iOS 26 Hints at Bigger Apple Watch Ultra 3 Display, 5 Rumored Features

The latest iOS 26 beta update has inadvertently revealed a game-changing secret: Apple’s upcoming smartwatch may feature the most significant redesign in years. Hidden within the developer code, an image shows a display resolution of 422 x 512 pixels—unmatched by any current Apple Watch, including the Ultra 2’s 410 x 502 screen. This discovery, reported by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris on August 19, 2024, fuels speculation that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will debut with a larger, edge-to-edge display later this year.

What to Expect from the Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2025?

Industry insiders confirm 2025 will be a watershed moment for Apple’s premium wearable. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (August 2024), five revolutionary upgrades are in development:

1. 5G Connectivity: A shift from Intel 4G to MediaTek 5G RedCap modems promises faster cellular speeds for calls and streaming.
2. Health Breakthrough: Blood pressure monitoring will debut, alerting users to hypertension risks—similar to the Watch’s sleep apnea detection.
3. Brighter, Smarter Display: Borrowing tech from the Series 10, the Ultra 3’s screen will refresh every second to show live seconds without draining the battery.
4. AI-Ready Chip: The new S11 processor will efficiently handle on-device AI tasks.
5. Extended Battery Life: Optimizations aim to preserve the Ultra line’s 36-hour endurance despite new features.

Why a Bigger Display Matters

The iOS 26 leak suggests Apple will slim down bezels rather than enlarge the case—prioritizing screen real estate over bulk. As MacRumors notes, this aligns with Apple’s strategy of incremental display tweaks to maximize data visibility. Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from clearer maps, larger workout metrics, and enhanced readability in sunlight.

Balancing Innovation and Reliability

While rumors excite, Apple faces engineering hurdles. Integrating 5G and health sensors could strain battery life, demanding meticulous power management. Gurman emphasizes that blood pressure tracking will initially offer trend analysis, not medical-grade measurements. Still, pairing this with existing ECG and temperature sensors positions the Ultra 3 as Apple’s most advanced health guardian yet.

Must Know

Q: When will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 launch?
A: Expected in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, based on Apple’s annual release cycle (Bloomberg, July 2024).

Q: Will the Ultra 3 support blood oxygen monitoring?
A: Yes, despite legal battles over the feature, Apple retained blood oxygen tracking in current models after FDA clearance (The Verge, January 2024).

Q: Is 5G essential for a smartwatch?
A: For cellular users, 5G RedCap enables faster music streaming, emergency calls in remote areas, and real-time navigation without an iPhone (GSMA Intelligence Report, 2023).

Q: How accurate is Apple’s rumored blood pressure tech?
A: Early testing indicates it will flag anomalies (e.g., “elevated” readings) but won’t replace medical devices (CNET, May 2024).

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s Apple’s boldest bid to dominate health tech and adventure wearables. With a sleeker display, life-saving sensors, and rugged reliability, it’s poised to redefine what a watch can do. Stay tuned for official updates this fall.