Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, released in September 2025, represents the pinnacle of Apple’s wearable technology. Designed for athletes, outdoor explorers, and divers, the Ultra 3 builds on its predecessors with breakthrough safety features, a more immersive display, and the longest battery life ever seen in an Apple Watch.

How much is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in Kenya?

The price for the Ultra 3 is KES. 103,000 for the 49mm.

If you are an endurance athlete or an outdoor enthusiast, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a significant upgrade. With 5G RedCap connectivity for faster cellular speeds and the reclaimed Screen Size Crown, it provides the most readable and responsive interface to date.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Technical Specifications 

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Design and Build

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, released in September 2025, represents the pinnacle of Apple’s rugged wearable engineering. While it retains the iconic silhouette of its predecessors, the Ultra 3 introduces significant refinements in screen-to-body ratio and advanced display technology.

1. Design: 
   The Apple Watch Ultra 3 maintains the bold 49mm form factor that defines the series, but with subtle, high-impact improvements.
   • Expanded Display Area: By slimming down the bezels by approximately 24%, Apple has increased the active screen area to 1,245mm² (422 by 514 pixels). This makes it the largest display ever on an Apple Watch, providing more room for complex watch faces like the new Waypoint face.
   • Case Finishes: The watch is available in two distinct aerospace-grade titanium finishes:
     1. Natural Titanium: The classic, raw metal look.
     2. Black Titanium: A new, sleek dark finish featuring a high-durability Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating for superior scratch resistance.
   • User-Centric Controls: The signature International Orange Action Button remains on the left, fully customizable for "Precision Start" workouts or launching the 86-decibel siren. On the right, the Digital Crown and side button are protected by a rugged button guard to prevent accidental presses during extreme activities.
2. Build Quality and Sustainability
   The Ultra 3 is built to survive environments where other smartwatches fail.
   • Aerospace-Grade Titanium: The case is now crafted using a 3D-printing process from 100% recycled Grade 5 titanium. This innovative manufacturing method reduces material waste by half while maintaining the same structural integrity.
   • Extreme Durability Standards: * MIL-STD 810H: Tested against altitude, high/low temperatures, temperature shock, immersion, and freezing rain.
   • IP6X Dust Resistance: Fully protected against dust ingress.
   • Water Resistance: Rated for 100m (10ATM) water resistance and certified for recreational scuba diving up to 40m (EN13319 standard).
   • Operating Temperatures: Engineered to function in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F), making it suitable for both arctic expeditions and desert treks.
3. Display Technology: 
   The screen isn't just bigger; it’s significantly smarter and more efficient.
   • LTPO3 Technology: The new LTPO3 panel allows for a more efficient 1Hz refresh rate in Always-On mode. This enables a "ticking" seconds hand to remain visible even when the wrist is down.
   • 3,000 Nits Peak Brightness: Matching the industry-leading brightness of the Ultra 2, it remains perfectly legible under direct, harsh sunlight. It can also dim to just 1 nit for use in dark environments or cinemas.
   • Wide-Angle Optimization: The OLED pixels are optimized to emit more light at wider angles, resulting in a display that is up to 40% brighter when viewed from the side compared to previous generations.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Performance

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is engineered for those who push boundaries. Whether you are an endurance athlete, a deep-sea diver, or a high-altitude explorer, the Ultra 3 delivers a significant leap in processing power, display technology, and battery efficiency.

