What is new in the Ultra 3 over the Ultra 2?

The Ultra 3 adds satellite messaging, 5G RedCap cellular, a brighter 3000-nit display and the S10 chip with on-device Siri. Battery life is rated slightly higher at 42 hours.

How long does the battery last?

Apple rates it at up to 42 hours of regular use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Heavy GPS or LTE use will shorten that.

Do I need a cellular plan?

Yes for LTE and satellite features. The watch is unlocked for major carriers, but you need an active data plan to use cellular without your iPhone.

Is the 49mm case too big for small wrists?

It is the largest Apple Watch case and noticeably heavier than the aluminum Series models. Shoppers with small wrists often prefer the 42mm or 46mm Series 11.

Can I swim and dive with it?

Yes. It is built for water sports with a sapphire crystal and titanium case, and Apple rates it for recreational diving to 40 meters with the Depth app.

The watch with the Ocean Band, a magnetic fast-charger cable and documentation. A power adapter is not included.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + LTE) A3281 49mm Natural Titanium/Blue Ocean Band

Q: Where is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + LTE) A3281 49mm Natural Titanium/Blue Ocean Band cheapest?

At Simple Cell Shop, for $599.95, as of our latest check.

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$599.95at Simple Cell ShopChecked Nov 9

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What reviewers say

Owners praise the bright screen, rugged titanium build and accurate dual-band GPS, and call satellite messaging a real safety net on remote runs. The main complaints are size and weight on smaller wrists and battery life that still falls short of dedicated multi-day sports watches.

What people mention

DisplayPraisedOwners say the 3000-nit screen is easy to read in direct sun and on the water.
BuildPraisedReviewers report the titanium case and sapphire crystal shrug off knocks and scratches.
BatteryMixedUsers like the 42-hour rating but say heavy GPS use drains it faster than multi-day sports watches.
SizeCriticisedSome owners with smaller wrists find the 49mm case bulky and heavy for all-day wear.
GPSPraisedRunners and hikers report steady, accurate tracks from the dual-frequency L1/L5 GPS.
CellularMixedLTE is handy for leaving the phone behind, but users note it needs a carrier plan and drains battery.

About the Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + LTE) A3281 49mm Natural Titanium/Blue Ocean Band

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + LTE), model A3281, is a 49mm smartwatch with a natural titanium case and an Anchor Blue Ocean Band. The case is aerospace-grade titanium with a flat sapphire front crystal, built to resist impacts and corrosion.

The always-on Retina display is a wide-angle OLED that reaches up to 3000 nits, so maps, stats and notifications can be read in direct sunlight. An S10 processor with a 4-core Neural Engine handles on-device Siri and double-tap gesture controls.

It tracks location with dual-frequency L1 and L5 GPS and includes satellite communication features. It is waterproof up to 100 meters and has a depth gauge and a water temperature sensor. It works as a dive computer for recreational scuba diving down to 40 meters. Health features include heart rate tracking, sleep apnea detection, blood oxygen sensing and hypertension notifications.

Model

A3281 (GPS + LTE)

Case size

49mm

Case material

Natural titanium

Band

Anchor Blue Ocean Band

Front crystal

Flat sapphire

Display

Always-On Retina wide-angle OLED, up to 3000 nits