Apple Watch Ultra 3: Five Upgrades Users Want for Fall Launch

The anticipated release of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on the horizon, building excitement among tech enthusiasts and smartwatch users alike. Expected to debut in fall 2023, this new model will be the first in the Ultra series since the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was released. While rumors swirl around potential features, users have specific upgrades in mind that could enhance their experience significantly.

Key Features Users Desire

As one of the lead smartwatch reviewers at Tom’s Guide, I have observed various trends in the market and have compiled a list of five key enhancements that users are eager to see in the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3. These suggestions not only reflect user desires but also draw inspiration from competitors, enhancing the potential of Apple’s flagship wearable.

The first feature on this list is an off-grid emergency communication system. Leaks suggest Apple is considering this functionality, which would enable users to maintain communication in remote areas without phone access. This feature could serve as a vital safety tool, complementing existing emergency functions like fall detection. With other brands like Google reportedly exploring similar features for the upcoming Pixel Watch 4, Apple’s entry into this market could establish it as a leader in smartwatch safety.

Next on the wish list is the introduction of high blood pressure alerts. While many smartwatches are rumored to include hypertension monitoring, none have successfully implemented this feature. The Ultra 3 could set a new standard by alerting users to abnormally high blood pressure, addressing a common health risk that often goes unrecognized. This would enhance the watch’s existing health monitoring capabilities, especially when combined with the long-awaited return of SpO2 monitoring for customers in the U.S..

Another sought-after feature is a daily sleep score. While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 tracks sleep, it lacks the comprehensive scoring system found in many competitor devices. Brands like Garmin and Samsung provide users with a numeric score reflecting sleep quality, encompassing factors such as deep sleep and REM cycles. This metric could help users make informed decisions about their daily activities based on their rest quality.

Furthermore, a daily energy score is another enhancement that users desire. This feature, which many competitors have implemented, assesses energy levels based on sleep quality, physical activity, and overall health trends. Such a tool could guide users in determining the intensity of their workouts or even when to rest, contributing to better overall health management.

Lastly, users are keen on seeing a feature akin to Loss of Pulse Detection, currently exclusive to the Pixel Watch 3. This function could automatically alert emergency services in case of detected abnormal pulse rates or loss of pulse. By integrating this capability, Apple could enhance its reputation for prioritizing user safety, following the trend of adopting successful features from competitors.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 holds the potential to incorporate these significant upgrades, appealing to both existing users and new customers. As the launch approaches, anticipation builds not just for the device itself, but for its ability to address the evolving needs of smartwatch users in an increasingly health-conscious society.