1. Next-Gen Processing: 
   At the heart of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the all-new S10 SiP (System in Package). This 64-bit dual-core processor is paired with a 4-core Neural Engine, unlocking faster on-device Siri processing and more responsive machine-learning tasks.
   • Performance Gains: Snappier app launches and smoother transitions within watchOS 26.
   • Double Tap Gesture: Enhanced precision for touch-free control using the Neural Engine.
   • 64GB Capacity: Plenty of space for offline maps, music, and third-party apps.
2. Advanced Display: 
   The Ultra 3 features Apple's most advanced display to date. While it maintains the rugged 49mm titanium form factor, the screen technology has been overhauled:
   • Extreme Brightness: Reaches up to 3,000 nits peak brightness for perfect legibility in direct desert sun, and dims to just 1 nit for night use.
   • 1Hz Always-On Refresh: The new LTPO3 technology allows the screen to refresh once per second (rather than once per minute). This enables a ticking seconds hand even when your wrist is down.
   • Wide-Angle Visibility: Up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, making it easier to check metrics during a run or bike ride without rotating your arm.
3. Unmatched Endurance: 
   Performance is nothing without stamina. The Ultra 3 sets a new benchmark for Apple wearables:
   • 42 Hours Standard Use: An increase from the 36 hours found on previous models.
   • 72 Hours in Low Power Mode: Perfect for multi-day backpacking trips.
   • 20 Hours Outdoor GPS: Sustained battery life even with full GPS and heart rate monitoring active.
   • Fast Charging: Hits 80% charge in about 45 minutes. A quick 15-minute top-up provides up to 12 hours of normal use.
4. Rugged Connectivity & Safety
   The Ultra 3 is built to keep you connected where other devices fail:
   • 5G RedCap Connectivity: Integrated 5G support provides faster data throughput for streaming and communication while using less power.
   • Satellite Messaging: For the first time, users can send texts and emergency SOS signals via satellite when off the grid (service availability varies by region).
   • Precision Dual-Frequency GPS: Utilizes L1 and L5 frequencies for the most accurate positioning in dense forests or urban canyons.
5. Health & Tactical Features
   • Hypertension Notifications: Uses a new 30-day algorithm to alert you to signs of chronic high blood pressure.
   • Sleep Apnea Detection: Advanced sensors monitor breathing disturbances during sleep.
   • Diving Excellence: Rated WR100 and EN13319 certified for recreational diving up to 40 meters, complete with a water temperature sensor and depth gauge.

If you need a device that functions as a dive computer, a mountain guide, and a high-end communication tool all in one, the Ultra 3 is the peak of wearable performance.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Display

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, released in late 2025, features the most advanced and visually striking display ever put on an Apple wearable. Designed for extreme environments and professional-grade performance, the display balances raw power (brightness) with intelligent efficiency.

Key Display Innovations

1. LTPO3 Wide-Angle OLED Technology
   The shift to LTPO3 (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) is the headline upgrade for the Ultra 3. This technology allows for much better off-angle viewing. Whether you are glancing at your watch while cycling or checking a metric mid-climb without rotating your wrist fully, the wide-angle OLED ensures the screen remains vibrant and legible from extreme angles.
2. Industry-Leading 3,000 Nits Brightness
   The Ultra 3 maintains the massive 3,000 nits peak brightness, making it easily readable under the harshest direct sunlight; ideal for desert marathons or high-altitude mountaineering. Conversely, it can dim down to just 1 nit in dark environments, ensuring that checking the time at night or in a tent doesn’t cause temporary blindness or disturb others.
3. Enhanced Always-On Efficiency (1Hz Refresh)
   Thanks to the power efficiency of the LTPO3 backplane, the Ultra 3 now supports a 1Hz refresh rate in Always-On mode.
   • Ticking Seconds: For the first time on the Ultra, you can see a ticking second hand on select watch faces even when your wrist is down.
   • Live Metrics: Real-time data like heart rate or compass headings can update more frequently with minimal battery drain.
4. Massive Screen Real Estate
   With a 1,245 sq mm display area, the Ultra 3 offers the largest workspace of any Apple Watch. The borders have been reduced by nearly 24% compared to earlier generations, maximizing the active screen area without increasing the physical 49mm case size. This extra space is crucial for viewing complex topographic maps or multi-line workout metrics.
5. Rugged Protection: 
   The display is protected by a completely flat sapphire crystal cover. Unlike the curved glass on the Series 11, the Ultra 3’s flat design is shielded by the raised edges of the aerospace-grade titanium case. This provides maximum protection against side impacts and scratches during rugged outdoor activities.
   • Optimized Software: 
     The display is designed to take full advantage of watchOS 26, including:
     1. Automatic Night Mode: Using the ambient light sensor, the watch can automatically toggle a red-on-black interface (on faces like Modular Ultra and Wayfinder) to preserve night vision.
     2. Liquid Glass UI: A new design language that features layered translucency and fluid animations that pop on the high-contrast OLED panel.