These milestones give a clear frame: announcement in early September, deliveries at the end of September.
Apple formalized an event on September 9, 2025. Watches are traditionally presented with the new iPhone. So expect an ad that day, then quick pre-orders and deliveries within two weeks.
Historically, the Ultra immediately arrives in major markets (United States, Europe, Japan, etc.). The 1st generation explicitly mentioned France from the launch, and the ultra 2 too. Unless surprised, the Ultra 3 should follow the same scheme, including France, with regional variants limited to certain functions (see the “health” point, lower).
In the United States, Apple has kept $ 799 for Ultra and Ultra 2. In France, Ultra 2 consolidated the ticket at € 899. The current consensus projects stability around these levels, cost increases (screen, modem) being more likely to be absorbed than passed on, at least at launch. Caution nevertheless: a major addition (eg native satellite connectivity) could move the cursor.
The titanium case (49 mm) remains the ultra signature: light, rigid, not very sensitive to corrosion. Ultra 2 references give the probable scale for Ultra 3:
On the ground, this reflects a use without excessive precaution: salt water, sand, scree, pouring rain. Ultra cashes and remains readable.
Concrete translation: Expect a readability to the sun always of the lead, a reassuring sapphire glass, and possibly a display a more “airy” hair if the borders are retreating.
The natural titanium duo + black titanium has found its audience. Nothing supported beyond these two finishes. We therefore favor continuity rather than “fashion” colors.
Official landmark: up to 36 h in standard use, up to 72 h in low consumption mode. Please note: test protocols vary according to generations, which makes the comparison raw misleading. The Ultra 2 did not “win” 12 h magically vs the ultra 1; Apple also adjusted the conditions.
In real use, the Ultra 2 is a watch of 1 to 2 days without effort (and much more if you play with the GPS and display settings).
The magnetic fast load remains on the program: around 80 % in ~ 1 h with a “fast charge” compatible cable. Practical for “top-up” during the shower between two sessions.
The credible leaks indicate an S11 in the continuity of the S9/S10 on the architecture side (same Sawtooth cores as the A16), with optimizations of congestion and efficiency rather than a leap in gross performance. It is consistent with the S6 fleas strategy at the time.
Concretely, expect such a fluid interface, with discreet but sensitive gains on the day before, the Always-on and the long GPS outputs. The value is not in synthetic scores, but in a watch that “breathes” better (less heating, less jerk) and is exhausted less quickly.
The expected benefit: no more margin for the carto, multisport recording and “heavy” apps (diving, mountaineering, trail), without sacrificing the battery. The precision still depends on the antenna and the sky, but a refocused chip on efficiency and a better-managed refresh slab should stabilize GPS monitoring on long outings and smooth consumption in the background. Rumors also evoke a more readable “Wide-angle” oled slab, useful in the wrist in race or underwater.
DNA does not move: 3rd generation optical sensor + electrical sensor for the ECG, notifications of arrhythmia and high/low heart rate. This is the basis on Ultra 2 and nothing indicates a withdrawal on the Ultra 3. Expect also the return of the measures such as the SPO2 according to the geographic areas, and to a more useful local SIRI for questioning your data.
Two software novels Structure 2025: Sleep apnea notifications deployed on a large scale and “vital/vital signs” features reinforced with Watchos 26. Apnea notifications analyze respiratory disruption over 30 days and inform in the event of an evocative sign (this is not a diagnosis). Watchos 26 also brings a more contextual intelligent scrolling and a Liquid Glass design which makes reading the indicators more natural on the wrist.
The trio remains solid: leisure diving up to 40 m with deepimeter and compatibility app “dive computer”, hiking/altitude profiles with waypoints, advanced multisport for sorting. On the plausible novelties side: a "work buddy" motorized by Apple Intelligence, which speaks during the effort and summarizes the essential at the end. Useful to keep the wire without looking at the screen, especially in the coast or in the turn.
L1+L5 and multi-constellations (GPS, Glonass, Galileo, Qzss, Beidou) are already there on Ultra 2.. The Ultra 3 should capitalize on this base: best locks in urban canyons, cleaner traces under forest cover, and less erratic “splits”.
Altiterite always active, reworked compass and automatic backtrack in the event of a network loss: the outdoor toolbox is ripe. In use, this means altitude alerts, fast crossing points and a discreet safety net if you are getting lost.
Two tracks: a slightly larger display thanks to refined borders (resolution noted detected in iOS 26), and an optimized refresh rate for Always-On which improves the readability of cards and data grids. In both cases, no format rupture: we are talking about a better, not a “change of species”.
Ultra 3 is expected to switch to a 5G Redcap modem (low consumption) and, above all, to add satellite messaging out of network-in text, as on iPhone, when neither Wi-Fi nor cellular pass. The interest is clear: prevent, reassure, or ask for help on an edge, in a desert or at sea. Pricing is not yet known; On iPhone, Apple included two years for purchase.
Detection of fall, accident detection, integrated mermaid, international emergency calls: these functions are installed and should remain at the heart of the Ultra 3. They form, with a SOS possibly satellite, a coherent safety net.
Garmin remains a reference for shipping autonomy and advanced on -board cartography; Apple dominates smartphone integration, apps ecosystem, “intelligent” security and, more and more, readability/ergonomics. For mixed work/sport use, ultra has an obvious advantage; For raids of several days without recharge or smartphone, Garmin retains arguments. Here, it is the mission that decides - not the technical sheet.
The Trail, Alpine and Ocean loops have become classics because they settle down without drama and they do not let go. With the arrival of the black titanium in 2024, Apple harmonized the curls (black equipment). The Ultra 3 should remain compatible with the 49 mm ecosystem: you leave with your habits.
Quick magnetic load: favor a certified “fast load” certified charger for a rise to ~ 80 % in about 1 hour. The important thing is the reliability of the block and cable; Better a regular top-up than a complete emptying.
The sapphire cashes very well, and the titanium marks little; Adding a shell only makes sense for really abrasive trades or practices (climbing on cutting rock, construction sites, mechanics). In most cases, a simple film to avoid micro-scratches is enough.
If Ultra 3 is announced on September 9, 2025, wait for pre -orders under 24–72 h and availability at the end of September. If you hesitate with the Ultra 2, wait: the release of a new model often causes price adjustments or offers on the old one.
In Apple Store, put it on the wrist with your rain jacket, your gloves, your airpods. Test the readability outside, in the sun. Activate a race training, play with the Action button.
Unique 49 mm: Assume the presence. Choose the loop according to your practice: trail for versatility, alpine for the maintenance in the rise/wearing of gloves, ocean for swimming/diving.
An Applecare+ makes sense if you are hard with your equipment. Rinse the watch with clear water after salt water, change the bracelet when it relaxes, and clean the micro-interstices with a soft brush.
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