Apple Watch Ultra 3 to introduce satellite messaging, blood pressure monitoring, and more in 2025

Apple’s highly anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to introduce a range of groundbreaking features in 2025, including satellite messaging and blood pressure monitoring. These upgrades signal a continued commitment to enhancing wearable technology with cutting-edge health and communication tools. As the smartwatch market becomes increasingly competitive, Apple’s new offerings aim to bolster its position and provide users with even more value.

Satellite messaging: Connect anywhere

One of the most exciting new features for the Ultra 3 is satellite messaging, a capability Apple first introduced for iPhones earlier this year. According to reports, the same non-emergency satellite messaging functionality is coming to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, allowing users to send text messages without needing a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. This could be a game-changer for adventurers, travelers, and anyone who finds themselves outside of typical service areas.

Satellite messaging allows users to communicate through a satellite network instead of relying on traditional mobile towers. This means that Apple Watch Ultra users can send messages even in remote areas, whether they’re hiking in the mountains, camping, or exploring other off-the-grid locations.

Users will only need their smartwatch, there’s no need to carry an iPhone or other device for communication. Apple’s acquisition of a 20% stake in Globalstar, a satellite services company, is expected to power the satellite functionality for the Watch Ultra 3.

Although many users already rely on satellite communicators like the Garmin inReach for remote messaging, the ability to send texts from an Apple Watch without needing an additional device is a significant step forward. While the Garmin inReach offers hundreds of hours of battery life, satellite texting capabilities are still an exciting option for those who value the convenience of an all-in-one device.

Health upgrades: Blood pressure monitoring and more

In addition to satellite communication, the upcoming Apple Watch is set to take health tracking to the next level. A highly anticipated feature is blood pressure monitoring, which Apple has reportedly been working on for years.

Although previous reports have suggested delays in the development of this feature, it is now expected to arrive in 2025. Similar to Apple’s sleep apnea detection feature introduced earlier this year, the blood pressure monitor will alert users to possible hypertension without providing specific measurements.

This feature could be a significant step for wearable technology, especially as heart health becomes a growing concern worldwide. Unlike traditional blood pressure cuffs, This soon to release Apple Watch will not offer direct readings, but will instead notify users if their blood pressure is outside healthy parameters. This alert system is designed to be a proactive tool, helping users monitor their health without requiring them to visit a doctor regularly.

Apple’s blood pressure monitoring will compete directly with offerings from Samsung, which already includes this feature in its Galaxy Watch series. While Apple’s monitoring system will not provide specific numbers, it could still make an impact in the wearables market, where health-conscious consumers are increasingly looking for tools to help them track and manage their wellness.

In addition to blood pressure, Apple is also reportedly working on blood sugar monitoring, but that feature isn’t expected anytime soon. The company has been exploring ways to track blood sugar without invasive methods, such as skin pricking, but the technology has yet to receive approval from regulatory bodies.

While other wearable devices claim to offer blood sugar tracking, users should remain cautious, as many of these devices have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Upgraded connectivity: MediaTek modems & 5G

For the next generation of Apple Watches, including the Ultra 3, Apple is reportedly swapping out Intel’s cellular modems in favor of components from MediaTek.

This change will introduce low-tier 5G connectivity to some models, offering faster speeds and improved battery life compared to the current 4G LTE technology. Apple’s decision to use MediaTek components could help reduce costs while maintaining the quality of connectivity expected from its devices.

In addition to standard 5G, the Ultra 3 may also support RedCap, a new 5G service designed specifically for wearables and IoT devices. RedCap sacrifices some bandwidth and antenna capacity in exchange for more affordable pricing and lower power consumption. This technology is particularly well-suited for devices like smartwatches, which prioritize battery efficiency and smaller form factors over high-bandwidth needs.

These connectivity upgrades could make it a more powerful device, both for communication and for health tracking. The combination of satellite messaging and 5G capabilities will allow users to stay connected in more ways than ever before, whether they’re in remote locations or urban environments.

Apple’s strategy to outpace rivals

With the new capabilities, Apple is making moves to stay ahead of its competitors in the wearable technology market. Samsung’s Galaxy Watches already offer blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection, and the company has been a leader in integrating health-related features into its wearables. The blood pressure monitoring feature will help Apple stay competitive in the health space, but its satellite messaging capabilities may be the true differentiator.

In the wearable tech space, communication tools like satellite messaging and emergency alerts are growing in importance. Many smartwatch users are looking for devices that do more than just track steps and monitor heart rate, they want their devices to provide meaningful, life-saving features. Apple’s integration of satellite messaging could make the latest Apple Watch a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and those who want to stay connected without relying on traditional communication networks.

Moreover, Apple’s strategy to introduce low-tier 5G and RedCap connectivity could make the Watch Ultra 3 more appealing to users looking for faster and more reliable connections on their wearable devices. By offering both high-tech health features and cutting-edge connectivity, Apple is solidifying its place as a leader in the smartwatch market.

The future of wearables: Beyond fitness tracking

Apple’s focus on integrating satellite communication and advanced health features into the watch signals a shift in the purpose of wearables. While smartwatches have traditionally been seen as fitness trackers, Apple’s new features will elevate the device into a more comprehensive health tool, and possibly a life-saving communication device.

The inclusion of satellite texting addresses a growing need for reliable communication in remote areas, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures or emergencies. This development also aligns with a broader trend in wearable technology: the push to create devices that not only track health metrics but also provide real-time solutions in critical scenarios.

Apple’s continued focus on health and connectivity is a sign that wearables will evolve beyond fitness trackers into essential tools for managing both physical and mental well-being. Features like blood pressure monitoring and satellite messaging could become standard on future devices, shaping the next generation of wearables.

A smart investment for 2025 and beyond

Launching in 2025,  is poised to be one of the most advanced wearables. With satellite messaging, blood pressure monitoring, and enhanced connectivity, it sets a new standard for smartwatches. These features make it appealing to both existing Apple Watch users and potential new customers seeking a versatile wearable.

For those focused on health, safety, and connectivity, the Ultra 3 Apple Watch is shaping up to be an essential tool. With satellite messaging and health tracking, it offers more than traditional smartwatches. Apple’s integration of these features with advanced connectivity ensures the Watch Ultra 3 will be a leading player in the wearable market.