The Apple Watch Ultra 3, released on September 19, 2025, boasts enhanced satellite features designed to provide a greater sense of security and connectivity, especially in areas where traditional cellular and Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. This makes it a valuable tool for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who may find themselves in remote locations.
Satellite Communication Capabilities
The most notable addition to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is its built-in satellite communication, a feature previously available on iPhones. This allows users to:
- Emergency SOS: Text emergency services and notify emergency contacts when out of cellular and Wi-Fi range. If the watch detects a severe car crash or hard fall and the user is unresponsive, it can automatically send location and situation information to emergency services and emergency contacts, provided there is a line of sight to a satellite.
- Messaging: Send and receive texts, emojis, and Tapbacks to friends and family, including anyone they've been in touch with over the last 30 days. SMS messages can also be sent via satellite.
- Location Sharing: Share their location via the Find My app, updating contacts as frequently as every 15 minutes.
How Satellite Communication Works
When a user is out of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will suggest establishing a satellite connection. The watch will guide the user to connect to a passing satellite, which may require moving to an open space and waiting for a satellite to be in range. The Connection Assistant offers on-screen guidance to help users access satellite features.
Once connected, users can initiate a text conversation with emergency responders, sharing critical information such as their Medical ID, emergency contact information, emergency questionnaire answers, location (including elevation), and remaining battery life. The service supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese.
Availability and Requirements
Emergency SOS via satellite is available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S. Availability in other regions depends on government regulations and approvals.
While Emergency SOS via satellite is included with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 without requiring a cellular plan, messaging and location sharing via satellite necessitate an active cellular plan. All satellite communication features are free for two years with the purchase of the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Additional Features and Benefits
Beyond satellite connectivity, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers several other enhancements:
- 5G Connectivity: Enables faster data speeds for day-to-day use.
- Improved Battery Life: Up to 42 hours of battery life under normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Fast charging allows for 12 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging.
- Larger Display: The largest display ever in an Apple Watch, with a 1Hz always-on refresh rate for enhanced visibility.
- Enhanced Durability: Designed to withstand extreme temperatures, altitudes, and water sports.
- Health Monitoring: Includes hypertension notifications, sleep score analysis, and standard health tracking features.
- Workout Buddy: A new fitness experience powered by Apple Intelligence.
Emergency Features
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has several emergency features:
- Emergency SOS: Pressing and holding the side button (or the Action button on Ultra models) brings up an Emergency Call slider to contact emergency services.
- Crash Detection: Detects severe car crashes and automatically calls emergency services if the user is unresponsive.
- Fall Detection: Detects hard falls and connects the user to emergency services if they are unresponsive.
- Siren: A loud siren can be activated to attract attention in emergencies and can be heard up to 600 feet away.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 represents a significant step forward in wearable technology, offering users enhanced safety and connectivity in remote areas through its innovative satellite features and comprehensive suite of health and fitness tools.
