the-line smartwatch, offering a host of improvements over its predecessor. With a bigger and brighter screen, longer battery life, and satellite messaging capabilities, this watch is geared towards adventure-seekers and those who need a reliable companion for outdoor activities.

One of the standout features of the Ultra 3 is its display, which boasts super-hard sapphire glass and offers exceptional brightness even when viewed at an angle. The watch also sports a new Waypoint face with live compass data, as well as other exclusive Ultra-only faces like Wayfinder and Modular Ultra.

Under the hood, the Ultra 3 is powered by the S10 chip, which provides seamless performance for a wide range of tasks. The watch also features Apple's excellent touch-free gestures, including double tap to press buttons or scroll and wrist flick gestures to dismiss alarms and notifications.

The battery life has been significantly improved, with the Ultra 3 lasting up to three days on a single charge. This is thanks in part to the watch's dual-band GPS system, which provides more accurate tracking in complex environments. The watch also supports structured workouts, including intervals and track detection for laps, making it an excellent choice for athletes.

While the Ultra 3 is not a massive upgrade over previous models, its added features make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch. With its rugged yet sophisticated design, long software support, and compatibility with Apple's Health app, this watch has it all.

The main drawback of the Ultra 3 is its high price point, which starts at £749 (€899/$799/A$1,399). This may be out of reach for some buyers, particularly those looking for a dedicated sports watch. However, for those who need a smartwatch with advanced features and excellent performance, the Ultra 3 is certainly worth considering.

Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an exceptional device that offers a unique blend of style, functionality, and reliability. With its impressive display, long battery life, and feature-rich software, this watch is sure to appeal to those who value their smartwatch experience.

I'm not sure I'd spring for one of these just yet... £749 is a pretty penny! But if you're an avid outdoorsy type or an athlete looking for a reliable workout buddy, the Ultra 3's features might make it worth the investment. I mean, having satellite messaging capabilities and accurate GPS tracking could be a lifesaver in an emergency. And let's not forget about the beautiful display - that sapphire glass is no joke! However, I do worry about the price point being too high for some families... my kid's got a sweet iPhone SE, but I'm not sure he'd be able to handle a £749 smartwatch

I'm loving the new Apple Watch Ultra 3! That satellite messaging feature is SO cool , it's like having a personal emergency responder built right into your wrist . And the battery life? Forget about it, up to three days on one charge is insane ! As an outdoor enthusiast myself, this watch has got all the features I need to stay connected and on track during my adventures . The design is sleek too, perfect for dressing up or keeping casual . Only thing holding me back from buying it now is that price tag , but trust me, it's worth every penny

omg i just pre-ordered mine and i'm beyond hyped for the new sat messaging capabilities it's literally gonna be a game changer for me on my hikes i've been waiting so long for this feature to come out and now that it's finally here i feel like i can take the watch with me anywhere but ugh that price point tho £749 is kinda steep even for an ultra adventure-seeker like me maybe i'll have to convince my hubby to splurge on it

I'm not really sure why we need satellite messaging on our watches, it's like something from a Tom Cruise movie . And £749? That's just ridiculous! In my day, we used to get excited about having 8GB of storage on our phones, and now you're telling me I gotta shell out almost $1,400 for a watch that can last up to three days on one charge? I'm not saying it's bad or anything, but I dunno... maybe I'm just old school .

OMG, just saw that the new iPhone 15's 6.1-inch Dynamic Island is gonna be £999 , anyone can afford a house in London with that kind of cash & btw, have you heard about the new 'smart' thermostat that's been recalled due to a fire hazard? Like, who designs these things?!

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." The Apple Watch Ultra 3 seems like a solid choice for adventure-seekers, but at £749, it's gonna be a tough sell for some people . Still, its features and performance make it worth considering, especially with the improved battery life and satellite messaging capabilities

I think the price point might be a bit steep for some people . I mean, £749 is already quite pricey, but when you consider that there's no huge upgrade over previous models, it's hard to justify. On the other hand, if you're someone who uses their watch for outdoor activities and needs all those features, it might be worth the investment . The fact that the battery life has improved so much is a big plus . I think Apple is trying to appeal to different types of users with this new model, so maybe the price point will become more reasonable over time . What do you guys think?

I'm loving the new features on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 ! The super-hard sapphire glass screen is a game-changer - no more scratches for me . I can imagine it's super useful for outdoor enthusiasts, especially with the satellite messaging capabilities and live compass data. And that battery life is insane - up to three days on one charge? That's like, forever . I do think the price point might be a bit steep, but if you're looking for a reliable smartwatch with advanced features, it's definitely worth considering .

I'm so hyped about the new Ultra 3! I mean, £749 might be steep for some, but trust me, it's worth every penny . The satellite messaging thing is a total game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts – no more worrying about getting lost in the wilderness! And the battery life? Forget about it, this watch will last you up to 3 days on a single charge . I'm all about that adventure life and this watch has got my back (and my GPS)

I mean, think about it... we're constantly searching for that perfect balance between form and function, right? The Apple Watch Ultra 3 seems like the ultimate expression of that philosophy - a rugged, high-performance device that's still sleek and sophisticated enough to appeal to a wide audience.

But what does this say about our relationship with technology? We want it to be both functional and stylish, but at what cost? The higher price point on this watch makes me wonder if we're just perpetuating a cycle of consumerism where the value of a product is tied more to its status symbol than its actual functionality.

And yet... for those who need a smartwatch that can keep up with their active lifestyle, I think the Ultra 3 represents the best of both worlds. It's like the perfect blend of yin and yang - a device that's both robust and refined, powerful and elegant.

I guess what I'm getting at is that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn't just a product - it's a reflection of our values as a society. Do we prioritize style over substance? Or can we find a way to have it all?

The price of this thing is ridiculous I mean, £749 for a watch? That's like buying a decent laptop or a good pair of gaming headphones What's next, charging you by the hour ? I guess if you're an ultra-athlete who needs to track every single second of your life, then maybe it's worth the splurge. But for everyone else, there are probably better deals out there